Part 1 - The Base Umpire
Position "C"
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.
Position "C" is the most difficult to master of all postions, and it just so happens to be the position we end up in most of the time in youth league. More often than not we see a play at first base while we're as far away from first as possible. It is important for us to know how to position ourselves when we are making this most difficult of calls. (see fig. 12) If there is a runner at second who is running with the hit, we are able to get around him to position "x" in fig. 12. If there is no runner at 2nd, we are able to move into position "y". And if there is a runner at second who doesn't move, we must take a few steps toward either position "z" and try to get the best angle we can depending on the location of the infield hit. However the play develops, be sure to make your best effort to gain an angle on the play. Get as close to 90 degrees as you can. Even if you can't possibly get close to the play, putting yourself in a good position is vital to getting the call right. And no one will think much of you if you stand flat footed and never move.
When an infield play develops while you are at position "C", there are some guidlines to follow. And both you and your partner need to be on the same page here, so be sure to use onfield communication so misunderstandings do not occur. Anytime there is a play in the infield, the base umpire shall always call any plays at first and second. Additionally, the base umpire is responsible for when the first play goes to third and the batter-runner into third. Always watch out for tag-ups and missed bases at first and second too. As you can see, covering all the possibilities that you can face as a Little League base umpire requires tremendous hustle. Keep on your toes and never be lazy.
While you are in position "C", your catch coverage consists of an area in the outfield shaped like a "V"(see fig. 13). 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 are 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 "C". Simply turn around, be still, and watch the glove for the catch. Then immediately prepare to move for a possible play at any base.
Just like in "A" and "B:, while in "C" 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 any base on a fly ball and/or get ready for a possible play at first, second or third (see fig. 14). Additionally we must watch the runners touching their bases and for obstruction on the base paths.
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.
Your duties at position "C" 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 "C", 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 onto Base Coverage.
Or you can go back to the Table of Contents.