Teachable - Proper Use of Eyes with David Rackley

Tmac's Teachables visits 1B Umpire David Rackley calling a Mariners-Blue Jays game, and specifically a play at first base that sees Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr lunging to catch a ball and stretch to keep a foot on first base as Seattle runner JP Crawford steps on the bag.

Rackley's proper use of eyes starts with focusing on one spot—the foot's contact or lack thereof with the base in this case, as umpires are instructed to listen for other aspects of these types of plays at first base, such as the ball hitting the fielder's glove or mitt.

After verifying that Guerrero caught the ball while his foot was still touching first base, Rackley patiently follows Guerrero to the ground, making sure the baseball remains in Guerrero's possession throughout the sequence.

Once Rackley confirms all aforementioned aspects—fielder caught the ball with a foot tagging first base prior to the runner's arrival, and that the fielder retained control of the ball—he properly rules the batter-runner out at first base, a call affirmed via Replay Review.

To recap, the General Instructions to Umpires in OBR includes the following: "Keep your eye everlastingly on the ball while it is in play. It is more vital to know just where a fly ball fell, or a thrown ball finished up, then whether or not a runner missed a base. Do not call the plays too quickly, or turn away too fast when a fielder is throwing to complete a double play. Watch out for dropped balls after you have called a player out."

Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Proper Use of Eyes with 1B Umpire David Rackley (CCS)