Calling Balks and the value of reading these forums.

Rich · #36 (**permalink**) Sun Mar 27, 2005, 09:24am

Quote:

Originally posted by GarthB

Quote:

Originally posted by cowbyfan1

Quote:

Originally posted by David Emerling

Quote:

Originally posted by Tim C
" . . . but it's also incumbent upon Umpires, and those of us that love the game, to supply MUCH needed knowledge to these kids (and their coaches) to help them learn."

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I'm sorry I am an umpire and not a rat.

I'll stick to umpiring.

Maybe you're a ratty umpire. (g)

I've met a few of them in my time.

I never instruct players or coaches during a game ... unless they ask. And I am a coach!

When I coach, I don't even allow the umpire to update my relief pitcher as to the situation. I interrupt him and say, "I got it, Blue." And then I tell him.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

People need to step off their pedistals around here. Garth and Tim I would agree with you if you are calling high school and above. Below that, probably 80-90% of the time, the umpire is the only one on the field knowledgable enough to say what happened and why. These games usually have time limits and to explain to a coach who then in turn tries to explain to the kid what he did takes too long. I don't tell a high school or college pitcher what he did. If a coach asks it tell him, short and to the point. "No set", "distance and direction", "stop and start", etc. Keep in mind that it is a whole different world calling ball below the high school level. One that appearently you have forgotten since you think your big time.

Nothing big time about doing your job correctly, regardless of your level.

Exactly. We train our LL umpires to do nothing different than if we were training HS umpires. Set expectations low and the results will reflect that.