[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Bill S

I think maybe you fellas are getting off the track with my original thoughts.

Consistency between the two games or even the three is what has gotten us in trouble. You can not try to umpire them with the same mechanics.
They are not the same and have definite different styles and demands.

I think we all agree with this.

As far as starting in the A or B position does not matter so much either. At a long tournament day and the guys want to start in the B, I do not care.

That's rubbish. The length of the day should be irrelevant to the point. If you need to adjust your mechanics to accommodate how many games you get, either you accepted too many games or you shouldn't be on the field.

Do not confuse that with special situations where additional games are necessitated by other issues like weather or injury.

I am not rying to accommodate or change mechanics to cover or take care of my limitations or more recent shortcomings. I have retired from World Class ball for some time now since some other people need a chance and I could no longer give the type of game it deserves.
I am still active in many levels of Slow, Fast and Baseball.

I am very heavily involved and have an opportunity to shape or adjust some National mindsets. As a student of the fine art of umping; I truly believe we have let the slow-pitch game pass us by. Not me, myself, my fat old body with the replaced knee. I am trying to help a craft I love.
I am talking about me in my prime or another 30 something umpires I evaluate that either get in the way or cannot get to a proper angle or help his partner or do justice to the game as he is forced to start in an antiquated position and not physically able to get to where they are supposed to be. (Unless they posses super powers). This game has changed.

Now fellas, this is only with runners on base is slow-pitch softball.

"Fellas"?

Do you understand if you are "macho" and start somewhere in front of the fielders because you are not going to change your game for the players, "God forbid", you have no insurance coverage because you are not where you are supposed to be by national mechanics?

Where are you getting this crap? That final statement is completely false.

Yeah I knew Merle, have met Bernie, taught with Brinkman, met Emile and considered John Mc Sherry a friend. I am not impressed with myself or blowing smoke.

Then why mention it?

I put this on this board because I have lurked for years and noticed some very level headed thoughtfull, veteran individuals and wanted to pick your brains.

I am of the mindset that slow-pitch mechanics with base runners on base is in need of an adjustment.

And I think the FP mechanics need changing, go figure.