base umpire positioning

John,
    In this situation with runners on 1st and 3rd regardless of the outs, BU should be in the 'B' position. Nine times out of ten the pitcher fakes a throw to 3rd and attempts a pick off at 1st. From 'B' with a throw to first you can obtain the proper angle and position for a play at 1st.
                                   Larry Loeffler

I would opt for position B also.  With two outs, runners should be going on contact.  A ball hit to an infielder will likely result in a play at first.  BU is in better position for that play at first if in the B position.  In the event that there is a play at second, BU is still in great position for a call there, too.

just my .02

would love to hear reasoning for the C position . . .

Guys,

Good thinking Larry ...

Please let me know where in any of our material it says BU should be anywhere besides Starting Position "B" with runners on 1st & 3rd no matter how many outs there are.

I want you to think of where your quickest and most likely pick-off may be ... We are positioning to see that play well. (It's 1st base.)

Are you reading material from other sources? maybe NHFS or elsewhere?

If any of our material (SacUmpires.com) says otherwise, it needs to be edited ...

BU should ALWAYS be in Starting Position "B" with runners on first & third bases.

Hope this helps ...

Thanks ... Swanny

Bill and all ...The reference is in the NFHS Baseball Umpires Manual, page 55.  I do not see a reference to this positioning in the NCOA "Novice" material or any other material I received in class.
This discussion will help clear this up especially since on more  than one occasion I see BU in starting position "C" in this situation

Thanks .......John

John,

Glad to see you are doing outside reading. That is just as important as the learning done on the field.

Please reference page L1-62 & L1-63 of the Level 1 "Novice" Manual and you will see where we teach our starting positions for varying runner situations.

The NFHS manual has many good qualities and is a good reference in many ways, however, we use the "pro" mechanics for NCOA and our teachings.

Your class may introduce these starting positions late this spring or first thing when you are boosted to Level 2 material.

Hope this helps & keep up the extra reading ... Swanny

This comment has been moved here.

John: Regardless of how many outs in the inning, BU2 should always be on "B" position. Pitcher will always try to pick off the runner at 1st base, very seldom at 3rd base. Not only that, with BU2 in that position, should have an easy call at 2nd base on a possible steal. So, always BU2 with runners at first and third, should be in "B" position.

This comment has been moved here.

In B position BU is also in much better position to make the 6-4-3 double play call also.

Loren G