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I also am getting frustrated with strike zone calls. As I have grown in experience (both mine and the level of play that I am calling), my strike zone has been shrinking. I have called mostly H.S. varsity and H.S. tournaments this year, along with 18U/16U/14U travel tournaments, men's FP and women's FP and I am calling almost a book zone.
The ball has to be fully below the arm pits, and I still often call ones through the knees, though that is guaranteed to generate catcalls and some golf references. I will not go in inch inside, but maybe an inch+ outside. In nearly 100 games this season, I know my strike zone and can almost call it with my eyes closed. Many knowledgable people have said that I am very consistant, and that makes me feel good.
So Why - when I do not call that pitch 2 inches inside, or 4-5 inches outside - do I get a 13 to 15 yr old girl stomping her foot, shaking her ponytail, and giving me that look of disgust? I understand that they throw that pitch outside trying to get the batter to bite. But if the batter doesn't go for it, then do they think that I should give them a strike call? Someone is training these kids that the plate must be 24" wide. I don't know if it is their coaches, or their own (unrealistic) expectations, or (most likely) that too many umpires are calling toooooo wide a strike zone.
Just like there are "outie's," are there also "strikie's?" Umpires that want to call strikes; that want to move the game along? I don't know about the rest of you, but I am seldom in a hurry to go home. I really love this game, and I enjoy being out there with the young girls (and adults) that play FP softball. I want to see hitting, fielding, sliding, etc. What I don't like are too many batters swinging at bad pitches. Maybe it is their own mistakes; but maybe also they are protecting themselves because those pitches are being call strikes.
WMB
[Edited by WestMichBlue on Jul 10th, 2003 at 06:16 PM]
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