[Ump20]

Originally posted by Bfair
...We also need to recognize the broad majority of baseball played is amateur and not professional, yet we continue to accept and apply interpretations and opinions directed from and specifically for the professional level...

I wonder how many umpires who are involved in an Association that does multiple leagues have in their possession (not necessarily on the field) specific rule books for those leagues. I know Little League has their own book and Babe Ruth has their own website. I do Little League, FABL, National Junior Baseball and mostly Connie Mack. For Connie Mack we are told that they use OBR American League and receive a one-page list of exceptions such as courtesy runners for pitchers and catchers, the run rule, avoid contact rule and confirmation that metal cleats are permitted. I think consistency; game control and management judge umpires.

...No wonder there are inconsistencies on the diamonds. Am I supposed to take pride in enforcing an interpretation that is different than that which is in the rulebook, different than that which the coaches have seen published, and different than that which even my partner(s) may be aware of? Of course, I can tell them "I am right and current. I got it off the internet!" Can you see the problem?

I think some of the difficulty is learning when you give a speeding ticket, when you don't and when you just wave the traffic on. Little League might be 45mph in a 45mph zone while Varsity baseball might be 50MPH in that same zone. I wouldn't try to learn how to hit by watching the 210 hitters (No disrespect to memory of hitting instructor Charley Lau). I would try watching the 300 hitters. Some of these 300 guys are regular posters here. There is inconsistency on fields because we have .210 umpires mixed with all-stars.

...Can you think of any better way to improve the game than spearheading a move toward a universal set of rules geared toward amateur baseball---even if those rules have various exceptions for age differences? BTW, I will buy the new amateur rulebook, casebook, and another BRD---to make your efforts worthwhile...

I don't think we need the rules of How To Umpire written down although I would be in the market for another video or two. I had a Connie Mack doubleheader near the end of last summer. We were doing a second game after a makeup because the coaches needed to make up another game. My partner was BU top of first with runner on second and no one out. The runner tried to cross over on a routine grounder to SS. I glanced away to watch the batter-runner touch first as a routine throw went to 3B. The next thing my partner did was call a "SAFE". We were off to a real shaky start because BU forgot one of Carl's (and a host of other good umpires) rules, #23. Make An Unusual Call On A Routine Play*. When I started out umpiring ten years ago I would not have understood how failing to actually tag the runner was still an out! The fielder did get his glove down with ball and the runner did nothing special just something dumb.[/QUOTE][/i]

All the fuss that occurs is no different than different religions arguing the Bible. There are varying views and interpretations in the many gray areas. People accept what best suits there needs. Some practice the philosophy of verbatim. Others practice the philosophy of intent and neo-romanticism, and others a mix of both to suit their own needs...

The Internet is here for the free exchange of ideas. It is a great democracy but to me that does not mean all posts carry equal weight.

Most importantly, to question an imperfect system is not wrong, Carl. And to disagree with those who state or imply you are wrong in questioning it---------------well, that's not wrong either. I am not in Pleasantville and I have no intent in moving there (unless of course I consider running for Mayor).

Just wondering when the season starts in Pleasantville and which umpires get to do playoffs?

Just my opinion,

Jim
POMO
(Posting On My Own)
(*)51 Ways to Ruin a BASEBALL Game