Quote:
Originally posted by BigUmp56
Mike:
My comment about the "Smitty's" was completely sarcastic. I get tired of hearing how all LL umpires are untrained or unkempt, "Smitty's."
Some of us that work LL games ( notice that's a real baseball field they're training on ) take great pride in educating and improving ourselves.
The guys in the picture look professional and interested in what's going on with the play. I hope this help's dismiss the image some of the members have of LL umpires with no uniform, equipment outside their clothing, hat's backward, etc...
On the play itself, I posted the picture to spark an actual baseball officiating discussion. As you can see, there are differing opinions on how best to see the tag here. I think that's what makes these forums interesting to read. I enjoy hearing how others would call a play when faced with the same situation.
Personally, I would call this from 3BXL a few steps to the right of the plate. But that's not saying anyone who would call it from a different position is wrong in their approach. I think the play can be called from 1BLX without being straightlined if the PU gets a good lean and look, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Tim.
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Great, Tim. I'm sorry I misread your intent. I also agree with your sentiment, although I'm not inclined to think this will fix the problem. LL will always have that stigma because LL is so big and all-inclusive and, for most umpires calling the games, it is their initial foray into umpiring. As a result, there will always be lots of smittys. Peoiple see them, and all LL umps are branded.
As I mentioned earlier in this thread, the clinic was professional, and attended by umps from all different levels, including LL.
Mike