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Adjusting
I don't know about how I'd stand up on TV. I've done OK with big crowds. However, the switch from NCAA to LL I made last week was shocking to say the least. A friend of mine who is President of a local little league had a 9-10 yr old scrimmage he needed an umpire for. I told him I'd do him a favor in exchange for some perennials for my wife. Here's how it went.
First, the oohs and aahs from seeing their first umpire in uniform not using the balloon was interesting. Plus, I wore black for some reason.
Second, I had no idea how to set up. I felt like a giant in Lilliput. GD, regular box, knee...none of them felt comfortable. Can't use the catcher for any help. I got hit a couple of times but other than the occasional sting, no bad bruises. My groin is killing me from trying to get down so low.
Third, how do you call a pitch that's over the outside corner but four feet away from the batter a strike? It looks bad but no one argues...no one! I'm not patting myself on the back or anything. I was not good. Up, down, out, in...i felt like I needed to be big but these were little kids. I didn't want to make them cry on a mistake by me. A LL ump who rang me up on a ball that bounced off the plate is why I became an umpire in the first place. Above all though, no parent, player or coach gave me any grief. I had no whackers on the bases but I was all over the place behind the dish.
It was difficult and I don't know if I'll do it again. My garden will be nicer next spring though.
D
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