ositioning at the plate isn't always a matter of choice. Sometimes, because of the number of umpires, we have little choice in what position we can use for calling a play at the plate. In the two-umpire system, which most umpires work, the plate umpire nearly always has responsibilities at third base. With that as a requisite, the umpire must move up the line, away from the plate to be ready for a play at either third or home. When the play does develop at home, the umpire usually only has time to obtain the traditional 90 degree angle position for the call at the plate. Even if an umpire is lucky enough to work a three-umpire system, if one of his partners chase a ball to the outfield, he is again left with responsibilities at both third and home. The same situation can occur in the four-umpire system. (But who gets to work those games anyway?)

Given what I have pointed out above, in order to accurately investigate the pros and cons of positioning for calls at the plate, I am going to address each with the premise that the umpire has no responsibilities at third base and has the luxury to choose his position according to what the play dictates.

Continued...