Pause - Read - React

One Very Small Step for the Umpire

It is a small step, but for the base umpire it is the most important step that can be taken.

"Pause, Read, React" -- the foundation of quality umpiring -- but simply knowing that mantra is not enough to improve the level of an umpire's work. Carefully breaking down the mechanics into an ordered structure, a disciplined routine, repeated every time ... the Read Step is without a doubt the most important first move the base umpire makes.

Let me state at the outset that I am not going to steal the thunder of the workout you will get at a professional clinic such as one run by the Jim Evan's Academy of Professional Umpiring. I do hope however to scratch the surface and open the eyes of the amateur umpire to one of the techniques we see employed each day on professional diamonds, and by highly trained colleagues.

While some of the concepts may be similar for an umpire working within the infield, the concept of stepping up to the ball for example, it is primarily written to help the base umpire in a situation where there are no runners on base. Taking what is often referred to as a Read Step really changes the whole dimension of why you pause.

Starting Position

The base umpire will be standing in foul territory, with their right foot about six inches from the foul line. They will be about 10 to 12 feet behind the first baseman, but never closer then 12 feet from first base. This is what is known as the standard "A" position.

The base umpire will probably be in a hands-on-knees ready position prior to the pitcher committing to home. The umpire is also aware that watching the pitcher for an illegal pitch and also focusing on the actions of the batter are an important part of their responsibilities.

The batter hits the ball ….

The First Decision - Where is the ball?

The moment a ball is put into play the base umpire must make one decision based completely on the path of the batted ball: "Is this a play that is in my coverage area?" What is the base umpire's coverage area. Essentially, in the two umpire system, the base umpire is responsible for any ball hit to the right side of the infield. This includes any ball hit at, or to the right of the center fielder. This can be a very short pause and a very quick read indeed. The ball bounding down the third base line is clearly not in your area while the ball hit directly at the second baseman is/

At this point one of two things can happen:

1. The ball is in my coverage area so I will take a Read Step. I will turn so that both of my feet are essentially standing on the baseline. At this point I will read the developing play.
2. The ball is in my partner's coverage area so I will take a Crossover step with my left foot and come into the diamond pivoting to see the batter-runner touch first.

The Important First Step

Crossover Step: If the ball is not in the base umpire's coverage area the umpire has two responsibilities: either the base umpire will have a play at first base, or the umpire will be entering the diamond to observe the runner's touch of the base and possible continuing on to second or other option. Why take a crossover step with the left foot? Try it for yourself. Take three steps ... do it twice. First time start by leading off with the right foot. Second time, lead off by crossing the left foot over. Which set of steps moved you farther and easier? The crossover step.

Read Step: With a ball in my coverage area I pivot 90 degrees to stand along the baseline and watch the ball. (Actually I watch the fielders who lead me to the ball.) This is often referred to as "coming up to the ball" while others refer to it as similar to "opening the gate." From this point my reading of the play allows me to make a decision on what course of action I will follow. Essentially my options are:

• Go out on the ball because it is a trouble ball or will require a fair/foul decision.
• Access that it is a simple base hit and come into the diamond pivoting to take the runner.
• Recognize that there is pressure from a fielder and respond with the proper pressure mechanics.

It takes practice and experience to gain control of this simple first step to base umpiring. It takes an experience instructor to guide an umpire through the initial steps and to hone his judgment.

"Pause - Read - React" is so much more then a slogan. In the hands of a talented umpire it is an important mechanic. Books have been written on pressure mechanics and coverage mechanics. It is ironic that this essential ingredient, the importance of taking a step and reading the play, is often missing.

... in my personal opinion only

The opinions expressed above are solely those of the author and do not reflect the policy, practice, teaching or instruction of any individual, organization, association or group.