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If the runner on 1st base is stealing, the plate umpire will watch
carefully for the batter interfering with the catcher's throw to 2nd. If
it is questionable as to whether or not the batter interfered with the
catcher's throw, it is permissible, but not required, for the plate
umpire to call and signal, "That's nothing" (arms extended in a safe
mechanic), indicating there was no interference on the play. Again, this
is an optional mechanic and is not required but is permissible. After
the ball is thrown to 2nd base, the plate umpire will simply observe the
play, not leaving the plate area other than perhaps swinging out a few
feet to his/her left to watch the play. This is because if the throw
gets away at 2nd base and the runner decides to try for 3rd, the play at
3rd base would belong to the base umpire. The plate umpire would remain
at home.
On steals at 2nd base, it is important that the base umpire has
established a good original position, one that will be advantageous for
both steals as well as pick-off at 1st base.
The base umpire should be adept at recognizing that the runner on
1st is stealing while being alert and picking up on certain actions and
cues on the field. For example, the base umpire should be able to pick
up the initial movements of the runner breaking to 2nd base through
his/her peripheral vision, even though his/her eyes are still focused on
the plate. Also, the base umpire should react to the defense's
exclamation, "Going!" as the runner breaks for 2nd base. Carefully
watching the catcher's reactions is also important.
The base umpire should begin his/her reactions to the steal as the
ball is about to be caught by the catcher. The base umpire must be aware
of the fact that the ball may be hit or that a check swing is possible,
and therefore he/she be careful not to take his/her focus away from the
plate area too soon. He/she must also keep in mind the count on the
batter and whether the plate umpire calls the pitch a ball or a strike
(for example, on 3-1 or 3-2 counts). The base umpire will begin the
steal mechanic by making a step or two toward 2nd base from his/her
original position, keeping his/her eye on the ball. Then, as the catcher
throws the ball to 2nd base, the umpire should continue to move towards
2nd. In essence, the ball will take the umpire into the play. The base
umpire already has everything in front of him/her and it is a simple
matter to step forward and develop an angle. It is imperative that the
umpire become completely set and not moving for this play; it is
recommended that the umpire have his/her hands on his/her knees for this
play.
Should the ball get away at 2nd base and roll towards the outfield,
the base umpire must be prepared to move into position for a possible
play at 3rd base if the runner decides to go. The umpire must also keep
his/her eye on the original play at 2nd base, watching for possible
obstruction. As the runner is getting up and deciding to try for 3rd
base, the base umpire should move into the infield and move towards the
cutout at 3rd base for a possible play. The base umpire must make sure
to keep his/her eye on the play for any possible obstruction. He/she
must glance at the location of the ball and then back at the runner so
as to "key" off the reactions of the runner. The base umpire should try
to get to the 3rd base cut out, get set and let the ball take him/her to
the play, but if the umpire finds that he/she cannot make it all the way
to the cut out the umpire must be completely stopped and set for the
play in the best position and angle that the base umpire can possibly
get too make the call. |
