Getting It Right - Your Thoughts?

[DG]

The PBUC Umpire Manual, and the CCA Manual both go over situations where "crew consultation and getting the play right" (PBUC quote) are in order. An example is "deciding whether a batted ball left the playing field for a home run or a ground rule double". They are nearly identical in commentary and in both manuals "the ultimate decision to change a call rests with the umpire who made the call" (PBUC quote again). In the most recent ALCS series there were two calls in the same game where the crew consulted and got the calls right. In both of these the manager came out to ask about the calls.

Clearly, there are calls that the major league umpires will consult and correct, minor league umpires will consult and correct, and college umpires will consult and correct. Given that the highest level of umpires are expected to get the calls right, the lower levels should aspire to do likewise.

I called a youth league game this Spring by myself from behind the plate, because my partner did not show up. On a steal of 2B, the throw was in plenty of time and tag was applied. I asked the SS to show me the ball, and he did, in his glove, so I called an out. The 1B coach complained that he had dropped the ball and picked it up with his glove. I did not see this at all. I asked the SS if he dropped the ball and he said he did. I consulted (with the SS) and changed my call.

[Edited by DG on Oct 24th, 2004 at 10:53 PM]

[WindyCityBlue]

Oh my goodness...finally! Thank you DG!!!

For eight months, I've professed this and been met with every level of angst and abuse. The writing is on the wall.
We've seen the best mechanics and techniques funnel their way down. (Gerry Davis stance, two step call at first, etc.) It will take some time, but it will certainly permeate the game in the future. As with most mechanics proposed here, some will work better at certain levels. Further, at some levels those things will be expected. In professional and D-1 baseball they have been here for the past year. All I have asked is that we see what mistakes are being made implementing them and take this new mechanic to the next level. In other words, make it work for you.

Sal,
You may not respect how I say things, but what I say has merit. I don't recall seeking your confidence or respect, this is a discussion forum. Umpires should be used to having an opinion and being held accountable for it. Think skin has no place in this job.

I worked for Fetch some time ago and my aspirations have long since changed. He rewards those he likes and is influenced by what certain coaches want. The coaches still run the show. The mechanic we use in one of my conferences is the accepted M.O. and doing anything contrary will earn you a quick exit. For their major games, they regularly employ four umpires to avoid any problems. You find fault with something we have no control over. In case you haven't noticed, college umpires wear the shirts approved by that conference (some are light blue, others black and many more, dark blue). Asking me to rock the boat, is tantamount to asking your crew to wear a non-approved shirt. We pick our battles. I suspect that you do the same. Don't tell me that if your senior partners told you that the check swing mechanic was such, that you would tell them off or do it anyway. That is the quickest way to get black listed.

I worked for Fetch some time ago and my aspirations have long since changed. He rewards those he likes and is influenced by what certain coaches want. The coaches still run the show. The mechanic we use in one of my conferences is the accepted M.O. and doing anything contrary will earn you a quick exit. For their major games, they regularly employ four umpires to avoid any problems. You find fault with something we have no control over. In case you haven't noticed, collegeumpires wear the shirts approved by that conference (some are light blue, others black and many more, dark blue). Asking me to rock the boat, is tantamount to me asking your crew to wear a non-approved shirt. We pick our battles. I suspect that you do the same. Don't tell me that if your senior partners told you that the check swing mechanic was such, that you would tell them off or do it anyway. That is the quickest way to get black listed.

[Edited by WindyCityBlue on Oct 25th, 2004 at 10:21 AM]