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Originally Posted by jkumpire
I umpire BB, though last week I worked an ASA FP tournament for an evening.
And I worked your proscribed mechanics for strikes/outs/etc. I'm sorry, I think they look awful. If I thought they had a purpose to them, like slowing down people's calls so they are sure they have them right it's one thing. But, a big showy out call on a routine ground ball with the hammer over your head is showing up the runner, IMO. So is the hammer above the head on a swinging strike.
I had some SB guys in my local HS association come back to our mixed SB/BB group from a national ASA clinic, and they learned some things about plate stance I thought were no real good either. As another poster put it, the worst thing they cam back with was too wide a plate stance. As wide as they teach, you are always going to be slow to react on plays because you're not balanced and your center of gravity is not centered under your body. Also, because your legs are so spread, you have to bring your feet closer together to move your body, and that split second of time can mean you are late with being able to get into a position to make a call.
I understand that if you want to do big games, ASA and NCAA will enforce its mechanics, period. It is disappointing that they feel they have to control umpires in that way. Most great umpires are not showy, in either BB or SB. They should be able to use any body language (big or small) to sell the banger or tough call, and use as little body language as needed on the easy routine plays. I look at what I see on TV, and the big dog SB umps are being forced to use body language that does not communicate well. It looks, and feels forced, not smooth and natural.
Not everyone whoi does BB is an MLB follower, I wish the higher ups in ASA and NCAA SB saw that too.
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They arent MLB followers.. I would term them MLB Umpire Groupies (especially many on this board who can even name the crews, their number, and underwear size and lord knows what else)
But many points are well taken.. If you are in the stands and the batter and swung and missed and you are sitting wondering what the umpire called.. not much hope for you.
For a swinging strike .. ASA prescribes that thou shalt stand up, thou shalt not move thou's head whilst thou puts your left hand at your belt and hammer with your right hand..
I do it, I get paid to do it, they want it.. and as the association for whom I voluntarily work certainly have that right..
but its still lame.
BUT>....
The little point strike by MLB umps while looking who knows where is old hat and equally lame.. but at least its voluntary to look so horrible calling a strike.. as opposed to forced to look horrible.