Quote:
Originally Posted by NCASAUmp
I agree with that up to a point.
And that point is that if that were truly the case, then I should be a pretty damn awesome umpire by now! 
Just kidding, your statement is very true. |
Actually, you are correct (as in the "up to a point" remark).
We only learn when we realize there may have been an error on our behalf and strive to confirm and make the proper correction.
I'm sure we have all run into Ol' Smitty that has been doing it the same way for more than a hundred years. Got his start doing sandlot ball for Connie Mack and is so good, never needed to attend a clinic or school. After all, with all his years, how in the world could those young whippersnappers know anything more than Ol' Smitty?
The only thing that encourages me more than a young umpire getting a tough call right on the field is seeing that umpire getting back to his/her car and pulling out the rule book to confirm their call was correct or finding out what they did wrong. That type of umpire will rarely, if ever, make the same mistake twice.