Deja Vu - Mechanics

[PeteBooth]

It's funny sometimes how huge debates can come to fruition. In addition we often distinguish our responses between players that shave and those who do not.

If the contoversial play happened at a youth event people would say they are just learning and that wouldn't happen in the PROS.

Another main response is "third world or weird type plays" only happen to third world umpires.

Ok what does all of this have to do with the price of bagles.

During the summer, we had a huge debate on umpire mechanics concerning the VERY play that happened the other night. If memory serves, there were 2 camps.

Camp Number 1 - The same camp that got Doug Eddings in "hot water" meaning say nothing, the players should know what's going on

Camp 2 - verbalize what's going on. In other words say Catch/No catch or batter's out. Give Information

In addition it was mentioned that one wouldn't see these "strange type plays" in the PROS or that these types of things only happend to "Third World Umpires"

Doug Eddings prooved the aforementioned statement false. He is not a "third world umpire" but human and in an interview with the NY Times/Post admitted he made a mistake. Not with the Call but with the MECHANIC.

Therefore, perhaps the PRO Schools will start to change there philosophy and instruct the umpires to be more vocal even at the highest level.

In Summary: The debate probably is not settled, but you saw first hand what happenes when umpires remain silent and do not let anyone know what's going on. Verbalize your calls when it warrants it, especially on an uncaught/caught third strike.

Pete Booth