From penthouse to outhouse...
 

Worked the plate tonight in a summer college gig. Seriously, could have umpired with anyone through the first 7 innings, then for some reason started to reinvent the strike zone late in the game. Wasn't a timing issue. I think it was a (lack of) concentration issue. What are others' experiences on this topic?

What topic?

Yes it was.
 

Timing that is !

It's always timing. Even when you don't think it is. You get tired, don't realize it, and you timing gets quicker. Even if you wait a long time to make your calls, your internal timing for determining the pitch speeds up.

You know a Ball from a Strike. That knowledge / experience didn't just disappear. So unless you changed your stance / position, they put in a pitcher that had you confused, or you lost your glasses, it was timing.

If you had something else on your mind, then the solution is to learn to leave it at the gate, or don't do the plate ! (I just made that up, but it's the truth)

And don't beat yourself up over it. It happens to everyone, once in a while. But if you find it happening a lot. Get someone you respect to evaluate you. You'd be surprised what someone else can see.

I'm surprised Nick didn't mention that a HSM prevents these types of problems. ;)

Seriously -- if you're not used to working 9 inning games, the last two innings can be tough.

I would say "timing", but not in quite the way you would think.

What usually happens is you start making your decision BEFORE the ball hits the glove.

Just get back to good plate mechanics. Track the ball all the way to the glove, decide if it is a ball or strike, then make the call. Trust me, it will work wonders.

thanks
 

thanks for the tips; in retrospect, I didn't do anything "physically" different in terms of timing, but I can definitely see that my "mental" mechanics changed in the last couple of innings, ie: was making up my mind before the pitch hit the glove - thanks for your feedback

Oh yeah...And if all else fails, switch to a BUH (Baseball Umpire's Helmet). Formally known as HSM (Hockey Style Helmet), which is different.

Those Last Few Calls
 

The mind begins to wonder as mental sharpness may subconsciously change near closing time. If it wasn't timing, and it wasn't a lack of concentration, then it may well have been an "optical illusion" or one of millions of other possible factors (lighting, hunger, warmth, etc.). :rolleyes:

Success or failure is a very personal matter. The good news is that you now recognized some of the symptoms. You have probably already heard the jokes about all the pretty chicks left in the single bar near closing time. The only drawback is the mental hangover and/or mental guilt-trip left afterwards. Don't over analyze things the next morning. You'll quickly get over it with more experience. :eek: