How would you do on TV

[ctblu40]

That I would probably attract some attention for inconsistency in the lower part of my zone. There would be comments such as, "That was the same pitch he called a ball earlier in the at bat."
Another might be, "He needs to keep his head more still on low-outside pitches."

These are things on which I know I need improvement.

There are many things however, that I know I wouldn't hear. "Why is he not moving up the line on a batted ball in the infield? Why is he using the indiclikacounter in his right hand? Why is he yelling 'Foul' on a ball fouled into the backstop?"

IMO, these types of things are not picking nits. They are basic fundamentals of umpiring that one should resolve before the end of their first season.

Just my $0.02.

[Carbide Keyman]

Any of us who post in this forum would be skewered if our game(s) were shown on national television.

Our "humble" opinions of our own greatness will be exposed under the glare of the spotlight.

The smoothness of our mechanics, stances, rotations, etc. will be shown for the fallacy it is.

We would also show we aren't that fine looking in our uniforms, either.

Look at how every umpire who is televised, from Little League through the NCAA and up to MLB, comes out looking like a "Smitty" when this august body turns its keyboards on them.

I believe that none of us would be able to stand the scrutiny of our games being televised.

JMHO




Doug

[D-Man]

I don't know about how I'd stand up on TV. I've done OK with big crowds. However, the switch from NCAA to LL I made last week was shocking to say the least. A friend of mine who is President of a local little league had a 9-10 yr old scrimmage he needed an umpire for. I told him I'd do him a favor in exchange for some perennials for my wife. Here's how it went.

First, the oohs and aahs from seeing their first umpire in uniform not using the balloon was interesting. Plus, I wore black for some reason.

Second, I had no idea how to set up. I felt like a giant in Lilliput. GD, regular box, knee...none of them felt comfortable. Can't use the catcher for any help. I got hit a couple of times but other than the occasional sting, no bad bruises. My groin is killing me from trying to get down so low.

Third, how do you call a pitch that's over the outside corner but four feet away from the batter a strike? It looks bad but no one argues...no one! I'm not patting myself on the back or anything. I was not good. Up, down, out, in...i felt like I needed to be big but these were little kids. I didn't want to make them cry on a mistake by me. A LL ump who rang me up on a ball that bounced off the plate is why I became an umpire in the first place. Above all though, no parent, player or coach gave me any grief. I had no whackers on the bases but I was all over the place behind the dish.

It was difficult and I don't know if I'll do it again. My garden will be nicer next spring though.

D