The Basic Rotations (two-man)

In the article Start Positions (two-man), we pointed out the correct start positions for the field umpire (U1) for each of the base-runner configuration – A, B, or C. This represents the position of U1 at the time of the pitch. The instant that a batted ball is put in play, however, the umpire goes into motion. That is, they initiate the appropriate rotation.

In the two-umpire system, there are three start postions (A, B, and C); then, from each start position, there are two basic rotations: one for a batted ball to the infield, and a second for a batted ball to the outfield. In sum, then, there are just six basic rotations in the two-umpire system.

Of course, there is a bit more to it. There are subtle variations on the basic rotations, but for now, let's just grasp the fundamentals. That get's you 90% of the way to proficiency.

Here are the six rotations:

1.   U1 in A.   Ball to the infield (no runners on)
2.   U1 in A.   Ball to the outfield
3.   U1 in B.   Ball to the infield (R1, or R1 and R3)
4.   U1 in B.   Ball to the outfield
5.   U1 in C.   Ball to the infield (all other base-runner configurations)
6.   U1 in C.   Ball to the outfield

1.  U1 in A (R0) – Batted Ball to the Infield

With no runners on base, U1 is starting in A. On a batted ball to the infield (presuming a play at first base), the umpires rotate as follows:

Base Umpire (U1)

• Step into fair territory and establish a good view of first base. Be sure to look at the fielder playing on the ball and be sure to see the fielder's release. Now focus on first base. See the runner's foot hit the bag and hear the ball hit the glove.
• If there is an error or an overthrow and the runner advances toward second base, you must stay with the runner. If possible, work you way inside the basepath, being careful, of course, not to interfere with the runner or fielders. You want to get yourself inside because if you're outside the basepath and the runner continues toward third, you're screwed. If your partner is good, though, he'll see your dilemma and work his way up the line toward third, just in case.
• If a batted ball down the first base line passes the front edge of first base, you then own the fair/foul call. You will make this call before going into motion.
   

Plate Umpire (PU)

• Clear the catcher and trail the runner about half way to first base. You're watching for three things, primarily: (1) Pulled foot by the first baseman; (2) swipe tag; and (3) running lane violation.
• If the batted ball is down the third base line, straddle the line and get the fair/foul call; then turn your attention to the batter-runner. If the batted ball is down the first base line, you own the fair/foul call up to the bag (U1 in A has fair/foul from the bag and beyond). You are also watching for interference on the batter-runner being touched by his batted ball.
• If there is an overthrow at first base, watch for the ball going out of play. That call belongs to you.
• Keep an eye on the ball as it's fielded and (this is important) see the release of the ball on the throw to first. Once the ball is released, switch your attention immediately to the runner.

With play complete, PU will return to his position behind the plate and U1 moves to the B position. Important: While moving to your new positions, do not turn your back on potential plays. Stay with the ball, but stay aware of the runner.

2.  U1 in A (R0) – Batted Ball to the Outfield

U1 starts in A when there are no runners on base and stays with the runner all the way to third, should he go that far. On a batted ball to the outfield – whether on the fly, line drive, or grounder through the infield – U1 should rotate as follows:

Base Umpire (U1)

• From A, break inside the basepath and pivot such that you observe the runner's touch of first base and are ready to stay with the runner if he advances to second.
• If the runner advances toward second, you stay with the runner from your position inside the basepath. Be sure to stop and come set before any play on the runner at second, should that occur.
• If the runner is stretching for a triple, you have the runner into third. Again, if there is a play on the runner, be sure to stop and come set for the call.
• When advancing with the runner, don't get too close to the basepath. For one thing, this shortens the distance you need to travel to stay with the runner (who is no doubt much faster than you are); second, you can typically get a better angle on a play at second or third if you are well inside the base path. Remember the axiom: "Angle over distance."
   

Plate Umpire (PU)

• When U1 comes inside to cover the runner, the PU has catch/no-catch. Clear the catcher and move to a position in the infield that gives you the best view for the catch/no-catch call.
• After the catch/no-catch call, return to point of plate in the event the runner comes home. When moving back to point of plate, however, do not turn your back on the play. Instead, cross-step your way to your new position.
   

Caveat: If the fly ball to the outfield is in right field and the right fielder is moving toward the foul line, U1 does not come inside to take the runners. Instead, he "goes out" – that is, he turns and takes the fair/foul and catch/no-catch on the batted ball. The PU must key off U1 and, if he goes out, the PU must take the runner all the way.

With play complete, U1 moves to the B position. Stay with the ball, but remain aware of the runner. Always be vigilant.

3.  U1 in B (R1 / R1, R3) – Ball to the Infield

We have a potential double-play situation. Unless the fielder errs, the first throw from the infield is probably going to second for the front end of the double play. U1 has both runners; however, PU has the illegal slide or interference by R1 at second base (because U1 has already turned for the play at first). If there is an overthrow and runners continue to advance, U1 has all runners at all bases while PU retreats to point of plate.

Base Umpire (U1)

• Stay chest-to-ball. Let the ball turn you, first to the infielder fielding the ball, and then to the play on the runner (probably at second). Don't anticipate the throw; rather, let the ball take you to the play.
• In the event of an attempted double play, after calling the out (presumably) at second, take a couple of steps toward first as the ball takes you there. But be set (no longer moving) for the play at first.
• Watch for an illegal slide at second if you can, but if the ball beats the runner, stay with the ball going to first and let the PU watch for the illegal slide.
• In the event of errors or overthrows, stay with the batter-runner. The PU will stay with R1.
   

Plate Umpire (PU)

• Clear the catcher and moves to a good vantage point to watch R1 for an illegal slide, obstruction or interference at second base.
• If errors in the field cause R1 to advance toward third, hustle up the line to get the play on R1 at third. Stay with R1 if he continues home.
• If R1 does not advance to third, return to point of plate.

4.  U1 in B (R1 / R1, R3) – Ball to the Outfield

Now we have runners on base and a batted ball to the outfield. So in addition to covering the base runners, we now have to also cover the catch/no-catch in the outfield. Since the catch/no-catch comes first, let's talk briefly about handling the catch/no-catch call.

In the two-man system, U1 has all catch/no-catch calls in the cone. The what? I said, the cone. Here, take a look:

The Cone: The cone is defined by straight lines that run from home plate to the positions taken by the left and right fielders. This creates a big slice of pizza that U1 owns. Any fly ball inside the cone, where outfielders are moving forward, backward, or away from the foul lines, belongs to U1. Any fly ball to the outfield that has either the right fielder or left fielder moving toward their respective foul lines, belongs to the PU. On a ball going to the lines, the PU must call off U1 by verbalizing "I've got the ball!" (on the third base line) or "I've got the line!" (on the first base line). 

First-to-Third Situation: Another wrinkle: With a runner on first (R1) or runners on first and third (R1, R3), a ball to the outfield puts you in a first-to-third rotation. That is, if R1 goes all the way to third, then the PU has the play on R1 at third base. U1 stays with the batter-runner while PU picks up R1 at third base, then stays with the runner if he goes home.

With a batted ball to the outfield, the rotation with U1 in B changes significantly. Because we're in the first-to-third situation, the PU has to cover R1 at third base. That's not much of a problem if you have only R1, but if you both R1 and R3 it's a bit trickier because the PU not only has R3 touching home, but must then hustle to third in case R1 comes that far.

Now, with R1, R3 and a clean hit to the outfield, R3 is going to score. That's a given. Nevertheless, it is imperative that the PU see R3 touch home. To do this, first move a few steps toward third base, then pause to see R3 touch home, then bust ass up the line to be ready at third in case R1 comes. Of course, if you don't have a runner on third (R1 only), then you can move directly toward third on the hit.

Caveat: We said in our section on "The Cone," above, that when the PU takes the catch/no-catch/fair-foul call on a fly ball down the line, he shouts out "I've got the ball!" (on the third base line) or "I've got the line!" (on the first base line). You may have asked yourself, why two different verbalizations? Because in a first-to-third situation on the third base side, the PU can straddle the foul line, make the call, and still continue to third if needed. However, if the fly ball is on the first base line, then the PU is up the first base line and cannot get to third base for a play. So his call on the first base side, "I've got the line!," is his way of telling his partner that he's away from the line. The question, then, is who has the tag-up at third when the PU goes to the 1^st base line for a call in right field?

This is important: With a runner on 3^rd and a batted ball down the 1^st base line such that the PU has a fair/foul call out in right field, who has the tag-up on R3? Unfortunately, this is taught two ways. The professional manual (PBUC, but now called Manual for the Two-Umpire System) says that PU still has the tag-up on R3, so he must see the call in the outfield, then swivel quickly to get the tag-up at third. However, a great many organizations teach that once the PU calls "I've got the line!", then he's handing off responsibility for the tag-up at third to U1.
The upshot: You must pre-game this with your partner in advance of the game so you're both on the same page.

Base Umpire (U1)

• Catch/no-catch in the cone.
• Slide in the working area. You have the batter-runner all the way to third base. You have R1 into second (PU has R1 into third).
• You have all base touches on first and second, and on batter-runner into third if he goes that far.
   

Plate Umpire (PU)

• If the batted ball is toward the first or third base lines, you have the fair/foul call and the catch/no-catch call. Position yourself on the appropriate line for the call.
• Then move toward third base in the event R1 advances to third. You have the play on R1 at third. If R1 continues home, you have the call on R1 at home.
• If there are runners on both first and third, you must see the base touch at home before moving to third. You also have the tag-up on R3.

5.  U1 in C  –  Ball to the Infield

All you have to learn is setting up in A for no runners on and setting up in B with R1 or R1, R3. For every other configuration you're in C.

Important: There is one very important thing that all of these configurations have in common: They all show a runner in scoring position. Because of this, the PU will stay home. That is, his sole responsibility is at home plate and he will not rotate. U1 in C has all runners at all bases.

Because the PU is staying home and U1 stays in the working area, the rotation in the animation appears rather simple. While the appearance is true, don't be deceived. There is a lot going on, particularly if there are multiple runners, and U1, particularly, has a lot on his hands..

Base Umpire (U1)

• Slide in the working area as necessary.
• You have all runners at all bases. That includes tags and touches.
   

Plate Umpire (PU)

• Remain point of plate, then move, as necessary, to third base line extended (3BLX) for plays at the plate.
• You have all plays at the plate
• You have all touches and tags at third base.
• You have fair/foul on both base lines; if necessary, position yourself on the appropriate foul line for the fair/foul call.

6.  U1 in C – Ball to Outfield

U1 is in C in all other base-running configurations – that is, with the following:

• Runner on 2nd (R2)
• Runner on 3rd (R3)
• Runners on 1st and 2nd (R1, R2)
• Runners on 2nd and 3rd (R2, R3)
• Bases loaded

Base Umpire (U1)

• Slide in the working area as necessary.
• You have all runners at all bases. That includes tags and touches.
• You have catch/no-catch in the cone.
   

Plate Umpire (PU)

• Remain point of plate, then move, as necessary, to third base line extended (3BX) for plays at the plate.
• You have all plays at the plate
• You have all touches and tags at third base.
• You have fair/foul on both base lines; if necessary, position yourself on the appropriate foul line for the fair/foul call.
• You have catch/no-catch on fly balls that are moving the left or right fielder toward their respective foul lines.

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Last Updated: 07 March 2020

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   Umpire Roles (two-man)

Introduction

Let's be honest. You cannot (and will not) learn base mechanics from these articles – nor from PowerPoint presentations, books, blog posts, YouTube videos, or anything else. You learn proper base mechanics on the field, by way of proper instruction and repetition.

Why, then, should you bother with these articles? Well, for the same reason we have text books and other media for instruction – for reference and referral. For comparing notes with partners. For reviewing our mechanics each February. For confirming understanding that we have, and for correcting details that we've misunderstood.

Mechanics in the two-man system are pretty straightforward. There are just three main elements to understand: (a) the division of roles and responsibilities between the plate and the base umpires (and how they change with base-runner configurations), (b) the proper start position for each base-runner configuration, and (c) the basic rotations from each of the start positions.

Part 1 begins with summaries of the basic responsibilities of the plate and base umpires. On every pitch, it should be clear in the minds of both umpires not only what they will do, but also what their partner will be doing, given any outcome of the pitch – infield grounder, line drive to the gap, fly ball down the foul line, bunt, passed ball or wild pitch, strike three, ball four, batter hit by pitch … any and every outcome! And this situational awareness begins with a thorough understanding of your basic roles and responsibilities.

Responsibilities of the Base Umpire (U1)

The base umpire (U1) has a vastly more varied set of responsibilities than does the plate umpire. He has three different start positions (in two-man system) and the responsibilities vary somewhat depending on his position at the time of the pitch. Let's start with responsibilities regardless of start position.

From ALL positions

• Checked swing. Be honest and give the PU what you see. From A it's pretty easy to see. If you are in B this is rather difficult, and from C nearly impossible, so if you couldn't see it, don't call it. You can't call what you don't see.
• Batter hit by pitch. The PU will normally get this call, but sometimes he can't see it. If you see the ball hit the batter or graze his clothing, pause for a moment (giving your PU a chance to make the call), and if he doesn't then call it.
• Pick-off plays. You must remain alert and vigilant for snap throws and pick-off moves.
• Balks and illegal pitches. The PU is also watching for balks.
• Base touches. This is very important and frequently overlooked by inexperienced umpires. With runners on base, the PU has touches at 3^rd base. You have the rest.
• Tag-ups. With runners on base, the PU has tag-ups at third base. You have everything else.
• Interference and obstruction. You must become familiar with the gamut of base-running and fielding infractions where the offense and defense illegally impede one another. We cover these in detail in our articles on Offensive Interference and Obstruction.
• Runner leaving early. Applies only to age divisions where leading off and stealing is not permitted. Also applies to softball.

From the A position

In addition to the items listed above, when you're in A you have the following additional items. Remember than in this position you have no runners on base.

• Fair/foul on right field line. You have fair/foul on the right field line from the bag and beyond. The PU owns the call up to the leading edge of first base; from the bag and beyond, however, you own the call. On a bounding ball close to the line, this means squaring up, seeing the ball, then signalling fair or calling foul. On a fly ball, this means going out.
• Batter-runner. You have the batter-runner all the way to 3^rd. The exception is if you go out, in which case the PU has the runner.

From the B position

In the B position you have a runner on 1^st (R1), or runners on 1^st and 3^rd (R1, R3). If you're on the small diamond you're outside the base path. On the big diamond, you're inside (see Start Positions).

• Plays on all runners at all bases. On a batted ball to the infield, your have all runners at all bases. Slide in the working area, stay chest-to-ball, and let the ball take you to plays on runners. Be alert for the double play.
• Illegal slide into 2nd base. On an attempted double play, watch for the illegal slide at 2nd. Of course, once you turn to pick up the play at 1st base you can no longer see the action of R1 into 2nd; the PU should have an eye on that.
• First-to-Third. Remember that you're in a first-to-third situation, so on balls to the outfield (if not caught), the PU has R1 into third base, if he goes.
• Catch/No-Catch. On a fly ball to the outfield, you have catch/no-catch responsibility in the cone. Fly balls in the infield typically belong to the PU – unless it's right in your face.
• Base touches. We listed this earlier, but it's easy to forget base touches when you're watching for plays on runners. Don't forget to watch base touches.

From the C position

In the C position you have a runner on 2^nd. All of the other bases may or may not be occupied, but if you have a runner on second you're in C, regardless of all else – that is, R1, R2 / R2, R3 / R2 only, and bases loaded.

• Plays on all runners at all bases. With a runner (or runners) in scoring positin, the PU is "staying home," so you have all runners at all bases. Slide in the working area, stay chest-to-ball, and let the ball take you to plays on runners.
• Catch/No-Catch. On a fly ball to the outfield, you have catch/no-catch responsibility in the cone. Fly balls in the infield typically belong to the PU – unless it's right in your face.
• Base touches. Can't emphasize this enough.
• Interference and obstruction. Repeating this because with multiple runners there are many opportunities for interference or obstruction to occur.

Responsibilities of the Plate Umpire (PU)

Responsibilities of the plate umpire (PU) are much less variable than for the base umpire; the other side of the coin, of course, is that the PU has a greater number of highly visible and important tasks.

In ALL situations

• Rule on balls and strikes. This includes ruling on foul tips, checked swings, and batter hit by pitch. You may consult with your partner; further, the defense can request an appeal on checked swings that are not called a strike.
• Fair/foul rulings on both base lines to the bag. You own all fair/foul calls on the first and third base lines and on the foul lines extended. The only exception is when U1 is in the A position; in that case, PU has fair/foul on the first base line up to (but not including) the first base bag while U1 has the call from the bag and beyond.
• Game management. The PU is crew chief and is primarily responsible for game management. You run the pregame meeting with your partner, as well as the plate meeting with the team managers.
• Maintain the official lineup. You carry and manage the official lineup for the game.
• Manage substitutions. All substitutions go through you, and through you to the scorekeeper. For more information, see Substitutions.
• Manage batting order infractions. If the defense appeals a batting order infraction (batting out of order), you own arbitrating, ruling, and remedying the situation.
• Balks and illegal pitches. Your partner is also watching for pitching infractions. Some are best seen by the PU, others by the U1.
• Interference/obstruction and malicious contact at home. Watch for the catcher blocking the plate without the ball (obstruction), defensive interference ("catcher's interference"), as well as for intentional malicious contact by a runner attempting to score.
• Running lane violation. You must watch for the running lane violation on all batted balls fielded in the vicinity of the plate.
• Overthrows out of play. While your partner has the runners, you have the call on a ball overthrown out of play. This most commonly happens on the throw to first on an infield batted ball (often into the dugout or beyond the out-of-play lines) and you must call an immediate dead ball. We cover this and other scenarios in the article Awarding Bases.
• Batted ball hits batter. With the batter still in the batter's box and a batted ball touching the batter (either directly, or indirectly bouncing off the plate), you have a foul ball/dead ball.
• Infield fly. The infield fly is technically the PU's call, but convention has it that any umpire can call the infield fly.
• All plays at home plate. You own home plate.
• Putting the ball in play. Either umpire can call Time. But only the PU puts the ball back in play.

With no runners on

• Fair/Foul. With no runners on, your partner is in A, so you have the fair/foul call all the way on the 3^rd base side, and you have it up to (but not including) the bag on the 1st base side.
• Catch/no-catch. You have all catch/no-catch responsibility unless your partner goes out from A. If your partner goes out, you have the batter-runner all the way. Except for that case, you have all catch/no-catch. Move quickly into the infield to get a good position to see the catch.
• Swipe tag/pulled foot. On a batted ball to the infield, trail the batter-runner up the 1^st base line. Stop before the BR reaches 1^st and watch for a pulled foot or swipe tag.
• Plays at the plate. You have the play at the plate should one develop.

With runners on first or first and third

With R1 or R1, R3 you're in a first-to-third situation, which means that you have plays on R1 at 3rd base if he advances that far. Exception: with a fly ball down the right field line you will have the fair/foul and catch/no-catch on that ball, so you call to your partner "I'm on the line," which tells him you will not be covering R1 into 3rd base.

• Fair/foul and Catch/no-catch on the lines. Any batted ball to the outfield that brings the right or left fielders toward their respective lines belongs to you. Move out from behind the plate and quickly get position on the appropriate foul line so you can rule on the fair/foul, then the catch/no-catch if necessary.
• Take R1 into third base. On any batted ball to the outfield, following the fair/foul or catch/no-catch rulings (if any), move up the third base line to get any play on R1 at third base. The exception, of course, is if you have a fair/foul call in right field. For more on that, see first-to-third situation.
• All plays at the plate. You own all plays at the plate, of course. This means that on a batted ball to the outfield with runners on both 1st and 3rd, you must see R3's base touch at home before moving all the way to third base to get R1, if he comes. The proper technique is to take a few steps toward third base, then stop to see R3 touch home, then turn and hustle up to third.
• Batted ball to the infield. On a batted ball to the infield you have three main responsibilities:
  • Illegal slide at second base. Clear the catcher and find a position for a clear view of second base and back up you partner by watching R1's slide into second. If an illegal slide, call it.
  • Pulled foot and swipe tag at first base. If no illegal slide, turn and step immediately to watch the batter-runner into first base, looking for pulled foot or swipe tag.
  • R1 at third if all hell breaks loose. In the unlikely event of errors or overthrows that lead R1 to advance beyond second, hustle up to third to cover any play on R1 at third base.
• Touches and tags at third base. With multiple runners you tag-ups and base touches by all runners at third base.

With runners in scoring position

Runners in scoring position means (a) a runner on second, (b) runners on second and third, (c) runners on first and second, or (d) bases loaded. Additionally, in configurations (c) and (d) (and fewer than two outs) you're also in an infield fly situation. On all batted balls you are "staying home," meaning that U1 has all runners at all bases and you have everything at home.

• Infield fly. Technically, the PU owns calling the infield fly, but in practice either umpire can call it.
• All plays at home. You have all plays on all runners at home plate.
• Fair/foul on both lines. Your partner is in C, so you have fair/foul on both lines all the way to the foul pole.
• Touches and tags at third base. With multiple runners you have all tag-ups and base touches at third base.

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Last Updated: 07 March 2020

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   Start Positions (two-man)

In this article we discuss the start positions for the base umpire on both the small and big diamonds. But before we go any farther, we need to define some terms:

• Small diamond. Baseball diamond with 60-foot base paths and 46-foot pitching distance. This small field is common for leagues whose players are 12 years old and younger.
• Big diamond. All fields larger than the "small diamond," up to and including the regulation field with 90-foot base paths and pitching distance of 60'-6".
• U1, U2, etc.. Abbreviations for the base umpires. In the two-man system there is only one base umpire, of course: U1. With three- and four-man crews, the number signifies their start-position with no runners on base – U1 near first base, U2 near second base, and U3 near third base. In the three-man system, you have two base umpires, U1 and U3.
• PU. Plate umpire.
   

On the Big Diamond

There are four start positions on the big diamond, labled A, B, C, and D. For now just ignore D because it does not come into play in the two-man system.

Notice that there are two B positions – one outside the bases and the other inside. We'll talk more about this below, but in brief, you occupy the B position outside the base path with no runners on base. Of course, you can only be in the B position with no runners on base if you are working a four-man crew, so it will not come into play in two-man mechanics.
 

On the Small Diamond

Similar to the big diamond, are four start positions on the small diamond; these are also labled A, B, C, and D. Again, ignore D because it does not come into play in the two-man system.

Figure 2. Start positions on the small diamond. Run your mouse/cursor over the image to see the fielders superimposed.

Notice that in contrast to the big diamond, all of the start positions are outside of the basepath. The small diamond is just too small to accommodate umpires grouped inside the base paths.
 

You have to learn this:

You simply have to learn and know instinctively which base-runner configurations require you to be in which start positions. Fortunately, this is really easy to learn:

Important: These start positions are the same for both big and small diamond.

Rotations from the Start Positions

The instant a ball is put into play, every umpire on the field goes into motion. The direction in which the umpire goes is determined by that nature of the batted ball – specifically, whether it is a batted ball to the infield, a line drive to the outfield, a fly ball to the outfield, a shot down the foul line, and so forth. Both umpires go into motion, and their movements are coordinated. The coordinated action of the umpires in response to the batted ball is called their rotation.

We discuss these rotations in detail in the next article in the series, The Basic Rotations.

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Last Updated: 07 March 2020

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   Covering Rundowns

While covering rundowns is pretty straightforward, there are a handful of important nuances:

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Last Updated: 07 March 2020

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