Quote:
Originally posted by w_sohl
In the boards opinion, what would be best for me to work in my first game, the bases of the plate?
I think that I could work the plate, but I am not sure how well I will see the ball. For example, I have stepped into a fast pitch batting cage (about 6 years ago) and couldn't see the ball to save my life. Is it easier to see the ball when you are behind the catcher as opposed to being in the batters box?
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With all due respect, I don't think you belong on a baseball field in any capacity as an official - yet.
The place to learn plate umpiring is in the cage, not in a real game. The place to learn base umpiring is on a field of instructors and other student umpires with nary a coach or player to be seen.
Would you want a cop put out on the beat who had never been to rookie school and never fired his weapon? You need to be in school.
Even if this is LL that you undertaking, consider this. The kids have probably spent a half dozen practices with their coach before the first game, learning their skills and learning how to work as a team. Now we throw into the mix a dufus umpire who has done nothing but read an internet board. Is it any wonder that umpires are so roundly criticized and heckled by the participants and fans. With the effort that they have put in, they have a right to expect better from you.
You said yourself that you we unsure that you could even see the ball. Why not spend a few hours in the cage with your equipment on, with an instructor, and learn how to see pitches before you inflict yourself on 18 kids and 4 - 6 coaches who have spend days, months, or years, to learn how to play ball.
If not for them, do it for yourself.
Peter