These are just some of the highlights and should not be considered a complete 2 umpire system reference. This document was created to help you understand and reinforce the training you have already received.

WITH NO RUNNERS ON

PLATE UMPIRE
1. Fair/Foul, Catch/No Catch, and then everything else is the order of precedence on any given play. Balls and Strikes are your number priority, whether or not you make it as an umpire depends on how well you call balls and strikes. On batted balls you will always decide if the ball was fair or foul before you make any other decisions. When you have made your decision then give a fair/foul mechanic and then start on the catch/no catch. Do not make any prejudgments, watch the play in its entirety then check for firm and secure possession. After the dust settles and you have watched the play in its entirety and you have determined if the fielder had or did not have firm and secure possession then give the appropriate mechanic.

2. Your fair/foul responsibilities are from home plate to 1st base (NOT INCLUDING 1ST BASE). On the 3rd base side your are responsible for home plate all the way to the left field foul pole.

3. On groundballs to the infield you bust out to the 45’ line, your main responsibilities are runner’s lane interference and an overthrow to 1st base. A pulled foot at first base is not your responsibility but if your partner would happen to come to you give him what you have.

4. On clean base hits to the outfield your only responsibility is to follow the direction of the ball about 30’ into fair territory. Stand there remaining chest to ball until the play is over.

5. On fly balls to the outfield your responsibilities will be all foul territory down the 3rd base side all the way to the CF. The exception will be when your partner goes out, you will take the runner all the way if necessary. Do not leave the runner until your partner has entered the immediate area and has acknowledged responsibility for the runner. You have all line drives that take the infielders away from the 1B line.

BASE UMPIRE

1. Your starting position will be hands-on knee set approximately 10-12’ behind the 1st baseman.

2. The biggest key to base umpiring is learning to pause, read the play, and then react, most umpires do not do this properly. Your order of precedence is fair/foul, catch/no catch, and then anything else that might happen.

3. Your fair/foul responsibilities are from the bag and beyond and all of the area from the RF toward the foul line including foul territory. Remember the three B’s (ball, base, beyond) or B cubed.

4. On ground balls to the infield you will pause, read, react. Your reaction will be to move toward the bag, find the 90° angle and settle in between 15-18’ from 1st base. You measure the angle from the point of origin of the throw, remember that there is a built-in 90° on 1st base. Before setting make sure you have a true throw and then set. Be ready to take a read step on the swipe tag or pulled foot. If you are in correct position you will see the pulled foot and swipe tag and you should almost never go to the plate man for help on this (Do your job and he won’t have to).

5. On clean hits to the outfield you pause, read, and react, come in and pivot. When the ball is hit your eyes are on the ball and glancing at the runner. When you read the runner back to 1st gain some distance back to the 45’ line for a better angle incase of a throw back behind the runner.

6. Trouble balls to RF – This situation is especially when pause, read, and react is key. With no runners on you are responsible for any batted ball that might present a problem to the CF coming in, going back, converging with another fielder or a possible trap and the RF coming, going back, converging with other fielders, in foul territory, or a possible trap. You will notify your partner your going with the verbal communication “I’m going out,” then go out and get an angle on the play, be set for any catch/no catch situations. If the ball goes to the fence stay out there with it until its on its way back to the infield. On plays when a batted ball is not caught, as soon as the ball is on its way to the infield bust your butt to get back and cover home plate. If the runner pulls up and stops at a base get in there and pick him up, let your partner know that you have the runner when you get close enough to make a call if needed. The proper communication is “Bill, I’ve got the runner,” its that simple. You have catch/no catch responsibility for all lines drives that take the 2B, and 1B toward the 1B foul line or straight back these are trouble balls also.

WITH A RUNNER ON 1ST

PLATE UMPIRE

1. With a runner on first, there are some potential situations you must be aware of: a pick off attempt, a steal of second, a rundown, and a batted ball.

2. On a pick off attempt at first you have overthrow responsibility, the only thing you need to do on this play is take one step toward the 1st base dugout and stay chest to ball. Incase of an overthrow get as close as the play will allow you to get then stay with it. When the throw comes from the catcher the same thing applies, except you must be aware of possible batter interference.

3. On a steal attempt, you must be aware of possible batter interference. Do not forget to call the pitch when the runner steals. Do not get in the catcher’s way and remember to stay with your rhythm and step back and relax when you have called the pitch.

4. If a rundown situation develops bust your butt and ¾ down the line usually toward 1st wait on the appropriate time to enter the rundown. Basically after getting down the line you wait until the runner is moving away from you and bust into position. When and only when you are in position tell your partner that you have that end. The proper communication is “Bill, I’ve got this end.” Your responsibility is split with the base umpire half-and-half, but always remember that there is a gray area where you have to work with your partner and decide who is responsible for the tag. This is done by eye contact with your partner and someone stepping up and telling the other that they have it. The proper communication is “Bill, I got it” while tapping yourself on the chest.

5. On all batted balls you will clear the catcher and get up the line ¾ of the way to 3rd base. On balls hit in the infield do not communicate and on balls hit to the outfield you tell your partner you coming. The proper communication is “Bill, I’ve got 3rd if he comes,” when you get to the high post and you have ball and runner you get into the cut-out and say “I’ve got 3rd, I’ve got 3rd.” On balls hit to RF that you have catch/no catch responsibility for (which is basically fly balls near the RF line and foul territory) tell your partner that your on the line and you won’t be at 3rd. The proper communication is “Bill, I’m on the line.”

6. You have fair/foul responsibility on both foul lines all the way.

7. You have catch/no catch responsibility for all fly balls hit near both foul lines and foul territory on both sides of the field. You have catch/no catch responsibility for all pop-ups in front of the pitcher’s rubber, and on both foul lines.

BASE UMPIRE

1. Your starting position will be half way between the mound and 2B on an imaginary line that extends from home plate through the 1st base side of the mound.

2. Be ready for pick-off attempts at first, and steals of second. Incase of an overthrow at 1st the plate umpire will be responsible for the overthrow and you will be responsible for the runner. On pick-off attempts step up and toward the 45’ line to increase your angle and square up to the base. On steal attempts you need to keep the throwing lane from the catcher to 2B open, drop step and move in a direct line toward 2B keeping your eyes on the ball and when it passes you settle in and get set.

3. The double play, you step and face the ball, do not move toward 2B. See the play from that position and make the call on the move drop stepping and gaining some distance toward the 45’ lane, to increase your angle, and get set before the play happens (You should only make it two or three strides). On ground balls to the infield you will step up and face the ball (pause, read, react) if you read a throw to 1st don’t commit to early and when the throw to 1st is released don’t over-commit to 1B. Always remember that you have a runner behind you, be in a position to make a call at second on a throw back if you have to. Always stay chest to ball.

4. You have no fair/foul decisions with runners on base. You have all fly balls to the infield except those hit close and going toward either foul line or fly balls in front of the pitchers plate (Plate Umpire). You have all fly balls to the outfield except those hit close and going toward either foul line. On trouble balls to the outfield move up to the inside grass line (never cross a runners path) and work to find the best angle on the play, your first priority in this case is catch/no catch.

5. When rundowns occur you have the entire play until the plate umpire notifies you that he has one end at either 1st or 3rd. You have all plays on the bases except when the plate umpire notifies you that he has 3rd.

6. Remember that Angle is primary to Distance. It is great to get close to tough plays but it is virtually impossible to do in the 2-umpire system. Additionally, it is very dangerous to over-commit to one base when you have multiple runners.

WITH RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 3RD

PLATE UMPIRE

1. You have ALL fair foul decisions. You have all touches of 3rd, no responsibility for runners touching 1st or 2nd. All tag ups of 3rd.

2. You have catch/no catch for all fly balls in front of the pitchers mound, straight back to the pitcher, handled by infielders or outfielders close to and going toward either foul line. Good communication with your partner is important on grey area plays.

3. You have 3rd base on all fly balls, line drives, and ground balls to the outfield. Look over your shoulder to see the touch of home on your way to 3rd. Use proper communication with your partner, if you have a fair/foul down the RF line tell your partner your on the line so he knows you will not be there. On fair/foul’s down the LF line tell him you have the ball and stay with it until it is on the way back to the infield and if you still have time go ahead and tell him you have 3rd if he comes. Make sure you can make it back for a play at the plate, if you read a potential play on R1 at the plate tell your partner your going home.

4. You will make all of your calls on plays at the plate from either the 1st base line extended or 3rd base line extended.

BASE UMPIRE

1. Your starting position will be half way between the mound and 2B on an imaginary line that extends from home plate through the 1st base side of the mound.

2. Be ready for pick-off attempts at first, and steals of second. Incase of an overthrow at 1st the plate umpire will be responsible for the overthrow and you will be responsible for the runner. On pick-off attempts step up and toward the 45’ line to increase your angle and square up to the base. On steal attempts you need to keep the throwing lane from the catcher to 2B open, drop step and move in a direct line toward 2B keeping your eyes on the ball and when it passes you settle in and get set.

3. You have no fair/foul decisions with runners on base. You have all fly balls to the infield except those hit close and going toward the either foul line or fly balls in front of the pitchers plate (Plate Umpire). You have all fly balls to the outfield except those hit close and going toward either foul line. On trouble balls to the outfield move up to the grass line and work to find the best angle on the play, your first priority in this case is catch/no catch.

4. Remember that Angle is primary to Distance. It is great to get close to tough plays but it is virtually impossible to do in the 2-umpire system. Additionally, it is very dangerous to over-commit to one base when you have multiple runners.

5. The double play, you step and face the ball, do not move toward 2B. See the play from that position and make the call on the move drop stepping and gaining some distance toward the 45’ lane, to increase your angle, and get set before the play happens (You should only make it two or three strides). On ground balls to the infield you will step up and face the ball (pause, read, react) if you read a throw to 1st don’t commit to early and when the throw to 1st is released don’t over-commit to 1B. Always remember that you have a runner behind you, be in a position to make a call at second on a throw back if you have to. Always stay chest to ball.

RUNNERS AT 1st AND 2ND

PLATE UMPIRE

1. You have ALL fair foul decisions. You have all touches of 3rd, no responsibility for runners touching 1st or 2nd. You have the tap up at 2nd and any ensuing play at 3rd.

2. You have catch/no catch for all fly balls in front of the pitchers mound, straight back to the pitcher, handled by infielders or outfielders close to and going toward either foul line. Good communication with your partner is important on grey area plays and on an infield fly. On an infield fly, you generally have everything infront of the pitchers mound and on fly balls close to and going toward either foul line. Make sure on possible infield fly/foul ball situations to communicate that “Infield fly, if fair - the batters out.”

3. This is a time play situation be ready to line up the out on the bases with the runner scoring and sell it if you have to. Make sure that you communicate to your partner that you will be staying home before the play starts.

BASE UMPIRE

1. Your starting position will be half way between the mound and 2B on an imaginary line that extends from home plate through the 3rd base side of the mound. Be ready for pick-off attempts at first or second, and steals. Incase of an overthrow at 1st the plate umpire will be responsible for the overthrow and you will be responsible for the runner. On pick-off attempts at 1st step up and toward the 45’ line to increase your angle and square up to the base. On pick-off attempts at 2nd drop step with the pitchers move to 2nd get square to the bag see the play and make the call.

2. On steal attempts read the catchers throw, do not cheat on this play or you will be out of position, then react to the appropriate base.

3. You have all fly balls to the infield except those close, going toward either foul line, and infront of the pitchers mound. You have all fly balls to the outfield except those close to and going toward either foul line.

4. On an infield fly, you generally have everything behind the pitchers mound except all fly balls close to and going toward either foul line.

5. The double play, you will hear people refer to double play in this situation as a drift. When the ball is hit you will step up and face the ball and when you read that the fielder throwing to 2B you drift a few steps toward 1B and square up to the bag in a standing set in time to see the play. Drop step toward the 45’ line and make the call at 2nd on the move, then get set in time for the play at 1st.

RUNNERS AT 1st, 2ND , AND 3rd

PLATE UMPIRE

1. You have ALL fair foul decisions. You have all touches of 3rd, no responsibility for runners touching 1st or 2nd. You have the tap up at 2nd and any ensuing play at 3rd.

2. You have catch/no catch for all fly balls in front of the pitchers mound, straight back to the pitcher, handled by infielders or outfielders close to and going toward either foul line. Good communication with your partner is important on gray area plays and on an infield fly. On an infield fly, you generally have everything infront of the pitchers mound and on fly balls close to and going toward either foul line. Make sure on possible infield fly/foul ball situations to communicate that “Infield fly, if fair - the batters out.”

3. With two outs this is a time play situation be ready to line up the out on the bases with the runner scoring and sell it if you have to. Make sure that you communicate to your partner that you will be staying home before the play starts. It is possible for this to become a time play with less than two outs.

BASE UMPIRE

1. Your starting position will be half way between the mound and 2B on an imaginary line that extends from home plate through the 3rd base side of the mound. Be ready for pick-off attempts at first or second, and steals. Incase of an overthrow at 1st the plate umpire will be responsible for the overthrow and you will be responsible for the runner. On pick-off attempts at 1st step up and toward the 45’ line to increase your angle and square up to the base. On pick-off attempts at 2nd drop step with the pitchers move to 2nd get square to the bag see the play and make the call.

2. You have all fly balls to the infield except those close, going toward either foul line, and infront of the pitchers mound. You have all fly balls to the outfield except those close to and going toward either foul line.

3. On an infield fly, you generally have everything behind the pitchers mound except all fly balls close to and going toward either foul line.

4. The double play, you will hear our evaluators refer to double play in this situation as a drift. When the ball is hit you will step up and face the ball and when you read that the fielder throwing to 2B you drift a few steps toward 1B and square up to the bag in a standing set in time to see the play. Drop step toward the 45’ line and make the call at 2nd on the move, then get set in time for the play at 1st.

RUNNERS ON 2nd AND 3rd

PLATE UMPIRE

1. With two outs this is a time play situation be ready to line up the out on the bases with the runner scoring and sell it if you have to. Make sure that you communicate to your partner that you will be staying home before the play starts. It is possible for this to become a time play with less than two outs.

BASE UMPIRE

1. On plays at first be ready to bounce back for the runner/runners on 2nd or 3rd.

RUNNER ON 2nd ONLY

PLATE UMPIRE

1. With two outs this is a time play situation be ready to line up the out on the bases with the runner scoring and sell it if you have to. Make sure that you communicate to your partner that you will be staying home before the play starts.

2. When the Base Umpire has a whacker catch/no catch and he moves up to get a better look at it you take R2 tagging up and any ensuing play at 3rd (THIS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE WITH EXPERIENCE UMPIRES).

BASE UMPIRE

1. On plays at first, be ready to bounce back for the runner on 2nd or 3rd.

2. Be ready for the steal of 3rd. Do not forget to peak at the runner when you see the pitcher commit to home. If the runner goes then you will gain some distance toward the 45’ line (to improve your angle), square up to the bag, and get set in time to see the play.

3. You have both R2 and the BR on any plays on the bases except when you have a whacker catch/no catch then the Plate Umpire will take the tag up and the play at 3rd. Do not over-commit and remember to split the distance on plays in the infield.

PLATE UMPIRE IN GENERAL

CLEARING THE CATCHER

1. On all batted balls you will have to clear the catcher, one very effective way to do this is to take one step toward 3B and then bust out to the 45’ line or wherever you need to go. To clear the catcher on bunts or batted balls that the catcher will attempt to field you will move in the opposite direction of the ball first (this gives you the angle) then work on gaining distance to the ball.

2. On passed balls, wild pitches, and pop-ups it will be necessary to clear the catcher but in a different way. The best way to clear the catcher in these situations is to simply drop step and move in the opposite direction than the catcher. If he moves toward the 1B dugout with a right hand batter open up with your right foot, if he moves toward the 3B dugout with a right hand batter open up with your left foot. This is called opening your gate.

CLEARING THE BAT

1. With runners in scoring position, it may be advisable to remove a bat that may inhibit a runners slide or deflect a thrown ball to the plate. This is STRICTLY A COURTESY and not required mechanics. Your primary concern is to get in position for a play at the plate. If time permits, you may pick up the bat, and slide it forcefully from the field of play. Simply bend over, grab one end of the bat, and slide it forcefully from the field, do not kick or toss the bat in the air because people have been injured this way. Remember the acronym NAP that stands for NECESSARY, AVAILABLE, and POSSIBLE. Ask yourself is it necessary, available, or possible to move the bat.

BASE UMPIRE IN GENERAL

1. On plays in the infield never watch the ball in flight to 1B. Once the infielder releases the throw and you read a true throw, focus immediately on the base. Following the ball will cause your eyes to be moving when a close play develops. You are apt to see nothing but a blur or an explosion at the base.

2. The ideal distance for a play in the infield is 15’-18’ feet away from 1B. Remember Angle and Distance are always primary responsibilities for calling plays in the infield.

3. On plays at first you always get a 90° angle except for groundballs to the 1st and 2nd baseman (only about 2 or 3 feet in fair territory) or pressure situations.

4. Pressure – the main criteria for you to move into foul territory to make a call at 1st is if you feel pressure from the 2nd baseman. Pressure is a batted ball that the 2nd baseman is moving hard toward the 1B foul line to field and the throw will put you in a awkward position to make a call. This is a tough concept to grasp, I see experienced umpires read this incorrectly.

5. If you have a “bang-bang” play, sell it! It might save you an ejection.