Link to Maine HS Sports Standings

Now that our state has published the first round of the team standings, you might like to be able to access this information from our blog.  Click below or on the MPA Standings in the “blogroll” where other links are located.

 MAINE PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION HEAL POINT STANDINGS   http://www.mpa.cc/hpmenu.html

Don’t forget to check out the Umpire Photo Gallery.  All pictures are used to teach some aspect of umpiring.  Local Bangor area (EMBUA) umpires are featured most of the time.

CHECK OUT UMPIRE LEARNING PICTURE AREA http://picasaweb.google.com/ShawnKball/OfficiatingBlogPics

also known as Umpire Photo Gallery in Blogroll

 

Lefty Pickoff at First Base (NFHS)

As you continue to explore additional ways to help you rule on left handed pitchers’ move to first base, make sure that you do not forget the rules and mechanics that govern the declaration of a balk.

• Rule Reference: Rule 6-2-4 (b, d, f apply most specifically to the lefty pickoff)

• Mechanics — Immediately call time using both hands above head while verbally communicating “Time”!
  • (NFHS Rule 5-1-1k) Ball is dead immediately when:
    • 

Some things to help you decide from “B” or “C” positions:

• (Article 4f) Can you see the bottom of the pitcher’s foot swinging back over the pitcher’s plate? This is a pretty good indicator that the pitcher’s “entire non-pivot foot passes behind the perpindicular plane of the back edge of the pitcher’s plate”. If the pitcher throws directly to any base other that 2nd base, he has committed a balk (and he can only throw to 2nd if he is making a play on a moving runner.

Some help from the “plate”, “A”, “B”, or “C” positions:

• (Article 4b) Since “to step with the non-pivot foot directly toward a base” has been interpreted as no more than 45 degrees (half way) to home plate, we can visualize where half way is drawing a mental line extending at a 45 degrees from the midpoint along the front of the pitcher’s plate. If the pitcher’s foot lands on or beyond this imaginary line, a balk has been committed.

• (Article 4d) The pitcher cannot stop his motion once he begins to pitch. Part of his body must continue to move. If he stops his body and his non-pivot leg, it is a balk.
  • 

Another tip to help you from plate position:

• As the left steps towards first base and lands, if they step legally, you should see space betweens the pitcher’s legs (in contrast, no space when he steps directly towards you.

From the “A” position in a 3 or 4-person system, you have the best look available. Position yourself so that a direct throw by the pitcher will go just over your left shoulder (closer to first base than most umpires work with a runner on first). This gives you a better look on that swinging non-pivot leg. Study the pitcher on all pitches knowing whether he breaks the plane of the back of the rubber. When the pitcher does something different, there is a good chance he is coming to first. You do not want to be surprised because any time that we are surprised, our timing and judgement are compromised. Know where that imaginary line on the ground is located. Be ready to pull the trigger on the balk!

TIP: If you are unsure and possibly get fooled on the first questionable move to first (your gut and coaches/fans will let you know), go to the mound at the end of the half inning (act like you are checking the ball) and look for the footprint. If a balk should have been called, you then know that if the lefty’s foot lands there again, you will enforce the balk. Get fooled once, but never twice!

Remember to keep your balk discussions with coaches brief. There really isn’t much to say. “He stepped to home.” “He broke the back plane of the pitcher’s plate.” “He deceived the runner(s).” “He hung and stopped his non-pivot leg.” As I said in an earlier post, do not start showing what the pitcher did. You are not a pitcher and the whole crowd doesn’t need you to keep them focused on the coach questioning your call.

All of the help on this topic and throughout this umpire learning blog requires mental and/or physical training. Work on these things while you are at home, on the field, or on the ride to/from the game. You may not get this tough balk situation until you are in the playoffs and you want to shine.