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Originally Posted by nickrego
Bob, how about "The Art of Calling Pitches". It's part of a series of booklets that have been publish and sell quite well (one guess as to who wrote them).
Now, let me say this;
60' Diamond or 90' Diamond with 13 YRO - See a Strike, Call a Strike.
90' Diamond with 14 YRO and up - See a Strike that looks like a Ball, Call a Ball.
This is what is expected of an umpire, even if that is not what an umpire expects to do. It's not really our choice, it's how the game is played.
If you don't like this philosophy, that's OK, just stay at the 13 YRO level and down, and you will do well, and be well. The game needs great umpires at all levels.
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I rarely do 13 or younger but i'll keep it in mind.
I was always taught- See a strike call a strike-and whenever you can, steal a strike.
What's the point in stealing a strike if you're going to give it back on the next pitch?
I hear what you're saying, I just don't agree with the philosophy.
The nieghborhood play was probably prevalent at the HS level years ago, but less and less these days, especially with FPSR.
Things change. Most all curve balls that end up in the dirt never enter the strike zone. On the
rare occasion it does, it's obvious the pitcher has a special curve. I have no problems selling that strike because the coaches see the stuff on the ball as well as me. If they don't like it I'm not very concerned.
On only the rarest of occasions will I pass on a legitimate strike.
On very close pitches when the catcher doesn't stick it, and I'm not sure if it caught the corner I certainly ball it.
If I clearly see the pitch in the strike zone I don't care what the catcher does as long as he keeps it off me.