Thursday, March 13 , 2008

by Erik Nilson
Contributing Editor

Pressure/Overthrow Mechanic Clarified

Nilson,
I thought I understood the new mechanic when I first heard about it, but so many questions came up in training that I am now confused. When does the plate umpire take the runner? When does the base umpire take the overthrow?  

Dazed and Confused

Mr. Confused,

This mechanic has been dissected too much and over-analyzed. It is actually a very simple mechanic, but first let's review the situation. The situation is no runners on and the base umpire taking a play at first base in foul territory, which is rare. The plate umpire now has responsibility for a following play at second base and the base umpire will have responsibility for the overthrow.

The base umpire must stay with the play to decide out or safe at first. The plate umpire will be heading up the first base line to the 45-foot line. If the runner is safe and the ball gets away, the batter-runner may attempt to reach second. When the plate umpire decides the runner might attempt second base, he will communicate, "I've got the runner." The plate umpire now has responsibility for the runner and the base umpire now has responsibility for the ball. The base umpire may choose to respond with, "I've got the ball." The key is that the plate umpire has to read the play and decide when the runner becomes his responsibility.

On the other hand, if the throw to first is caught and the runner decides to attempt second base, it will just become a normal play back into first or a rundown, in which the plate umpire will not take over all responsibility. I hope this explanation helped simplify the mechanic for you to develop a better understanding.

Nilson

Erik Nilson answers your umpire rules, mechanics and other questions in "NAIL it!" as needs arise. Send your questions to eriknil@hotmail.com