Part 1 - The Base Umpire
Position "B"
1. Position yourself for an infield play.
2. Turn around to make a catch call in your area of coverage.
3. Move "outside-in" and prepare for a possible play anywhere on the bases.
We will look at each of these possibilities in detail.
Plays at second are fairly easy to call. You really don't have to move very far. When you have an attempted stolen base to call, or a play solely at second base, just move five or six steps to your right towards second base and gain a 90 degree angle on the developing play. (see fig. 7) Pick up the fielder's glove and watch for the tag. Then pause to be sure the player held the ball and the runner held the bag, then react and make your call. Make sure you're 10-15 feet away from the play. If you're too close you could either get hit by the ball or get blocked from seeing the tag.
There are other possibilities to look at for infield plays. For a grounder on the infield, there exists a possibility of a double play. Should you feel a double play coming on, stay in your original position "B" (this position should be just fine to call a force play at second base). Then, as the double play more strongly develops, move backwards and slide toward first in order to get position for the possible close play at first base (see fig. 8). The reason we have you moving on this play is simple. If you have a true double play situation, the play at second will probably be the easier of the two calls to make. The play at first will be a doozie! We also use this same path of movement to make a call at only first base. Be sure to work outside-in. In the event of an error on the infield and the ball goes into the outfield, or should there be an errant throw, move onto the infield grass as discussed in section 3. Your responsibilities as base umpire for base coverage is as follows. The base umpire shall always call the first play by an infielder. Additionally, the base umpire shall always call plays at first and second bases, and shall always make calls on the batter-runner all the way to third. Be aware of tag-ups and missed bases at first and second bases also.
While you are in position "B", your catch coverage consists of an area in the outfield shaped like a "V"(see fig. 9). The plate umpire will call catches in extreme left field and extreme right field moving toward the lines and any catches on the infield. It is vitally important that you communicate with your partner on flies hit near the borderline of the coverage area. If you're taking the catch call, just say to your partner, "I've got the catch!" If the ball is hit into your coverage area, don't stray too far from your original position "B". Simply turn around, be still, and watch the glove for the catch. Then immediately prepare to move for a possible play at second base.
Once again we use the "outside-in" method of coverage. When the ball is on the ground in the outfield, or in the air outside your area of coverage, you need to immediately move onto the infield grass. From there you will watch the tag-up from first on a fly ball and/or get ready for a possible play at first, second or third (see fig. 10). Additionally we must watch the runner touch 2nd base.
Always be especially alert when crossing the basepaths. Runners and fielders alike are running around like crazy. Be certain that you will not collide with a player before you move. Little Leaguers are not the most predictable players in the sport, so we always must be extra careful.
Just like position "A" your duties at position "B" do not end there. In addition to what we've listed above, you share in the responsibility with the plate umpire in calling "Time" and illegal pitch. Remember to call dead balls around the plate like a foul off the batter's person. And lastly, even in position "B", the plate umpire is required to check with you in the event he should call a "Ball" on a check swing and the defense asks for an appeal. If such a situation should occur, do not say anything until asked to do so by the plate umpire. If the plate umpire needs your help on a check swing, he will point to you and say, "Did he/she go?". And in a strong and confident voice you answer him, "Yes he/she did!" or "No he/she did not".
To continue, please move on to Position "C".
Or you can go back to the Table of Contents.