There will likely be a time in your umpiring career when you will be asked to umpire a game by yourself. It is not uncommon due to the lack of umpires at all levels. Some higher baseball divisions may not allow a one-umpire system, but while it is not the preferred method, several youth leagues will allow it simply because there aren’t enough umpires.
I have worked several games alone over the many years I have umpired, and there is no easy way to call the game, but here are some pointers that will help you call the game fair and look good.
First of all, a myth I’d like to bust is it’s better to call the game from behind the mound than behind the plate when you work alone.
This is not true. You should always call the game from behind the plate when umpiring by yourself. By calling from behind the plate, you can position yourself in the slot and see the pitches much better, and you will be in the perfect position for any plays at the plate.
Appearance
Before the game starts, you are already being evaluated by parents, players, and coaches. Ensure you look your best by being well groomed, your uniform is not wrinkled, and your shoes are cleaned and polished. Also, make sure your ball bags and hat are clean and not wrinkled. By looking professional, you will gain some respect before you even call a pitch.
Plate Meeting
At the plate meeting, with a cheerful voice, let both managers know that you will be working by yourself. Let them know that you will be hustling and doing the best you can. Being positive and smiling while you tell them will go a long way, as most managers now understand the difficulty of getting umpires for the games.
Now that you have said that to the manager, you must deliver. Work hard on every pitch and every play. If the manager sees you working hard and doing your best, they are usually more understanding.
No Runners On Base
On a ground ball hit in the infield, you must first clear the catcher and hustle from behind the plate. You don’t want to trail the batter-runner as you usually would; when working alone, you want to get about 3 or 4 feet out in front of the plate.
Positioning yourself here will give you a good view at first base, and you will even be able to see if the first baseman pulls their foot. Make sure you come set when you make the call.
If there is an overthrow at first base, pick up the ball’s location and then the runner. If the runner continues, move with the runner, but keep an eye on the ball. Remember that nothing happens without the baseball.
If the ball goes through the infield, you will still want to clear the catcher to the left but move about halfway to the pitchers. Moving here will give you a good view of where the ball is, and if extra bases are possible, you will be closer to the play. You will want to move with the runner while watching the ball.
Anticipate where the fielder will be throwing the ball and take a few steps toward where the play will be.
On fly balls, you will follow the same as above, but you must try to get a good angle to view the catch.
If the fly ball is hit down the left field line, you must move up the line and get a good view. Remember your responsibilities on a hit ball. Fair/ Foul, Catch / No Catch and you are also responsible for touches. Take a peep to see if the batter-runner touched first. It can be challenging because you have so many things to do that you may not be able to see the touch but give a peep over in that direction to try to see.
On fly balls to right field, you will do the same thing you did on a ball hit to left field, except that you need to read the play. When the ball is hit, you must anticipate that there could be a play at first base.
If you sense a possible play coming into first base from right field, you will want to abandon the line and take a couple of steps to the left to get a good view of the play at first base.
On all fly balls hit to the outfield, and there will be a play at the plate on the batter-runner; you want to make the call from the inside of the diamond on the first base side. If the throw is coming from right field, you want to make the call from about five or six feet in front of home plate.
Runner On First Base Only
If you have a runner on first base and a ground ball is hit, you will follow the previous steps above, except instead of getting yourself 3 or 4 steps out in front of the plate, you will want to position yourself about 5 or 6 steps to the left of the pitcher’s plate. Positioning yourself here will give you a good view of second base and a good angle of the first base. Follow the ball in the direction of the throw and make the call.
Base hits, balls hit down the line, fly balls, and any plays at the plate, you will position yourself just as you would if there were no runners on. Stay alert, as there may be a play on the batter-runner on the back end of the play.
Runners On First and Second
Things are a lot different when there are multiple runners on base. Your responsibilities are Fair / Foul and then Catch / No Catch. Keeping your eye on the play is essential. One umpire can’t see everything with multiple runners on base, so reading the play is key.
When the ball is hit in the infield, either on the ground or in the air, move about halfway to the pitcher’s plate and get a good angle on the play.
On fly balls hit down either baseline, you must make the fair/foul call first and then move into a position to get a good angle on where the play will be. Your position will be determined by where the ball is thrown. Refrain from finding yourself ball-watching and ending up behind the plate when there is a play in the infield. Ensure you are in front of the plate and following the ball to the play.
If the play will be at the plate, hustle back behind the plate and make the call from there. It would be best if you always tried to make the call from behind the plate instead of in front of it. These calls will be made from either first base extended or third base extended, depending on where the throw is coming from.
Bases Loaded
When the bases are loaded on any hit ball, move up the third base line in foul ground. Ensure you do not impede the runner from advancing to the plate to score. You should also slightly turn your head and look for the touch at home.
For any fly balls, balls hit down the line, and whenever there is a possibility for a play at the plate, follow the positioning above with runners on base.
If there is no play at the plate, move inside the diamond and get into a position that will get you the best angle for the call.
The above positions are basic guidelines that work for me. Of course, every play on the field will vary. I recommend you do four things when calling the game by yourself.
- Be loud and be in charge. You are umpiring by yourself; everyone needs to be able to hear you.
- Get out from behind the plate. Don’t be lazy. Let everyone know you are working hard.
- Hustle, Hustle, Hustle
- Be Positive and have a good attitude.
Even though it is never ideal to work alone, doing these things should make for a more pleasurable experience.