he ASA introduced the technique of having the plate umpire trail the batter-runner up the first base line on balls batted to the infield in 1983. By now it has become one of those mechanics umpires do almost without thinking...which isn't always good. When we don't think about why we do something, at least in the pre-game, we are more likely to do something ill-suited to the situation. Let's review why we trail in the first place, what exactly the trail mechanic is, and when we should not trail.
Why trail?
Whenever umpires gather to talk, you can usually count on someone mentioning that it's important to know the the intent of a rule. The same thing holds true for mechanics. Instructors have a reason for every mechanic they teach. Understanding those reasons helps umpires determine when to use any particular mechanic.
We trail the batter-runner to first base on balls hit to the infield because it puts us in a better position to see a variety of plays (or possible plays) that he may need to rule on or assist with. An umpire trails so he can:
- See any three-foot lane interference
- Give help with a pulled foot if requested
Continued...
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