We've had some complaints on the position of the field umpire on some calls. Let me take a moment to address D8's umpire mechanics.

District 8 umpires use the standard two man crew mechanics recommended by Little League. There is an obscure baseball rule that states if an umpire is hit by a batted ball and he's behind the infielders, it's a live ball. If an umpire is in close on the grass (in front of the regular infielders but behind the pitcher) and is struck by a batted ball, the ball is dead, the batter awarded 1st base and all runners forced to advance due to the batter reaching 1st base are moved up. Now, knowing that rule is in effect, D8 uses the standard "outside mechanic" for the field umpire. They position the field umpire in generally 1 of 3-4 positions based on where the base runners are located.

Position A is when bases are empty. The field umpire will always be in foul territory behind 1st base. This way he can see the play at 1st and also be in position to see a foul ball hit to right field.

Position B is when a runner is at 1st. The field umpire will be behind the 2nd baseman and shaded toward the bag at second. He is in position for a steal. He can watch the runner to ensure he doesn't leave early and he can be within a few steps of 2nd base if there is a play to call due to a steal or batted ball.

Position C is when a runner is at 2nd base or 1st and 2nd. The field umpire will be behind the SS and shaded toward the bag at second. He is in position to see both runner if they were to leave early on a steal. He will also be able to be at either 2nd or 3rd in a few steps to make a call due to a steal or batted ball.

Position D is very similar to C. The only difference is the umpire will shade closer to 3rd than 2nd base. If there is a runner at 3rd and there is a lot of "activity" between pitches and a pickoff attempt is likely, the umpire wants to be as close to the play as possible.

Knowing the Little League recommended mechanics for two umpires, realize that you will almost always have an umpire behind your infielders and most likely on the left side of the diamond if runners are on base. This mechanic keeps the umpire from accidently killing a play by being hit by a ball and it give them the best opportunity to make a call on a lead runner. What it doesn't do is put them in the BEST position to make a call at EVERY bag. Most umpires hate the outside mechanic but the Little League field is so small it's really necessary so they stay out of the way of the defense. As field size increases, you'll see the field umpire utilize an inside mechanic where they are mostly stationed somewhere behind the pitcher.

Now imagine what the umpire has to deal with when a ball is put in play and runners at various bases. The umpire has NO IDEA what some of these kids are going to do! He has to ensure the runners didn't leave too early, find the ball, locate the fielder and watch to see where the player decides to throw the ball. Once the ball is thrown, he has to get in the best position to make the call at the base where the ball is going. If he's near 3rd base and the ball is thrown to 1st base, he has to make a call from across the field. That's VERY difficult but it's the best that can be expected based on him putting a priority on being near the lead runner. It's difficult to see a 1st baseman pull his foot from that distance. If something like this happens and you feel he didn't see it, the procedure is simple. Request time, ADDRESS THE UMPIRE THAT MADE THE CALL. Don't just say, "Blue I want to appeal that to the HP umpire". Technically, the coach can't appeal that play by himself, but he can ask the umpire who made the call to request some input from his partner. Ask the umpire that made the call to consult with the HP umpire who should have a good view of the 1st baseman's foot. If the HP umpire was watching and saw the foot pull, they will likely reverse the call and put the runner back on 1st base. Please note, if there was a possible play at HP, the plate umpire may not have seen the foot either. 4 eyes can't see it all but most of the time they are watching for things like that. Also note, even if it's obvious to the HP umpire that the foot was pulled and the field umpire signals "OUT!", the HP umpire will not automatically overrule the field umpire. The field umpire must ask for assistance and that usually is requested by the coach that is seeking another opinion/view of the play.

The hardest part of this is for the coach to keep his cool during the play. Energy levels are high when the game is in progress so take a deep breath before you ask for another opinion. If you come across confident and collected, life is always better.

I've heard so many parent complain that an umpire is out of position to make a call, well most of the time they are in a good positon to make a call on the lead runner but the play may be made on a trailing runner and even though he's technically in the correct position according to the mechanic, he's not in the best to make EVERY call.

If you have comments or questions, fire away!