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I hope that this adds to the discussion and clarifies my thoughts. We are not talking about changing the way we umpire. We are talking about making the same calls as before. However, it is now understood that we have the freedom and responsibility to give or receive an assist.
I am on the fence about instant replay at the professional level. I like the way that the Big Ten is handling it in Football this season. They have limited the replay option to a very distinct list of plays. They have set a time limit and are governed by the thought that in order to over rule it, "If 100 people saw the replay, all 100 of them would say that it should be changed." Unless you have ONE OF THOSE GAMES, 1 or two challenged calls could be handled very quickly. I despise fans who say the game is too long, but think nothing of watching a two and a half hour Adam Sandler movie. (Talk about a real waste of time!)
Finally, don't play the tradition card unless your last name is Doubleday. A great many things have changed in the game. I suggest you read a history of baseball to see how some of the most basic tenets have evolved.
Arguing that we shouldn't change because it wrecks tradition is pitiful. Should we still be wearing outside protectors and black suits? Change is inevitable and you are right to be concerned. People that stand in the way of it usually get run over. Remember, there was a time that women couldn't vote, blacks had to sit in the back of the bus and computers took up whole rooms at NASA. I just can't understand what is so difficult with conferring with your partner about one of the few calls we've discussed. You made a bad call, the stadium is hooting and your partner is walking towards you to help you out. If pride is the only reason you won't allow him to assist you, then maybe that time to step aside is already here.
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Tue Oct 12, 2004, 01:26pm
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