Deja Vu - Mechanics

[GarthB]

Originally posted by PWL
So Tim, let me get this straight. Even if your in a position where you don't get the best possible look at a swipe tag or a pulled foot, there is no way you are going to ask for help. Then why does the PU even waste his time hustling down there for? Isn't that the purpose for this mechanic? Less vanity and more humility equal more respect.

Knowing mechanics, adjusting to the throw and getting the call right without a huddle earns even more respect.

[Tim C]

"So Tim, let me get this straight. Even if your in a position where you don't get the best possible look at a swipe tag or a pulled foot, there is no way you are going to ask for help. Then why does the PU even waste his time hustling down there for? Isn't that the purpose for this mechanic? Less vanity and more humility equal more respect."

------------


First, I will consider the source of this question.

It comes from an umpire, that by his own admission, has never ejected anyone. That says a enough about an umpire.

The answer:

I pride myself at understanding umpiring. I work hard at the skills needed.

Just as MLB umpires (no, I am not comparing my self to an MLB umpire) would never ask -- nor would I.

PWL, I get my calls. I read, move, lean and adjust.

If a base umpire does this there is never a need to "go for help."

Getting my calls correct by myself earns even more respect and more rapidly.

The PU should hustle out since he has the end responsibility of DBT on a misplay at first.

I can not stand umpires that come from the school of group hugs, huddle up, and lean to the umpire masses of the lowest common denoiminator.

And in closing, no one has ever thought I had any humility.

Read my column and you'll get the picture.

Thanks,

Tee


PS: Since when is it vain for any umpire to get his own calls. Things are heading south in the umpire ranks guys!

[Tim C]

San Diego Steve . . . you might be interested:

In the winter of 1974 I was sitting at a bar in Las Vegas.

There was an older, wrinkled skinny guy next to me drinking straight shots of Southern Comfort.

We got talking and I said I was an umpire. He seemed to know a lot about umpiring in general.

After a few pops he asked me to go to his car with him.

He opened the truck and ther was a white inside chest protector.

He handed to me and said: "I don't have any need for this anymore . . . by the way, my name is Augie Donattelli."

True story, I sure wish I had that protector . . . I'd wear it under my balloon.

Tee

JJ: Yeah, I was really meaning on a pulled foot/swipe tag type sitch . . . but great comment.

Hey PWL, as soon as you gain enough experience and get "clear up there" to high school varsity games and have had the balls to use the "Big KAPOW" in a game -- then get back to me, thanks. xxoo T

T



[Edited by Tim C on Oct 26th, 2005 at 05:24 PM]

[JJ]

Tim said MLB umpires wouldn't ask for help at first base, but do I recall Randy Marsh and an interference call at first involving some New York Yankee slapping a ball out of a fielder's hands in which help was sought and given? I'm not looking to pick a nit here, and it may be irrelevant, but it IS an example of helping at first base....

JJ

[GarthB]

Originally posted by PWL


I also get set and make my calls. However, If I'm over in the C position, and I have a short first baseman strecthing with everything he's got, I cannot always tell if his foot was in constant contact with the bag.

Then you haven't learned to read the throw and adjust as necessary.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Okay, Tim, I'll bite...where is that chest protector now? I would treasure memorabilia from my namesake!

I borrowed my assignor's old balloon for 3 Senior LL games on the same day some years back, just to see what it was like. He told me that this league was horrible, and to wear his balloon. So I wore it, and was glad I had. He wasn't lying! I got nailed at least 10 times that day, because the catchers couldn't even catch a cold. Working the games alone, I found out what a challenge it is to do any significant running with the outside protector. It gave me a new found respect for the old AL umpires.

[Tim C]

Steve:

Two points. One short one long . . .

1) The protector was donated to the Hall of Fame when Augie died (I think that was about 1990 but I don't really remember) it is in storage at one of their sites.

2) When wearing the balloon (actually is called "The Raft Protector" by Cece Carlucci) there is a long forgotten way to move around the infield to make calls.

It always seemed cumbersome to me to see a guy with a mask in his left hand, the indiclickercounter in his left hand and then try to make a big "SAFE" call with both arms, and raft, flying around.

In the mid-70's I was taught a "new" mechanic by an umpire named John Hand.

John said: "Tee, you make to big a deal about it, here's what you do."

John then proceeded to act like he was behind a catcher with R1 and a single to the outfield and a play developing at third base.

As John started towards third he threw the protector back against the fence and sprinted to third.

"See Tee," intoned the funniest guy in my association, "no problem!"

I went to his next game and, sure enough, that protector was tossed any time there was a possible play.

If MLB had seen this mechanic we may still be blessed with some wearing "The Raft."

Tee

[Tim C]

PWL, an umpire "starts" in "C" -- when plays are made you read, react, move, adjust and lean as necessary . . .

I know you'll ignore my advice but that is what both Garth and yrs trly are trying to tell you.

Starting in "C" does not mean ending in "C" . . .

If you get straight lined (sunny, cloudy or even during a night game) it is your fault as an umpire. You can adjust and get your own calls. That is all this is meant to mean.

I'm gonna go eat a Stegesourous now . . .

One thing PWL, you are really funny.

xxxooo

Tee

[Tim C]

Don't know what this "Be Humble" BS you are trying to sell (my memory fails was that song lyric from Buck Owens or Roy Clark) but that's your gig. Humble is not found in my dictionary (BTW, M/W.com is like the Cliff Note version of the dictionary . . . I "pity the fool" that uses it as a reference). I yam, what I yam.

PWL, Pause, READ, REACT . . . it works in the infield too.

Trust me.

If you understand the game, understand umpire movement and follow the three simple rules you never get straight lined.

xxxooo

T

[Sal Giaco]

Guys,
Before this thread starts to get ugly - I think you both make good points. Tim has some good thoughts regarding reading throws, building angles, taking a read step (or step and a lean) etc.

PWL - I understand, especially in a 2 man system, that there are times when you could possibly get straight lined or blocked out. This should not happen very often, in fact, probably rarely if you do some of the things Tim has mentioned.

Let's just try and keep the discussion civil so that it doesn't escalate into a "mudd slinging" affair.

[jicecone]

Originally posted by PWL

I understand exactly what you are saying. However, when you are in C position, the throw is not always going to go to first. You can't just start setting up in position for that throw. If you do you might be out of position for a play at another base. Sometimes you have to move to get out of the way of a hard hit ball. It's just impossible to get the best angle all the times. When the ball is thrown, I like to be set without my head moving if I think I have a close call. One hit back to pitcher, I might be jogging over. You know as well as I do the only there are times the only thing you can do is react and go where the ball takes you.

IT'S HARD TO BE HUMBLE WHEN YOUR PERFECT IN EVERYWAY!!!!

XXXOOO ARE YOU PLAYING TIC TAC TOE WITHOUT THE LINES?

PWL,

You talking the exception. On almost every play in the infield you should be able to react to the mound, be eqidistant from all bases, read and react. If your setting up in the B or C and staying there well, your going to miss a lot.

Those are only starting positions. Thats exacty what were saying here.

[GarthB]

Originally posted by PWL

Explain to me how you are going to be able to see everything from the C position. That's what I was talking about. Say for example, F3 in shade, your in bright sunshine makes it hard enough sometime. Experience has nothing to do with it. I've around ballfields for over 40 years in all capacities. I watch what is going on. Baseball is probably the best sport where just sitting is the best way to learn. That includes playing, coaching, and umpiring.

As for the level I work, that is my choice. I LIKE IT!!! It gives me the freedom to do other things I want. I don't to have live out of the trunk of my car for six or seven months. I just don't care to play the good ol' boys game. If that what you want to do T-Rex, fine, you have my blessing. Eject anyone who is foolish enough question your wisdom.

I don't understand what BALLS has to do with anything. There is a new book on the shelves called Conquer Stress. Give it a read. SERENITY NOW, SERENITY NOW!!!!

Who the hell are you talking to? You quote my post and then launch into some kind of a tirade about T-Rex, your level of play and what BALLS have to do with something or other, none of which have anything to do with my post. I neither addressed level of play or your manhood or my good friend and a fine umpire from Washington, T-Rex.

Best you don't even try to explain, you don't appear terribly stable at this point.

I'm finished with this thread.

[umpduck11]

Not that it really matters,but i seem to remember
that "It's Hard to be Humble" was recorded by
Mac Davis.

[Rich]

Originally posted by GarthB

Knowing mechanics, adjusting to the throw and getting the call right without a huddle earns even more respect.

The typical umpire who asks for help starts in the C position and finishes about 2 steps from the C position. Why work to get in position -- if screened he'll just ask the plate umpire?

It's called pride, working hard, and having the attitude that it's your call and you're going to make it. Not dump it on the plate guy, who has enough to do.

[Rich]

Originally posted by PWL
So in your words, you have never missed a call? If you have to consider the source that is your problem. Why read your column? Are they as cheesy as your posts? I agree with Sal. He sounds like a guy that that I would be proud to umpire with. If the players have to guess the call, what are you out there for?

I also get set and make my calls. However, If I'm over in the C position, and I have a short first baseman strecthing with everything he's got, I cannot always tell if his foot was in constant contact with the bag. Or, I get a bad throw, and I'm blocked out by the runner on the tag. I'll make the call I'll feel is correct. If my partner has something for me, I check. It's no sweat baby, what you think is respect is they just don't want to have to deal with a hard head. If that's the way you deal with, more power to you.

Personally, I don't need to get a big district game or high profile game to go out and hustle and do the same job. I get just as much pleasure doing a Fresh/JV Saturday afternoon doubleheader. Unlike you, I do just as good a job, only with more than half the attitude.

By the way, are you still using your original ballon protector?

If you can't tell, you have a poor angle. Ball's hit, you work to the back of the mound, chesting up to the ball. Wait until you know where the balls' thrown and once it's thrown to first move towards the start of the running lane, not in the direction of the stretch.

I've asked for help twice since I worked my first game in 1983. I was in the A position both times -- the first time was at the MSBL World Series in Phoenix -- I got set on a 3-1 play at first and F4 ran right in front of the money shot. The second time I got lazy on a simple 1-3 play and F1 threw it into the dirt and F3 blocked me. Completely my fault, but again, my partner was in a good position to see the bobbled ball after I failed to react to the throw.

I've had coaches ask, but it's not my job to appease coaches when I know I got a call right.