[Thatballzlow]

A couple of thoughts from the one ex-MiLB ump who loves working with anyone brave enough to put on a mask...at any level:

The previous reply was DEAD ON...Timing, timing, timing. The easiest way to learn is remember the feeling you had after you made that call. Did you second guess yourself right away? If you did, you may have missed that call. Trust us, it won't be the first time. But, if take that extra half second to replay it in your mind, you'll get it.

A more advanced way of considering this play is something that you can factor in if you can think fast enough. When I was in AAA, and a player made a hell of a play in the field and I swore I only heard one sound, or really couldn't make up my mind...I gave it to the defense. I know this will cause a commotion that I'm not umpiring by the book...but think from a common sense point of view...Who won the battle??? The hitter...with his ground ball to the infield...or the pitcher, who induced it? It may not be the "rule-book lawyer" way of umpiring, but you will find that it's hard to argue with that call...the fielder just pulled an Ozzie Smith and you are going to call the guy safe?

Think about it that way...you'll find you're getting them right more often than not.

Thatballzlow