We all as umpires watched,and unfortunately listened to the WCWS games on ESPN cringed at the announcers obvious lack of rules knowledge.To the casual observer,ie players,fans,etc.,their biased announcing against umpires was bad for all of us as umpires.Michelle Smith,Jennie Finch,and Stacy Neuvman are players at the top of their sport of softball.They were top notch,All American Collegiate players and now members of our USA Olympic Team.They played this game all the way up the ranks from childhood,but quite obviously,didnt bother to learn the rules of their sport.You would think they would at least have a clue,but their mindless babbeling,showed how liitle they know,or care about the rules.It is not hard to see why we have difficulty at times with coaches,players,parents,etc.when at the top they havent even got a clue as to the rules of the game.They should be ashamed of themselves!While I respect their skills on the field,they should definitely not be put in position as ambassadors of Womens Softball.
Jeff
NCAA Umpire
NFHS Umpire
ASA Umpire
|