Quote:
Originally Posted by adams3868
WOW, had my first games last night (3 in a row, yes, I'm sore  ), worked the bases all three, next week I get to be behind the plate. The UIC said I did very well, he said I rushed a bit. You all were spot on..SLOW DOWN. Had alot of bangers at first and second without any grumbles although me and the second baseman collided twice.  I want to thank everyone on this forum for all the help and advice. Any advice for working behind the plate? (mens slow pitch) |
Did she buy you dinner first?
As always, one bit of advice: Slow down!
A lot of new umpires want to make the call of ball/strike, fair/foul, out/no catch as SOON as they think it happens.
Slow. Down.
On balls/strikes, wait one full second after it first strikes the ground or catcher, then make the call. Keep a good rhythm. If you call it too quickly, you'll look like you're guessing.
On fair/foul, wait until it actually IS foul before you call it. Don't call it in the air. If it's on the ground between first and third, wait until it's touched, is settled, or passes first or third. You'll look like a fool if you call it foul in the air, only to have the outfielder make a great diving catch.
On fly balls, always assume that they WILL drop it. The same thing as I said in your previous thread. If you assume they'll drop it, you won't look like an idiot calling "out!" when the ball slips out of their glove before they've secured it.
Good luck! You'll do just fine.