When I call the strike I use a sort of ML style: I get up, turn my head to right and indicate with my finger an undefinited point in the air.
I copy this style from a lot of experienced umpire of ML as Randy Marsh, Joe West, and many others.


Yesterday I was calling behind the plate for a sort of LL game (9-12 years old).
I made a mistake with a call:

Full count, the batter foul tips into the catcher's glove. I called the strikeout but I shouldn't because the catcher dropped the ball on the ground so the scenario should call a foul ball with the same count. But I didn't see the drop because I was calling the K turning my head at my right side.

At the end of the game, my clinician said to me "NEVER TURN YOUR HEAD AWAY FROM THE PLAY!!!".



What do you think?

The younger the players are, the more the unexpected happens.

For players below the age of 13 on a 60' diamond, I would not completely turn my head. Try to keep your eye on the ball.

But more importantly…SLOW DOWN !

If you missed the dropped ball, you are calling your pitches too quickly. Especially on a 3rd strike, you have to wait until you are sure the ball was caught. Your supposed to be looking the ball all the way into the glove. If you missed the dropped ball, you did not wait for the ball to hit the glove ‘before’ you started your strike move. Otherwise, you would have seen it start to drop, and the catcher scramble for it, as you were coming up. (but even that is too fast)

For players 13 and up on a 90’ diamond, it’s OK to be a little showy with your calls. But for the younger kids, the last thing you want to do is send one running back to mommy crying because the umpire did an MLB strike three punch-out move, that made him feel stupid or embarrassed. At least that is what I was taught when I was working the younger players, and I never had a parent angry at me for showing up their kid.

I used to do the same thing (turn the head to make the call). Three years ago, I adopted the method of facing the pitcher and using the "hammer stroke" (used in calling outs on the runners) for signaling the strike. My called third strike is similar to that of Ed Rapuano (pulling the bow while facing the pitcher).

I did it your way for many years but more and more, I read about people who missed plays because they turned their heads. I never missed anything (lucky, I guess) but I tried the "new way" and I can tell you that it is much better facing forward than turning to either side.

He is exactly right. Wait to the play has completed and then do your thing.

I announce ball or strike, stand up make sure the play is complete and then signal. This usually happens right after the catcher has released the ball back to the pitcher. I use this for a called strike only. Otherwise, for a swinging strike I stan up and just make an out signal to the right, less dramatic with no verbal. No need to announce the obvious.

This method of not being in a hurry has help me stay down and see the pitch completely into the smack of the glove.
I then take my time to stand up which gives me a second or two more to see if any action occurs. It will also help in making sure you don't miss that late swing, batter interference, throw to a base, etc, etc.

See, I also gain a second or two because I don't have to look at myfingers as the change the indaclickercounter, because I don't use one.

I punch out even the younger kids 3rd strike if they take it without swinging. (and they are girls in FP Softball! - I know i'm infiltrating your perimeter here)... I've had a few discussions with umps and coaches - they like it. I've never had a complaint on my "sell out" on a took 3rd strike.

I say punch em out if they dont swing. If they swing just do a normal 3 out.

most of all.. dont get impatient with your call.. watch! especially on 3rd strike.

[Edited by wadeintothem on May 28th, 2004 at 01:41 PM]

Re:
 

I know the "hammer stroke" is the Jerry Crawford's and Tim Welke's mode.

Showy? I use the same third strike mechanic for all games. Being "showy" and demonstrative and out of control isn't good at any level. But being reserved on a called third isn't good either.

In this post, the problem was one of timing. It's a fouled pitch that has the potential for being a foul tip -- that requires a catch and means that the umpire has to verify a caught ball before signalling anything. Even so, it's a third strike swinging -- there's nothing to be demonstrative about here -- I give an out signal about head high on strike three looking straight ahead even though on most called strikes 1 & 2 I do turn to the right.

This is what I do - I changed it this year because I missed calls as Klooking did. I wait for the pitch to come in and hear the smack, stand up, signal and make call. I had to slow it way down this year. I caught myself last year making a few calls before the ball crossed the plate. Whoops

As for showy, I punch out the kids that look at the third strike. I give a little one-two punch to the side. I have done this with all ages and never had a single complaint.

I'm and ASA ump just reading some of these baseball posts. Curious to know if there is a strike signal outlined in your rules book as it seems there are different techniques discussed in this thread? We have a specific strike signal in ASA.

I don't know if there is a set signal, I just do the basic point to the right side with 1 finger thing. As far as I know, called third strikes are just preference or something you do because it looks cool. I stole mine from a lot of pro's that I have seen.

Page 72 of the FED rule book shows all signals. It shows the same signal for strike/out. It is a fist pump in front of you. But I don't think it really matters what you do, as long as it works for you.

There is a proscribed mechanic in all organizations. But it's not like football where if you do a signal slightly wrong, people will misunderstand what you're signaling.

Even in ASA - you see a lot of different signals for strike or out. (Except, of course, when the spotlight's on! :) )

Unfortunately, I don't have a fed book, all I have/use is OBR. I didn't see anything in there

There are many proscribed mechanics in most organizations, like we shouldn't do the hokey-pokey to signal an out;-) prescribed mechanics are entirely different;-)

I think you just have to get the proper feel for your own position and strike mechanic, and take your time to make your calls.

I set in my scissors position.... with both hands resting on my thigh area.... the pitch comes in, I keep my head still and read it as it crosses the plate... I wait to hear the smack in the catcher's glove... then I use the OBA mechanics they like up here....

That is, as I am still set, I firmly bark out "strike!"... then I come up out of my set position, point to the side which saying "one!"....

I do take my head away from the play, but I have never had a problem... just watch when there is a runner on 3rd.

I think you were given very good advice.
There are all sorts of things that can happen out there on the field, especially with runners on that requre your attention.
Honestly, how many of us consistently work ball with a 3 or 4 man crew?
Not many.
Your eyes belong on the game, not trying to look cool like you belong in the bigs.
If you call a strike like that in my games, I am going to talk to you. When I work as a coach, I am going to eat you alive.

Don't do it, the lower the level of ball that you work, the more problems can happen.

This is why all the ASA umpires look robotic. There's room for some individuality in officiating.

There's nothing wrong with turning to the side, but it has to be done with good timing in mind. Once the ball is caught for certain, make the call.

Scott, I understand you mean well, but coaches do not discuss umpiring mechanics with me -- so I guarantee you that you wouldn't eat me alive when coaching.

I don't buy that!
 

If I'm PU, I don't see a big deal. I turned for years and someone at a clinic critiqued me. Said I didn't need to turn.

I had been doing it that way for 20 years and never missed anything. So why change now.

But, I did change my third strike call a few years ago, so now I don't turn that much.

But the statement above that I might miss something??

Crazy, that's why I have a BU. I know when something's fixing to happen on the field - called baseball instincts.

And as Rich said, no coach is going to say anything to me about what i call unless we're discussing a rule interpretation.

Thanks
David

I have always punched out players at any age and have more compliments then complaints. The kids like it beacuse it makes them feel professional. One thing I do at that age is not to "bark" the call as much.

I also coach in a bowling program and with our under 5 kids we set up two lanes with bumpers and two lanes without, and there are more kids at the ones without than the ones with.

That's exactly what I think and I'm still persuaded that wrong call was a bad timing example more that a bad mechanic application. I told this to my clinician and he said:

"Well, maybe you're right but remember: you can make the right call on a strike but if you take away your vision from the play WHILE THE BALL IS ALIVE you can lose what happens and that's what you do when you use that call-style".

There is nothing robotic about ASA mechanics, if you think that then you are sadly mistaken.
Now, I have worked baseball longer than softball and have been to the Wendelsadt (sp?) school.
Even Harry taght that in lower level ball you shouldn't look away.
The ball is still live and anything can happen
As for eating you alive, if your head is somewhere other than looking at the play, I am not going to give you a moments peace.
Get you head in the game, not looking out to the side where there is nothing to see.
That habit developed many years ago when the scorekeeper was seated off to the right of the umpire.
MLB still does it but that crew has four members, someone had better be looking at what is going on.
Lower level ball is usally 2 man at best. Keep your head in the game instead of trying to look like a big dog

please expand
 

Just out of curiosity, I'd like to know what I'm missing.

Been turning the head for most of my umpiring career, now 25+ years and haven't missed a play yet.

Maybe there is something else I've been missing?

Just wondering, if there's something I'm missing I need to correct it.

Thanks
David

Today I was watching the women's college world series. Looking at the plate umpire, he had the most boreing, generic strike call that I have ever seen. Later I was watching one of the other games. Plate umpire has the exact same boreing strike call as the other umpire (I assume that the same guy did not work the plate in 2 different games). Now I had not been reading this discussion about the strike calls, I noticed on my own. I don't know if those are ASA mechanics, or some other kind, but whatever they are, I agree with Rich that they robotic.

And Scott, are you trying to get tossed out of every game you coach? An umpire turns his head, so you eat him alive? That's a great way to get on the umpire's good side. Sure, it is best to keep your head straight, but what is the big deal? This is not a subject that you should argue with the umpire about.

I work a lot of games. Because I'm in Wisconsin, they are almost all 2-man. I turn to the right for every strike one and strike two. My called strike three mechanic is straight ahead, but that is no coaches business. A coach telling me what umpiring mechanics is -- well ,that coach is looking for an early day.

And ASA mechanics are robotic. I used to call ASA softball and went to some ASA clinics taught at an ASA headquarters of some kind. There we were categorically told that there was only one correct way to signal a strike.

It is no coincidence that ALL the softball umpires look exactly alike, from their stupid navy pants right down to their strike calls. I'm not trying to look like anyone. I've been umpiring a long time and I have my own signals -- I don't need to imitate anyone on TV.

[QUOTE

And ASA mechanics are robotic. I used to call ASA softball and went to some ASA clinics taught at an ASA headquarters of some kind. There we were categorically told that there was only one correct way to signal a strike.

It is no coincidence that ALL the softball umpires look exactly alike, from their stupid navy pants right down to their strike calls. I'm not trying to look like anyone. I've been umpiring a long time and I have my own signals -- I don't need to imitate anyone on TV. [/B][/QUOTE]

You obviously havn't paid attention to ASA softball in a while.
We wear heather grey as well as navy blue pants with powder blue or nave jerseys.......for quite a while now.
If you had someone from ASA tell you there is only one way to call a strike then you haven't been taught by the Regional UIC's or been in a national clinic. Yes there is a standard mechanic but so it is the same for baseball.
Everyone is allowed some personality introductions so long as the signal is clear.
Softball umpires do not all look alike as you have said, but it seems that this current crop of baseball umpires is trying to justify why they are all doing it the same way..........hypocricy at its finest.

Remember guys, I have been doing baseball longer than softball. I no longer do D1 and higher as I have but the problem exists in all levels except in MLB.

Weren't you ever taught as one of your first objectives as an umpire to follow the pill?
Can't do that if you are looking away.

I have never been tossed for eating on an umpire for his poor mechanics or rule knowledge. I ump so I know when to quit but I also know exactly where to point out the errors and why they cannot make that call with improper mechanics or positioning.
I don't argue but I have embarressed a few guys one on one. Never do it to the crowd, just the blue.

Hell, I even throw in the old "the hands are part of the bat" thing every once in a while just to shake them up.
If they don't know the rules, they need to get off the field at the level where I help coach.

Did you see the Women's world series on sat.? The umpires were not wearing navy or heather pants, they were black. I thought they were navy at first, but I saw a close up on the umpire and I realized they were black. They were the exact same color as his shoes. Talk about some ugly pants.

You obviously havn't paid attention to ASA softball in a while.
We wear heather grey as well as navy blue pants with powder blue or nave jerseys.......for quite a while now.
If you had someone from ASA tell you there is only one way to call a strike then you haven't been taught by the Regional UIC's or been in a national clinic. Yes there is a standard mechanic but so it is the same for baseball.
Everyone is allowed some personality introductions so long as the signal is clear.
Softball umpires do not all look alike as you have said, but it seems that this current crop of baseball umpires is trying to justify why they are all doing it the same way..........hypocricy at its finest.

Remember guys, I have been doing baseball longer than softball. I no longer do D1 and higher as I have but the problem exists in all levels except in MLB.

Weren't you ever taught as one of your first objectives as an umpire to follow the pill?
Can't do that if you are looking away.

I have never been tossed for eating on an umpire for his poor mechanics or rule knowledge. I ump so I know when to quit but I also know exactly where to point out the errors and why they cannot make that call with improper mechanics or positioning.
I don't argue but I have embarressed a few guys one on one. Never do it to the crowd, just the blue.

Hell, I even throw in the old "the hands are part of the bat" thing every once in a while just to shake them up.
If they don't know the rules, they need to get off the field at the level where I help coach. [/B][/QUOTE]

You read what I said -- I make sure the ball is caught before doing anything. I make sure my timing is good. I've never missed a ball going anywhere in almost 20 years.

As for the hands are part of the bat, why would an umpire stoop to the level of the typical rat? I simply don't understand this. Give an umpire a chance to set a good example for the rest of the rats, and he heads right for the same pile of cheese....

That is all fine and dandy, but there is a difference between challenging an umpires mechanics, and an umpires signals. If an umpire is out of position for a call, or if he does not apply a rule correctly, it is OK to talk to him about it. But when you walk up to the umpire and tell him that his is signaling his strikes wrong, that is a totaly different story. You said that it is OK for umpires to have some personality introductions in their strike calls. When you talk to him about his signals you are insulting his personal way of signaling a strkie. This is his personal preference. You wouldn't go up to an umpire and tell him that he should use a different mask. What mask he wears is his personal choice. These are the kinds of things that you should just leave alone.

I did say it is ok for an umpire to have some personality in his stike call.
I dont walk up to him and tell him he is doing it wrong, I tell him there is no way he can watch teh play and call a strike looking over in the stands and not miss something.

This is something you guys need to think about,
WHY are you looking off to the side to call a strike?
Are you making sure the scorekeeper understands your call?
Or are you apeing some big dog that you have seen.
What is the purpose of taking your eyes off of the field of play, of course this side look mechanic gives you a great opportunity to look at the lovely baseball moms out there.

Frankly guys, you can add all the personality you want into a strike call AND keep your eyes on the field with no problem. There are hundreds of guys who do it every day.

The point is, it is a bad mechanic to turn your head off to the side while you have a live ball.
Sure you make sure of the pitch and whether you have a tip or foul but what about after?
What about that shootout attmept by the catcher on the runner at third, did the batter interfere? or not?

etc etc etc.

When you turn your head to PERSONALIZE your call, you lose sight of the game.
Granted most of the time there will be no problem but one day it will happen unless you happen to umpire some very uninspired games.

When I know I have an umpire who is going ot look to the side, I will have my players jump and go because he is already behind the play most bangers will go my way. Why, he is hehind the play and 99% won't guess at an out instead they will go with safe.

A bad mechanic by the umpire gives the offense a distincg advantage.

So in effect, you become my extra offensive player.

Think about it guys, why do you do it?
What purpose does it serve?
What advantage or disadvantage do you get from it?
How does it improve your game?
How does it help or hurt the players attempts?

Oh, to put it more simply: There's nothing to be gained and much that could be lost.

But people with bad habits will always try to rationalize their weaknesses.

Maybe you should ask these questions even to the Major League umpires.

You wrote a very tough post, Scott. I must admit there are reasonables doubts in it.
But in my rulebook, there's nothing stated about official's duties on the way of calling strikes. So you absolutely lack of any argument.
So I'll tell you: if you, as manager, are going to eat me alive only arguing my style without any broken play happened, I'm tossing you every game of my life.


Sorry, I don't get it.

Oh my!
 

Oh my ........

Carl and I have agreed again.

Hmm are the planets out of line or what?

It isn't often we agree on some things but I do have to bow to Carl for his rule knowledge.

There is probably none better

A bad habit is a weakness. Turning your head is a bad habit. Therefore....

Now, do you believe the umpire who turns his head at the plate after a call gains something from that "mechanics"?

Re: Oh my!
 

Umpire mechanics are taught to the lowest common denominator. I will agree that there are umpires out there, especially the newer umpires, that cannot call a strike out to the side without losing what's going on in from of them. Of course, in umpire school, all umpires are required to use the same hammer mechanic. And once they hit the minor leagues, they are allowed to add some individuality.

With proper timing, though, the ball is almost being returned to the pitcher before the signal is made. Why is it such an issue?

If turning to the side is such an issue, the umpire should be slowing down his timing -- he has far bigger problems than turning to the side.

But my umpiring mechanics shouldn't be dictated by those umpires who can't chew gum and walk at the same time.

And why would a plate umpire worry about banging someone out, Scott? Real baseball is not played with one umpire.

--Rich

I say it is not a weakness or a bad habit. Stick to rules, Carl, where you can rightfully claim to have superior knowledge.

I'm not saying I'm perfect. I've picked up some important things to improve my platework this season, especially from some video I have had taken. But this "issue" is just silly. It's just drivel that evaluators like to use in order to stir up crap.

[Edited by Rich Fronheiser on May 30th, 2004 at 12:14 PM]

Well, I turn my head when I call strikes. I do not do it on all plays. I only do it when there is not play to be made on the bases. It has worked for me well during my 8 year career. I am sure like Rich said, there are those that cannot chew bubble gum and walk at the same time and that is a problem for those that would use this mechanic. But I cannot think of one time I ever missed anything by doing this. Because I use my voice first, then signal second. I would not want to do it any other way. And I have always been considered to be a very good umpire by those that have observed me work the plate.

It is not for everyone and it should be used with consideration of the play that you call. I never do it on swinging strikes, just called ones. I have found a system that works for me and helps my timing and sell the call.

Peace

Rich: I appreciate your admitting my superior knowledge about the rules.

You seem to disparage my knowledge of mechanics.

Here's my resume:

Referee Enterprises published:

<i>Behind the Mask</i> (c) 1987
<i>On the Bases</i> (c) 1987
<i>Take Charge</i> (c) 1990

RightSports published:

<i>51 Ways to Ruin a Baseball Game</i> (c) 2000

Gerry Davis Sports Education published:

<i>Working the Plate/Working the Bases</i> (c) 2002

Due out at the end of the summer:

<i>50 MORE Ways to Ruin a Baseball Game</i> (c) 2004

I don't claim I have mechanics knowledge superior to yours; but three separate publishers, in three separate decades, have thought my work sufficiently "plausible" (shall we say) to stake their money on my ideas.

I repeat:

The umpire gains nothing when he turns his head away from the field.

The umpire <i>may</I> lose when he turns his head.

As yet, I have heard nothing other than "cosmetics" (I like to do it!) to support this bad habit.

I do not want to crap on your experience. But I think that some of us have been officiating (not just baseball for some time now) and have come to some conclusions on our own. There are a lot of things that people do in officiating that is personal and makes them do their jobs the way they choose to. And if the only reason is "cosmetic," well that is good enough for me. I did not go to umpire school. I will more than likely never go to umpire school, so I really do not care what they teach or what they require. If you call it a bad habit, so. Because I do not work in your area and have to be evaluated by you. I have never been told to stop doing it and have never been told it was a bad habit. I do not think we all have to be robots out there when we umpire. Teach whatever you feel is good, I will do what I have been taught and what works for me. I think I can come to my own conclusions, just like those that use the GD system. ;)

Peace

Does this mean you agree that turning his head away from the field gains the umpire nothing?

It is called personal preference.
 

No Carl. I feel it does have a purpose for me and I gain a lot by doing it. But you have come to your own conclusion, just like I have come to my own conclusion.

Peace

Great lines, I agree.

Carl, not all the choice we make are directed to "gain" something. If we establish that a good timing can guarantee a "safe" call even turning the head, there's no difference between this mechanic and any other. So, if we feel more confidence with this mechanic, a change could be a bad choice more that we can image.

Re: It is called personal preference.
 

No, I didn't ask if you had a "purpose" in doing it. My question meant: Do you gain something on the call by doing it?

I know you like it.
I know no one has told you to stop.
I know you don't thnk it's a bad habit.
I know you don't believe umpires should be robots.

What I don't know is:

What does turning your head gain?

For example, I track the ball from the pitcher's hand to the catcher's mitt. I gain something from that: I don't fall prey to tunnel vision; I don't lose the ball at the cutout and so judge it too soon.

After I call a strike, I continue looking straight ahead. I gain something from that: I keep the whole field in sight, and I'm ready to halt play if something untoward happens behind the field umpire (dog runs onto the field, a ball is loose, and so forth). I'm also alert to any shennaigans a pitcher or someone else wants to try.

I have been told to keep my eye "everlastingly on the ball." I can't do that if I turn my head when I call a strike.

I repeat:

Turning your head gains nothing.
Turning your head <i>may</i> lose something.

Re: Re: It is called personal preference.
 

I can only speak for myself. But I gain my timing. It helps me slow down and take a second before I call a pitch. Now, this is not just because of the "head turning," but it is because of the way I have to get in position to turn my head.


That all sounds great and wonderful Carl. But the reality is that if it works for you, do it. I only turn my head personally for just a second. I do it when it is clear that nothing else is going to happen. I do it to help my timing and it works for me. I think it is really stupid (from a personal standpoint) to put your hands in a locked position when you are in your stance behind the plate, but I see umpires do it all the time. I know we see the Major League Umpires do this all the time, but they have guys that are making millions to not let balls get by them for any reason. For those that work lower level games, where having a good catcher is a rarity much of the time, I do not see this is as good thing to do. But do you see me telling folks that putting your arms right on your knees when calling the plate is stupid and unncessary? I have been hit in the arms and almost broke my arms on more than one occasion. I am sure umpires gain something in their mind by doing that, but I would like to avoid broken arms and I gain a piece of mind by doing something other than that. But that is a personal choice I have made and can live with.

I guess God has spoken. But since you are not the one that I pray to, I will do what I feel is best when it comes to me. I have also never taught anyone to do it my way. I think umpires always have to find a style that works for them. And I do think their can be something you can lose if you do not do it properly. But that is with those that do not use the mechanic. But this is not different than advocating one stance over another. That is why you have umpires doing what works for them.

Peace

Re: Re: Re: It is called personal preference.
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JRutledge

Quote:

I can only speak for myself. But I gain my timing. It helps me slow down and take a second before I call a pitch. Now, this is not just because of the "head turning," but it is because of the way I have to get in position to turn my head. I only turn my head personally for just a second. I do it when it is clear that nothing else is going to happen. I do it to help my timing and it works for me.

Mr. Rutledge: All right, let's say you use the scissors or heel/toe or balanced stance [not the GD: I understand]. How do you hold your head so that turning it <i>after</i> the pitch helps your timing?

Wait, I'm misreading. How does <i>preparing</i> to turn your head after you call the pitch help you "slow down"?

From my point of view, it's hard enough to track the ball. I'd never be able to track my head as well.

Oh, I'd also be interested in knowing how you can determine <I>in advance</i> that "nothing else is going to happen."

I'm not disparaging anything, Carl. Your resume speaks well of your WRITING ability, of which I will not debate either.

Bill O'Reilly, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Michael Moore, and many others have been able to find publishers. People like reading authors with strong opinions and with reputations. Your work at Referee was excellent, however much of your more recent works seem to be written to tilt at windmills rather than to educate and inform. Your "never in position A" writing is a good example of this, Carl.

I don't have the time or inclination to write books or even write articles on umpiring. I'm sure that I could do so if I had the time or the desire. I have neither. But that doesn't mean a darn thing.

I'm more impressed with your umpiring resume than your resume as an author.

Turn your head, don't turn your head. I don't care. Teach new umpires not to turn their heads, I agree. But don't make a blanket statement that all umpires benefit from this. I don't -- the ball is either caught or not caught well before I signal a strike.

I'm not disparaging anything, Carl. Your resume speaks well of your WRITING ability -- which has never been in doubt.

Bill O'Reilly, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Michael Moore, and many others have been able to find publishers. People like reading authors with strong opinions and with reputations. Your work at Referee was excellent, however much of your more recent works seem to be written to tilt at windmills rather than to educate and inform. Your "never in position A" writing is a good example of this, Carl.

I don't have the time or inclination to write books or even write articles on umpiring. I'm sure that I could do so if I had the time or the desire. I have neither. I have no offseason. I referee HS and college basketball, am a crew chief in high school football, and umpire HS and college baseball along with a lot of summer ball. I'm working on an MBA and my wife and I are expecting our first child.

But that doesn't mean a darn thing. Neither does a resume. What matters is -- how good are you tonight behind the plate or on the bases or in what you write.

I'm more impressed with your umpiring resume than your resume as an author, BTW.

Turn your head, don't turn your head. I don't care. Teach new umpires not to turn their heads, I agree. But don't make a blanket statement that all umpires benefit from this. I don't -- the ball is either caught or not caught well before I signal a strike. Argue that point. Sure I could signal without turning my head, but I don't feel that I need to. So what? If I screw up because of it, I'll be sure to let everyone know. Hasn't happened yet.

Very interesting: When I offer something new, you disparage it. When I stick with something old, you disparage it. I'm afraid that it's personal with you.

You mean like when you had me removed as a moderator of this very board just because I told you off in a personal email?

Pot, kettle, black, Carl.

Enough...take this cat fight private, please...MEOWWWW....sounds like the women I work with.

Whatever Carl.
 

Carl, it helps me. If you cannot understand it, that is not my problem. You claimed it was a bad habit, when I have never missed a single play as a result of doing this. I know when to turn my head and I know when not to. It is not that hard. Baseball is one of the easiest sports to officiate and guys like you make it much harder by requiring all these personal feelings to get in the way of it. I call the pitch, then as I am getting up, I make a signal. Never had a problem with this. And it really does not cause me any problems. And when you played baseball for years, you kind of have a good idea when things are going to happen. You know what the runners are doing and usually you are hardly ever surprised. Maybe I just have good instincts, but I seem to know when a pick off attempt is going to be made and I can always see a runner taking off for the next base. Not sure the problem. But unlike you, I am not trying to convince anyone that what I do is the best or one size fits all. I am just telling you what works for me and why I do it.

Peace

Name calling and sexism -- all in one post of 15 words. If you're not interested, don't read the messages. Simple as that.

Well... actually.., sounds like the men that I work with.

I think drawing a line in the sand got more pages...what fun we had with that one.

LOL!!

Wimmen! :rolleyes:

Can't live with 'em. Against the law to shoot 'em (in some states).

:D

To changae the topic a little, looks like you were wrong Scott. I know that you were talking ASA, but at least we have determined that NCAA mechanics are robotic, I can bet that ASA is not that far off NCAA. I don't know if you have been watching the women's college world series, but if you have, how can you not agree that the mechanics are robotic. I serioulsy thought that the same guy was working the plate in every game that I saw. That is how robotic the mechanics are. Has anyone else noticed how boreing these umpires look?

Nope, I am not wrong but you aren't right either.
If you go to any reputable camp for baseball, mechanics are taught to standardize your game with other officials for a reason.
Softball is no different from baseball is no different from basketball is no different for soccer is no different from football.
Failure to follow the standard mechanics is what sets you apart.
I guess it is good to be "different" in todays multicultural world.

You can always find a reason to justify what you do at any time, just cause you can doesn't mean it is the best.

You stick with what you do, and you will always be sup-par.
If you want to move up and get that "bigger" game, you will have to adapt and follow the proper mechanics.

I have seen a number of the women's CWS. I only casually watched the umpires. I enjoyed watching the games more.

Umps look boring?
 

LDUB

Hmm, are you out there to umpire the game or to put on a show?

The best official is one that doesn't draw attention to themself.
Sounds like you like to be the center of attention.

How long did you say you have been working games?
At what level?
Camps?

Sounds like you have local big dog-itis.

Move beyond what you normally do, expand your officiating horizon and reach for a better way to do what we do.
There are a whole bunch of people out there that do nothing more than try to find a better way for us to do the best job we can.
Change is part of the game for us.

You mean I'm not out there to draw attention to myself? Then why did I spend all that money to get "IMCOOL" embroidered on my hat? I wish someone would have told me this sooner, I mean you think having numbers sewn on to your shirts/coats is expensive, think about how much I paid to have my last name put on the back of my plate coat.

Darn it you caught me, I was hoping to keep this a secret, but, well, I have never been to professional umpire school (gasp)!!! I have not had the honor of Harry Wendelstadt teaching me why it is important to look robotic, generic, and boreing.

First off I would like to state that I do use the hammer strike call that it shows in the FED rule book.

There is a difference between using the correct signals, and having each umpire put his arm in the exact same spot, and hold it there for the exact same ammount of time. When I watch games, and I can't tell one umpire from the next, that is getting pretty robotic. I'm not critizing the umpires for being so alike in every possible way, but I am critizing the NCAA for requiring the umpires to become robot-like creatures when it comes to signaling strikes/outs.

Re: Umps look boring?
 

If avoid drawing attention means become robotic, I prefer to stay with the show-mode. Being robotic it's too frustrating.

Re: Umps look boring?
 

Scott,

What you said. But let me twist this around a little bit. Suppose an NCAA umpire, instead of using the "I'm a softball umpire" strike mechanic, used a finger point to the side like most baseball umpires. Let's say that umpire doesn't miss a pitch the entire game, gets a crucial interference call right, and manages a situation involving hot-headed coaches extremely well. Is the umpire going to be marked down for how he/she signals a strike?

The best umpires in the world are in Major League Baseball. No baseball or softball umpire could consistently compare to the skill they have, especially calling balls and strikes. And every one of them signals differently -- does that detract from the game in any way?

Re: Re: Umps look boring?
 

Not to belabor the point, but I see several of the MLB umpires who point to the side on every strike.

Surely a beginning umpire might not want to imitate, but for someone who's been around the game its not that big a deal.

Thanks
David