|
Mike, as usual, you make very valid points about scheduling. I have never objected to a 2 on 1 off format. I may whine about it, but it's good natured and I know it's best for the game, overall.
However, I called 6 straight today. The 5th game ended on my BU asking me if the 1st baseman made the tag. I had stopped at the start of the running lane and confirmed she did. I fully believe in the 6th game, I was still running right behind the runner to 1st, and still covering my responsibilities at 3rd. Did I mention my partner did the 1st 3 behind the plate and I did the last 3? Of course, one big advantage, it was only somewhere in the 70's and a slight wind blowing. No heat factor at all. I don't consider myself an iron man (I used to, several years ago). We did this for $10.00 a game today, just to let some of the select teans get in some game practice. No pressure, easy going. But my partner and I both call every game just like it was the championship game in an important tournament. Neither one of us do it for the money. We just flat enjoy the game and love calling it.
I don't know what the cutoff number of games is, I suspect it's dependent on each umpire. I also know that to be fair, you have to be the same for all the umpires. And above all, the integrity of the game comes first.
I just don't believe you can put a set number on the amount of games to be called each day by the blues. I understand it's also dependent on the number of umpires you can find to call that weekend. You just can't cover all situations with just one set guideline for games played.
I'm not "bullheaded" and want to call all the games every day. I enjoy the company on my off games. But I also fully believe I can still call 8 games a day Fast Pitch and still be hauling down the line behind the batter-baserunner in the 8th game. If not, I would tell the UIC before the game ever started to get someone else.
__________________
Rick
|