California District 25
Little League Umpires

Base Umpire

In a two umpire system, the Base Umpire, as the name implies is responsible for the actions of all the runners at all three bases, unless otherwise agreeded upon during the pre-game meeting, when the plate umpire may be responsible for runners at certain bases, usually third.
 
Regardless of which starting position (below) the base umpire is in, he will take a stance with his or her feet about shoulder width apart. When the pitcher comes to the set position the base umpire will bend slightly at the knees with his hands on or just above the knees, keeping the back straight and his head and eyes level. Regardless of which position the base umpire is in, he should make sure that he can see the pitcher, batter and any base runners that may be on base when the pitch crosses the plate.

Depending on the position, or lack thereof, of runners on base the Base Unpire will be located in one of three positions.

• A Position - No runners on base - Approximately 10 - 15 feet behind the first baseman, in foul teritory.  In the event the first baseman is playing particularly deep (i.e. for a left handed batter) this distance can be closed up some. It should also be lenghtened some if the first baseman is playing extremely in (i.e. in anticipation of a bunt.)  Depending on the exact layout of the field, about where the infield dirt and outfield grass meet is a general reference for a good starting point. Adjust accordingly!

• B Position - Runner on first base only! - On the edge of the outfield grass behind the second baseman. Offset to one side (generally towards the 2nd base side,) but may change if the second base is playing very close to the bag. Again at the time of the pitch, the umpire should have an unobstructed view of the pitcher, batter and the runner on first.

• C Postion - ALL other times with one or more runners on base - On the edge of the outfield grass behind the shortstop. Offset to one side (generally towards the 3rd base side,) but may change if the shortstop is playing 'deep in the hole'. This time at the time of the pitch the umpire should have an unobstructed view of the pitcher, batter and any runner(s) on base.