The HELP call for pop-ups and fly balls
Sometimes the shortstop calls for a pop-up and then loses it in the sun. We added a HELP call for that, and it only works if everyone else stays close enough to take over.
The shortstop and the center fielder have the highest priority in their parts of the field. That creates a danger: What happens if one of them calls for a ball too early and then realizes he can’t get there?
If you know fly ball priority, you know that the center fielder owns anything he calls and that the corner outfielders beat any infielder. The shortstop runs the infield, with the second baseman next and the corners after that. The pitcher and catcher are the last resort (although the pitcher still has to be ready, because weak pop-ups die in front of the mound when no one takes charge).
Now say the shortstop calls it. “BALL! BALL! BALL!” Then the wind blows it another direction, or he loses it in the sun, and he can’t get there. Everyone else backed off, because he called it.
So the Spiders added a call: HELP!
When the fielder who called the ball realizes he can’t make it, he yells “HELP!” and priority falls to whoever calls it next. For that to work, it’s important that the other fielders don’t completely give up on the ball when a teammate calls it. Give him room to make the play, but stay close enough to take over if he needs you.
Two more things. I prefer “BALL!” to “I got it!” because it’s shorter and it carries, and I want it said three times. And practice calling it loudly, because with the fans and the other dugout, it’s always louder during the game than it is at practice.
Still have a question? Ask Coach Fungo.
“Just because the shortstop called it doesn't mean the third baseman should run away.”
I wrote the long version of this when I coached the Spiders: Pop-Up and Fly Ball Priority on SpidersElite.
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