|
I am a strong proponant that the zone is established based on the level of the players. Definitely I would not call a Division 1 college strike zone in High School baseball. The pitchers do not have the maturity, discipline and control. The college conferences are asking us to call a little higher. A ball ond a half above the belt. High School that has always been a strike.
I know the umpiring experience in this forum is very diversified. And there are many philosophies. Basically my philosophy is know the level of the game that you are officiating. Establish a zone earl on and maintain that zone. Good teams will accomodate, and the bad will sy you sucked the whole game. At least they knew what to expect.
My reputation is that of having a larger zone. I call strikes. Hitable strikes. In the lower levels it is large outside and inside as long as it is on the lower part of the zone. This makes the batters learn to go with the pitch. Not always pull the ball. If they can master this technique they will go far. It also teaches the pitchers to hit spots. And rewarding them for hitting the spots. Making a little larger tham the upper levels. But getting the concept out there.
We are all here to see the players develop at every level. Nothing is better than seeing a player that you officiated make it to the next level and succeed.
Your reputation will be basically created based on your plate performance. Identify what your zone is going to be and work it to perfection. As you progress through the ranks your zone spots will be the same just a little more specific.
Not everyone will agree with this. The rules do not change at each level. So why should the zone? I do not know of anyone that has been successful in calling at good high school and above with the same zone they call in little league. And I do not know a successful umpire in Little League that can get away with calling a tight High School strike zone. And to finish it up, forget making it through umpire development in professional baseball with a high school strike zone.
|