Preparing a newcomer to umpire.....

[Jim Porter]

Originally posted by Rog
If an 18 year old former LL and JV player came to you wanting to be come an umpire, what would you suggest they do to prepare themselves?????

Geez, Rog, has he got several dozen years?

The first thing I'd do is get him a membership to eUmpire.com. (grin)

Then, I'd start him off reading the rulebook. Tell him to read it day and night, night and day. Keep a copy on the bedstand, keep a copy in the john, take a copy with him everywhere so he can read it every chance he gets. On the subway, on the bus, in a car - - everywhere.

Next, I'd get his butt to a baseball field to teach him basic mechanics. Show him where to stand, and tell him why he's standing there. I'd go over making calls, and positioning, and catch coverage.

I'd also go over plate mechanics briefly. Show him the different stances, tell him which is expected of him at higher levels. I'd go over tracking and timing, opening the gate, point-of-plate, and every other aspect that I can think of.

Then, I'd drive him to a local clinic, where he can learn more about the rules, base mechanics, and plate mechanics. I'd introduce him to assignors, and get him to join an association.

From there, the work continues. He'd have to be introduced to the NAPBL (now PBUC) Manual, Jaksa/Roder, Jim Evans Annotated, and other books covering the history and evolution of the Official Baseball Rules (no FED in my state - that makes my job easier.)

He'd also need to be better trained in all the facets, from polishing his movements and mechanics on the bases, to getting him cage time with a video camera for his plate work. I'd recommend a school or multi-day clinic.

I'd take him with me to every function. I'd introduce him to all the important people. I'd make sure he had a helping hand every step of the way.

Welcome to the world of mentoring, Rog.