Thursday, February 16, 2023

Carlson's Read Step on Awkward Throw at 1st Base

For this Teachable, 1B Umpire Mark Carlson demonstrates the light touch of a read step to adapt and adjust to an awkward throw at first base, as Cubs batter-runner Willson Contreras attempts to avoid Twins fielder Miguel Sano's tag on Josh Donaldson's off-line throw.

In officiating this play, Carlson trusts his instincts to move from the focal point of Sano's foot, which comes off the bag, to follow the ball toward Contreras' batting glove, which is tagged prior to the batter-runner arriving at first base. Carlson's call of "out" was confirmed via Replay Review.

Video as follows: