[mick]

I had a fine time with a young umpire, who was working his first plate game, last night. Each ½ inning we covered something of the following:

Pre-game conference,

Manager’s meeting,

had a couple of game management situations where we had to talk to one or both coaches,

the infield fly and signals,

adjusting the Zone for different levels,

confidence and presence of the umpire,

not verbalizing on a swinging strike,

obstruction vs. interference,

umpires' equipment purchases,

how to show strikes and balls,

umpire discussions with and without coaches and players around,

when to get paid or fill out the paperwork,

how to demand using a polite question,

the importance of concentration and fluids.

After the first ½ inning, this young man (16) started adapting and learning and his confidence and presence grew by each 1/2-inning. He was a willing student and enjoys umping.

It was good.