Read Then React

The two-umpire system can create a lot of headaches in terms of coverage, especially when multiple runners are involved. Such is the case with runners on first and third and there is a ball hit in the infield (as shown in the MechaniGram). In this particular situation, the most important thing for the umpires is to read the play and react, as a multitude of outcomes can occur.

Let’s start with the plate umpire. The first responsibility is ruling fair/ foul if the ball is hit near the line. If the ball is down either line, the plate umpire should move to that foul line extended to get a read on the play. If the ball is not near a line, the plate umpire should clear the catcher and initially move toward the holding position between third and home. If R3 immediately breaks for home, be prepared to move back home and make the call. If there is a play at first base, the plate umpire is responsible for assisting with a pulled foot or swipe tag if asked by the base umpire. The plate umpire would then also be responsible for any plays on R3 at third base or at home and would also be responsible for any subsequent plays on R1 at third base or home.

One thing the plate umpire needs to be aware of is the initial movement of R3. Too often, the plate umpire gets hyper-focused on the ball and forgets there is a runner on third. There have been multiple instances where the plate umpire either accidentally trails the batter-runner to first or moves up the line at third and ends up either in a throwing lane or directly in the path of R3. In these instances, contact would not be considered umpire interference and the umpire simply has to apologize for the error in moving into either of those positions. It is extremely important to pre-pitch these situations to avoid ending up in an embarrassing position that could potentially cause injury to either a player or the umpire. The base umpire in this situation has a lot to process as well. With multiple runners on base, the first play in the infield could potentially be at any of the three bases, or at home. The base umpire is responsible for that first play on the infield at first, second or third. This is where reading the play becomes important because if the base umpire guesses where a play may happen and the ball ends up being thrown to a different location, the base umpire will be out of position to make a credible call. The base umpire should come out of the set position when the ball is hit and then be ready to move in any direction. If the first play is to first base, the base umpire should move to the left, toward second base, to get an angle to see the play at first. Ideally, the base umpire should take a few steps in toward first base as well, but depending on which fielder fields the ball and that fielder’s movement, that may not be possible.

If the first play is at second base, the base umpire should close down toward second and try to get a 90-degree angle from the throw to rule on a force out there. If the first play is to third base, in an attempt to get R3 out heading back to the bag, the base umpire should open up to third base and move into the diamond to see the action spot at the front of the third-base bag, as this will be a tag out and not a force out. Moving toward the thirdbase line or stepping back will actually make the call more difficult as it will take away the ability to see the front edge of the bag, the area to which the runner will be sliding back.

As the base umpire, be aware of secondary plays. It is important to stay out of throwing lanes and understand the potential for multiple plays exists in this situation. If there is a secondary play at third, it is important for the plate umpire to verbally communicate to the base umpire that the plate umpire is there to avoid multiple umpires making calls. *