There are many systems for base play coverage. Great volumes have been written on two-man mechanics. As you mature as a student of umpiring it is our hope that you will further your knowledge of all the variations of baseball umpiring mechanics. What is represented here is our recommended base coverage for WCUA members.
1. The plate umpire will make calls on any plays that occur on the first half of the first base line.
The plate umpire always covers up to the running lane. In addition, the plate umpire should call any running lane violations, and be ready to assist the base umpire (if asked) on swipe tags and pulled foot at first.
2. The plate umpire will never make calls on plays at first or second.
There are two exceptions.
(a.) With no runners on, if the base umpire runs into right field to cover a fly ball in his area of coverage, then the plate umpire must cover the batter-runner around the bases.
(b.) With runners on base and a fly ball hit toward the right field foul line, the plate umpire must move up the first base line for catch coverage and fair/foul call, telling his partner, "I've got the line". This means that the base umpire must cover all bases, except home plate
There are exceptions to this.
(a.) The plate umpire will not make calls on the batter-runner at third.
(b.) The plate umpire will not call a play at third if it is the first play by an infielder.
(c.) The plate umpire does not make calls on plays at third if the ball is hit into the outfield and there are two outs.
(d.) With no runners on, if the base umpire runs into right field to cover a fly ball in his area of coverage, and the plate umpire has come up to take the batter-runner around the bases, the base umpire should rotate down and cover home plate for the remote possibility the batter-runner reaches there for a play.
When the ball is hit into the infield, the base umpire will cover third if it is the first play by an infielder. However, if the first play is to first or second and the next play is to third, the plate umpire will then cover third.
If there are two out and the ball is hit into the outfield the plate umpire must stay at home for a possible time play.
4. The base umpire will make all calls on the batter-runner in the last half of the first base line.
Although the plate umpire calls any running lane infractions, the base umpire has the responsibility for any tags in the running lane.
As stated above, the base umpire is always responsible for plays on the batter-runner, except of course at home.
5. The base umpire will always take the first play by an infielder.
The first play on a ball hit into the infield will always be covered by the base umpire, no matter where the first play may be, except home plate.
The only exception to this is with no runners on, and the base umpire runs into right field to cover a fly ball in his area of coverage, the plate umpire will come up and cover any plays on the batter-runner at first, second or third.
7. The base umpire will always cover attempted pick-off plays from the pitcher or the catcher.
No matter where the pick-off play may occur, it is the base umpire's call.
8. The base umpire will cover any plays at first, second or third during a stolen base or passed ball.
Should there be an overthrow on a steal at second base and the ball goes into center field, the plate umpire will cover the possible play at third.
1. The plate umpire will always watch the tag-up at third and touched bases at third and home.
The only exception is when the base umpire is covering home after rotating from fly ball coverage in right field, then the touch of home is the base umpire's call.
2. The plate umpire will watch tag-ups at all bases when the base umpire has catch coverage in the "V".
When the base umpire is in position "B" or "C" an outfield fly is hit within the "V" (see Position "B" or Position "C") then the plate umpire will watch tag-ups at all bases. It is not possible to see everything at the same time. Do your best to see what you can and concentrate on those runners who are closer to home plate.
3. The base umpire will watch all tag-ups and touched bases at first and second.
The exception to this is when the base umpire is in position "B" or "C" and he is turned around for catch coverage on a fly ball hit within the "V" - his area of coverage, then the plate umpire will watch all tag-ups.
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