Always:
q Check swing
q Batted ball hitting batter
q Catch/no catch if in position ‘B’ or ‘C’ within the “V”
q Balks
Definitions:
q “V” - this is the description of an imaginary line being drawn from the plate to the right fielder, and another imaginary line being drawn from the plate to the left fielder.
q Pivot – this is where the field umpire starts in “A” position, runs to the cut out between first base and the mound, plants the left foot just prior to batter-runner getting to first base, then turns his body to the left (so that his shoulders are square with the runner. Watches the runner touch the base, then the umpire will run perpendicular with the path between first and second, running in the infield.
No Runners on base…..
Ball hit to infield. Move into fair territory by three-four steps to make your safe/out call on the batter-runner.
What are you looking for:
q Batted ball is Fair/foul going over the bag
q Batted ball hits the runner out of the batter’s box – runner is out.
q Watch for Obstruction/interference to help plate umpire
q Pulled Foot – if the first baseman has to reach for the catch – does his foot come off the bag.
q Swiped Tag – look for a swiped tag
Ball hit to outfield- from right fielder to third base foul line.. Move! Come into the infield and pivot – watching the batter-runner touch first base (your partner will tell you whether the fly ball has been caught or not). Take the runner to second base, the plate umpire will have him at third base (however, be aware that the plate umpire may not be there). If runner continues, it is your responsibility to cover the play at the plate since the plate umpire is at third base.
What are you looking for:
q Touch at first base
q Obstruction by first baseman.
Ball hit to outfield- from right fielder to first base foul line.. Turn and move down the line to watch for the catch/no catch or fair/foul situation. If the ball is not caught, you are to move to home plate for a possible play there. Plate umpire has the batter-runner into second and third base.
What are you looking for:
q Catch/no catch by right fielder or first baseman
q Fair/Foul from first base to outfield.
Runners on BASE
Primary responsibility:
q Balks
q Possible check swings
q Pick off’s at first/ throw down into second base.
q Obstruction/interference
Runner on first base….
Ball hit to infield. Watch where the ball takes you.
What are you looking for:
q Watch for the batted ball to hit the runner going to second base.
Ball hit to outfield within the “V”. Make the call on catch/no catch. Verbally YELL “catch” (signaling an “out” mechanic) at the time of the catch or “runner” (signaling the “safe” mechanic) if there is no catch. Watch runner touch second base then pick up batter-runner rounding first base.
Ball hit to outfield- outside the “V”. Move into the best position to hear (or see) for the “catch” to watch the runner leaving first base early. Make the safe/out calls at first and second base. If runner continues to round second base, watch to make sure he’s touched the bag.
What are you looking for:
q Tag ups at first base
q Catch/no catch on fly balls in the “V”
q Runner touching second base, glance back to see batter-runner touching first base.
Runner on second base or first and second base…..
Ball hit to infield. Watch the ball….it will take you to the play. With runner at second only, fade to first base side for the safe/out call at first base. Plate umpire should move to third for a possible play at third if overthrow into first base.
What are you looking for:
q Infield Fly rule
q Batted ball hits the batter-runner out of the batter’s box or any runner – runner is out.
q Obstruction/interference – on any runner.
q Rundowns between bases
Ball hit to outfield. Move so that you have the best line for the catch and tag-up by runner at second base (glance at first for tag up).. Yell “catch” or “runner” on those fly balls. If no catch, watch for runners touching second then first base.
What are you looking for:
q Catch/No catch on fly balls inside of the “V” – watch second base runner tag up.
q Watch runner touch second then watch batter-runner touch first base.
q Be prepared to move to home if your plate umpire is at third making a call. With multiple runners, Plate Umpire must go home on an overthrow at third and Field Umpire stays with the trailing runner.
Runner on Third base…..
Ball hit to infield. Watch the ball….it will take you to the play. Fade to first base side for the safe/out call at first base but be aware that there could be a play on the runner stealing for home.
What are you looking for:
q Rundowns between bases
Ball hit to outfield. Move so that you have the best line for the catch and tag-up by runner at second base (glance at first for tag up).. Yell “catch” or “runner” on those fly balls. If no catch, watch for runners touching second then first base.
What are you looking for:
q Catch/No catch on fly balls inside of the “V”.
q Watch batter-runner touch first base.
Runners at First and Third base…..
Ball hit to infield. Watch the ball….it will take you to the play.
What are you looking for:
q Rundowns between bases
Ball hit to outfield. Move so that you have the best line for the catch and tag-up by runner at first base. Yell “catch” or “runner” on those fly balls. If no catch, watch for runners touching second then first base.
What are you looking for:
q Catch/No catch on fly balls inside of the “V”.
q Watch runner touch second base.
q Watch batter-runner touch first base.