Quote:
Originally Posted by gordon30307
The fundamental are used at all levels, timing, dressing the part, knowledge of rules, proper angles etc. All you were alluding to above is a fundamental skill that ALL umpires should use. Best way to learn that is by attending clinics, join an association, get a mentor and do as many games as you can.
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Well, your right, all umpires shoud use and be taught something as simple as timing, which as we both hopefully know, is the proper use of eyes. Guess what, that isn't always the case. In fact most of what you site as fundamentals used at all levels isn't always taught, known or felt important enough to teach to a young impressionable umpire. Granted, I can only speak for my association, it's not taught here. Something as simple as chest to ball when in the middle isn't taught as well, and not just in my association, this I see in clinics I've attended and confirmed when talking with attendees. Mentioning Barretts use of eyes, in one specific camera shot as an example of something good, was just that something good one can learn from. There are good and bad examples every day from MLB Umpires. Then again, there are good and bad examples every day from us amature umpires as well. They're just on TV and a damn lot better than us. They also use different mechanics than most of us, 4 vs. 2 man mechanics. Again as we both should know, there is a difference in responsibilities and mechanics when in the field. One can see good and bad plate mechanics and hopefully learn from them. By watching the plate umpire you can hopefully pick up the good from the bad, and improve your game. Cleary your beyond that in your game.