[GarthB]

Peter adds: "We must all be careful about the sources that we use to back up our positions. Don't use MLB as a guideline for situations that never occur or would not occur in MLB. You must consult people that do the type of baseball that you do and have real world experience in walking in your shoes. Several NCAA umpires that I know have a theory about MLB umpires. They would never get far in NCAA baseball."

Yayyyy!


Over the years, Peter's mantra has been: "Do it like they do it in the bigs." I have never had a problem with that statement....as starting point. But in the past, I always had to add the part of not using the bigs for your example if you are working U12. Use the "big umpires" who work U12. Use the real "bigs" only if you are doing relatively high calibre ball.

My disagreements with Peter over the years would have diminished by at least half, if he had added that addendum three years ago. We probably still differ over "situations that would not occur in MLB" only because I believe ANYTHING is possible, even at MLB.

Again, Peter's comments regarding NCAA umpiring are right on the mark. While they will probably never say so on the internet or in the press, I have heard the exact same comments from the very top NCAA umpires and assignors. One top NCAA official, who is the exception and has AAA experience, noted that he had to "unlearn" everything he knew about game management and rule enforcement before he was accepted in NCAA circles. He added that that was extremely difficult, and noting that he was an exception, said: "Most professional umpires can't make the transition."

Peter: The exercise was refreshing. And you are right in targeting the reason. I was about to just walk away and shake my head when an incident reeking of the "lack of scholarly argument", as you so politely put it, drew me back quicker than you can say "fresh meat at McGriff's".

Ahhhhhh, the memories.