Quote:
Originally posted by PeteBooth
IMO, Papa C touched on a good topic that could have generated some good and value added discussion especially in the offseason when he talked about Fair and Good. It's too bad it didn't receive more constructive attention instead of what transpired, but that's life in the internet Forums.
I will take it a step further and ask a question that might seem silly but exactly
What is a good umpire?
It's been said that it is harder to make it to the BIGS as an umpire than a Player.
In addition, when comparing umpires, It's not like we are comparing Joe Smo to AROD where there are statistics to back up ones point of view.
1. Is it Hard work and dedication
2. "good ole boy network"
3. Kiss up to the coaches
4. Willingness to travel
4. Luck
Exactly what is a good umpire?
I can't speak for College and the PROS but at the HS level more often than not it's not the best or good umpires that get the Playoff assignments but those that are ALWAYS available and "suck-up"
In a nutshell my opinion of a good umpire is one who is willing to (1) Learn (2) Hustle on the field (3) is not a "Homer" and could't care less who the participants are or coaches.
Ok let's see if we can generate some good solid discussion on exactly what is a good umpire.
IMO, in your responses it would be beneficial if you could site some actual experiences in which to share and help others.
Pete Booth
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1. Is it Hard work and dedication
This is an absolutely essential ingredient. I'd say the most important one. Nobody could be good without hard work and dedication, and it can be broken down a lot of different ways, like, a) knowledge of the rules; b) good mechanics; c) games management. My experience coming up and watching others come up is that a) & b) come easy when an umpire works at it, but c) requires experience.
2. "good ole boy network"
This is only a factor if the good ol' boys help the up-n-comers get good experience so they can master the intricacies of game management. In terms of being a successful umpire, if measured by post-season assignments, all it can do is get your foot in the door. You still need to BE good. Granted, some networks may be run so that bad umpires get their foot in the door every year, but look at Carbide's post. Does anyone think his is a good association? He may be a good umpire, but it seems clear that his association will turn out far fewer good ones than they would if it were well run.
3. Kiss up to the coaches
Fortunately, my association does not let coaches rate umpires. All they can do is blackball us. I can't see that being good is relevant to being able to kiss up. I'll acknowledge that it may be necessary in some circumstances in order to be considered good, but in order to BE good.
4. Willingness to travel
You can't expect to get the best assignments if you're not willing to travel. It may not affect being good, but it can easily keep you off the big games.
5. Luck
Absolutely. Ask any umpire who finds himself transferred by his real job to Carbide's district.
6. I'd add another factor: Game Sense
To the extent that I have continued to improve as an umpire is in a large measure due to what I have observed on the field when I am partnered with really good umpires. They al have different personalities, but one thing they have in common is an ability to flow with the game. They appear to be a part of the game, adapting with it to the particular circumstances of the day. They adjust to different pitching styles, blow-outs, levels of play, and coaches. The really good ones all have it.
Mike