(This article is an expansion of an article written by Glenn Waggoner)

One of the ways a batter becomes a batter-runner (BR) is on an award of first base after a base on balls.  The ball remains live and the BR is an active runner who may advance beyond first base.  Umpires must treat this as any other advancement by a BR; keep in mind that the runner has no obligation to stop at 1b.  She can also round 1b which might lead to a quick back-pick attempt.

The umpire mechanics for a base on balls is not covered in the CCA Manual; it is basically common sense mechanics but here are a few tips.

Plate umpire responsibilities

The plate umpire does not necessarily have to trail the BR, but should take the mask off and move away from home plate in the general direction of any possible play.

In a two-umpire system

• R0: move a few feet in front of home plate; the only possible play could be a rundown and now you are positioned closer to assist.
• R1: move a few feet toward 3b as the next possible play is R1 advancing to 3b
• R3: move with purpose toward the holding area; be ready to move toward 3b or the plate area if the BR continues to 2b, reading R3 to determine the defense’s possible first throw
• R2, R1R2, R1R3, R2R3: move toward 3b for R2 rounding 3b or R3 moving from 3b too far
• R1R2R3: move a few feet toward 3b as you watch R3 touch the plate and be ready for R2 rounding 3b.

In a three-umpire system

• R0: move from behind the plate and watch all action
• R1: move a few feet toward 3b as the next possible play is R1 advancing to 3b
• All other runner configurations: move a few feet away from the plate and stay alert

Base umpire responsibilities

The base umpire may have only the BR to cover, or may have multiple runner responsibilities.  Do not immediately move to your next starting position.  Watch each runner touch their awarded bases as you move in the direction of your next starting position or to a play that might be developing.  In the situations below it is assumed that any current runners are not stealing.

In a two-umpire system

• R0: move into the infield; stop about 10’ from 1b to observe the BR touch 1b. Watch for a possible advancement to 2b or a big rounding action; then go to your next starting position
• R1: move a few feet toward 2b and watch R1 and the BR touch their bases, then go to your next starting position. It is the plate umpire’s coverage if R1 advances to 3b
• R3: move with purpose toward the 2b/3b baseline and watch the BR
  • Be ready for a quick back-pick on R3.
  • If the BR advances to 2b be ready for a play at 2b or a delayed back-pick at 3b before the plate umpire can get there
  • If a rundown on R3 looks like it might develop, be ready to fill in at 3b.
• R2, R1R2, R1R3, R2R3: move a few feet toward the lead runner’s base in case a quick pick-off attempt is made; watch BR touch 1b
• R1R2R3: watch the BR, R1 and R2 touch their awarded bases; move a few feet toward the most aggressive runner’s awarded base

In a three-umpire system U1

• R0 or R1: move into the infield a few feet and observe the BR touch 1b
• All other runner configurations: watch all runners for whom you are responsible

In a three-umpire system U3

• R0: hustle toward 2b. Since the ball is in the infield area and to keep the play in front of you,  move until you are on the outfield side of 2b at your next starting position
• All other runner configurations: watch all runners for whom you are responsible

Summary

• Pre-pitch every situation
• Understand runner responsibilities
• Be ready for any action
• Do not move to your next starting position until all runners have stopped