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Old Tue Sep 23, 2008, 12:39pm
PeteBooth PeteBooth is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newburgh NY
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[QUOTE]
Quote:
Originally Posted by TussAgee11 View Post
I've now heard from several sources, none of which I particularly care about their opinion (nor should I) that as an official, I put off an image that I think everyone is there to see me officiate.

My first question is

Who are these "several sources"? Are they your peers, assignor(s), coaches

IMO, that makes a big difference.

Also, IMO as officials we have to remember The game is not for us it's for the particpants.

In line with what Bob said.

At one time I was strictly umpiring Modified and JV HS baseball. In the summer I got to do my first CBL (Collegiate Wood bat League) game. I had the dish and I was simply awful.

Reason being is that I was calling a strike zone that was acceptable for Modified and JV level personnel not College athletes. In fact one player (in a nice way) said to me "Blue this is not JV"

In the future I adjusted and by my 3rd game behind the dish I felt more relaxed and started doing a good job. The strike zone is that which is accepted in the leagues we service. Therefore, perhaps you have a good strike zone but it's not the kind of zone they are used to in a particular league you service.

I think most of us know that we "make a living" doing the dish, however, IMO we cannot monopolize doing the dish either meaning we should give others a chance. Therefore, if you are almost always doing the dish perhaps others who umpire with you feel you are arrogant.

In summary we need to know who these "several sources" are to give an accurate response.

Pete Booth
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