2 Man Mechanics -

[PeteBooth]

Here I am from NY talking about the Heat, but as we know time flys and it won't be long before those 90 - 100 degree days are upon us.

During the Winter Months we have discussed the 2 man Mechanics with respect to the roles of the PU and BU. Where the BU / PU should be positioned on certain plays.

While these along with what's taught in the clinics are the PREFERRED METHOD . What about the Practical
Method?

I am 44 yrs old and believe it or not am considered a "youngster" in the association I work in. During the HS season, maybe we might have 1 or 2 days in the 90's but for the most part the Temps aren't a problem. In fact, there are probably more cold days than warm ones.

The problem comes into play in the summer. Plenty of ball, which means most of us probably work Double Dips and maybe even a "3 bagger" on Saturday's / Sundays.

Ok I am finally getting to the point of my thread. When I work with older umpires and I am the BU - I do more work than is customary. Meaning I will do more running and cover more of the bases than I ususally do when working in the Spring.

Example; r1 b1: Bi singles to right. At this point the BU's responsibility is B1. The PU will take r1 into third.

Now on a hot day, the PU has all that equipment on and we are working a double dip that day, therefore, so the PU doesn't pass out, I as BU will split the diamond in halfs and watch both b1 and r1.

Now if I'm working the game with 1 of my friends (we are about the same age), we follow standard practices.

So my question is: "As BU or PU Do you change your style when the weather is Hot?

Thanks

Pete Booth

[Dan Gavin]

Peter not a good idea to get into, sometimes in a blow out later in game 4-5 inning me as BU will say to UPI with runner on first ball in out field I'll take runner into third stay at home. But don't be lazy and remember your mechanics Dan Gavin

[Bfair]

Okay, as that older, fatter ump I wonder why you youngins' can't remember your mechanics on those hot days---always trying to take plays that aren't necessarily yours and not going out on flies to right when you should.

I guess it's all from your own perspective. It's not unsual for me to 3 games on a summer Saturday os Suanday (or both) down here in hot Dallas. (100+ in the summer).
This past year I had to bail out a couple of my "younger" umps who passed out in the heat. True story.
Don't worry about us old timers, we may surprise you.

Can't talk much about it now, I have to leave in 30 minutes for my first game of the year. New season starting!!!
It's nice livin' in the south.

[JJ]

I do not vary my mechanics in hot weather, nor does anyone I regularly work with. At 50 years old I have realized it's not the brightest idea in the world to schedule myself everyday in the summer - that way I won't be so exhausted that I can't do the job...

[Whowefoolin]

I can't think of a reason for changing the mechanics. I have not, and hope that I never do, work with a guy that is so fat, lazy, or slow that can't beat a runner from 1st base to 3rd. This situation may happen a half dozen times a game, with a good 20 minutes in between these plays.

So if there are umpires out there who are so out of shape that they can't keep up the slow pace of baseball on hot days, then they should get out and re-evaluate their hobbies.

I did have the experience to umpire down in P'cola with Jordan this past summer. What a shock! The weather was miserable for me. There are probably fatter, older, faster guys than I who are in better shape, but never did I think that I could not run 80' up a line to beat a kid to third once an inning!

Suck it up guys. The kids don't change their playing mechanics. It ain't that bad (but it did feel that way Jordan!)

[PAblue87]

This is the kind of thing that gives all umpires a bad name. You guys talking about fat, lazy umps are probably the same guys who bad mouth your partner behind his back. Or on a tough play say that "it wasn't my call". This is the kind of garbage that give coaches all kinds of ammunition. One thing you need to keep in mind when you work, and I do not care what level it is or how good the teams are. The game always means something and is very important to the players and coaches involved and they are for the most part giving it their all. If you cannot do the same in return you are not in this profession for the right reasons. So before bad mouthing someone else, look in the mirror.

[Ump20]

I also umpire on Long Island and at 53 am probably a border line "old fat guy" despite recent foray to the treadmill. I see no reason for the BU or PU to alter their mechanics because their partner is not in shape or a wee bit older. An exception might be if there is real fatigue on that particular day and you can't get a replacement for that third or sometimes fourth game of the day. I must admit other than slow pitch softball / baseball I have not done more than two games a day for a couple of years. I agree with those posts that say we should give the best performance up to our individual abilities. If those abolities seriously wane think of retiring or going down a level or two in the games you accept. Jim/NY