|
Good umpires are hardly noticed during games. The ones that get talked about among coaches and fans are the ones that stand out for negative reasons.
I'll also have to disagree with this statement. I have had several games both baseball and softball where players, fans, and parents did notice the good, and complimented me after the game. I recently called a BB game and later met the coaches and half the team in a local fast food joint. I again was given the praise, and this is from a team which had lost!
This past saturday, I worked a tourney (SB) with my wife. Worked 9 games, if game finished at 12:20 pm after extra innings. Several parents made extra effort to praise us both for a job well done, especially my wife. This wasn't rhetoric, it was actual thanks! I also had as a catcher in 1 game a cute young-un in pigtails (we did 10U all day long) whom I would tell, after brushing off plate to start half inning, I gotta see a smile before we can start. She would then grin from ear to ear, and so would I. I found out later this was the daughter of a varsity BB coach from a few miles away, and I have called some of his games. He's not crazy about my BB strike zone, but he and his wife both gave compliments at tourney! I told them about the smile issue, and mom said that the DD was "grumpy" but she noticed that she now seemed happier and was playing harder.
Good umpires ARE noticed, and the coaches, parents, and fans really appreciate the umpires who are trying to do the best for their players. The kids are the ones who really matter though, and they also notice the good umpires and remember them.
Good umpires still have critics, and there was no shortage saturday. However, you go on and call as fair and as properly as you possibly can. You will be remembered for the good job you have done.
|