Quote:
Originally posted by greymule
One guy, whom the players often cite as the area's best ball-and-strike man, routinely announces every close pitch: short, deep, inside, outside short, deep out, plate, etc.
In baseball, modified pitch, or fast pitch, I just say "ball" or "strike." But as for slow pitch, though I admit the signals are contrary to official mechanics, they have become part of the game (at least in New Jersey). Not that an ump who just said "ball" or "strike" would have a problem—the players would just be asking, "Where was it?" on the close pitches.
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I was in Richmond a few years back (10 or so) for the Memorial Day Round Robin. This female umpire could do nothing, but talk about this umpire working the same field. According to her, he was the best umpire in Northern Va and all the teams loved having him work their games. Had a couple local players tell us the same thing. I couldn't wait to see this guy. Well, eventually he had one of our games. Not only did he fail to wear the proper uniform, he sucked and spit sunflower seeds the entire game. All calls were vocal, but rarely strike, ball, safe or out. More like, "That's a good one", "chucked that one about 2 1/2 inches outside", "bang, you're done", "sit down", "juusst beat that one", etc. All calls were in a soft, monotone voice, never an inflection. Signals were non-existant. If you didn't hear the call, you had no idea what it was until the players moved.
I found that female umpire later and basically told her that he may have won the endearment of the players, but his umpiring would never be tolerated were I came from. Also suggested that if she ever intended to advance to the higher level, she should totally discount his style.
The players pay to play, but when I walk on the field, I am a representative of ASA, so I do things the way ASA wants them done, not the players.
Not mocking anyone else or their way of doing things, just the way I am.