Quote:
Originally posted by PeteBooth
Warren I have to disagree with you on this. IMO and watching baseball for a long time, the merits of the play do matter.
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All due respect, Pete, if the umpire is watching the game play, so he can decide what bias to add when he gets a close call, then he is NOT focusing on making the right call in the first place.
Male human beings are only truly capable of focusing on one thing at a time. That is a scientific and physiological fact that stems from our pre-historical role as hunters. That is why the pro schools spend so much time on concentration drills - to help prospective umpires rediscover and hone that ability to focus, and not be distracted by the game play. They can't do both and still get it right.
The few times that I have really regretted my calls on the diamond, I can trace my error back to a lack of concentration. I have become caught up in the game play and lost focus on the job at hand. It can happen to any of us. Don't go looking to create that situation by using game action as part of your decision-making.
Quote:
Originally posted by PeteBooth
I realize the PRO umpire will probably not admit it, but indeed uses the "benefit of doubt" theory in actual practice. I know I do and I think it is in a way "an expected call", meaning the players, fans etc want you to reward GREAT PLAYS again when it is too close to call or to use a Horse Race Term - Photo Finish.
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I have no doubt that pro umpires do use "benefit of doubt", but they don't base their decisions for that on game play. They base them on an understanding of the rules, their interpretations and the physics of the game.
I hear what you're saying about name players reaping the reward of their reputation - Ozzie Smith, Greg Maddux, etc - but that should be an entirely involuntary reaction on the part of the umpire, if it occurs at all. The problem is if Greg Maddux pitches and Ken Griffey Jnr leaves it as close but off the edge, who gets the benefit of the doubt? If Ozzie Smith fields the slow roller way early and Willie Mays still turns it into a tight play at 1st, who gets the benefit of the doubt then?
No, Pete, you would do better to concentrate on the job of deciding what really happened at the plate or the base, and calling the result accordingly. Umpires are not TV announcers and color men, so leave the enthusiasm over great game play to them!
Hope this helps
Cheers