i cant wait
 

my UIC today wanted to talk to me. On Thursday, me and him are doing a game on the 90' feild. It's basically a fall league for kids moving to the 90' in April. LL of course. Never done the 90' before, however Im familar with the positioning of BU on a 2 man. Any suggestions/comments for me? My first time doing the 90', gettin in some practice for the spring/summer season that starts in April. Im happy its supposed to be sunny and about 70 here on Thurs. lol heatwave :D How many of you have worked this level? Any comments, etc. would be appriciated :)

Keep your eyes on the baseball except when glancing to see the runner touch the base, then get your eyes right back to the ball (on hits to the outfield). If it is a choice between the two, just watch the ball. It's more important to know the position of the ball. Let the ball lead you to your plays. Don't overcommit to a base, only to see the ball get thrown to a base behind you. Don't worry about how close you get to the play, just make sure you get the proper angle. Angle over distance every time. Relax and have fun. Don't be quick with your timing. See the whole play develop, and make sure that the fielder has the ball securely before the "out" call. Proper use of the eyes, ya know. Oh, did I say relax and have fun? Relax and have fun.

Make sure you guys have a good pregame. If it's your first 90' game, you might want to get there early so you have time to discuss what each of you will be doing (ie covering third, caught fly ball/watching the runner, etc.). As Steve said, always keep an eye on the ball. Let the ball take you where you need to be. Angle is so much more important than the distance, you just need to see the play clearly, replay it in your head, and react. Don't be too quick, but be confident in your call. Just relax. You've umpired before, so it's not like you're in brand new. Baseball is baseball. It will be rough at first, but as the game moves along you'll feel more comfortable every time you move out there.

Thanks, guys. Also im riding with the UIC to the game, so we'll have plenty of time to discuss this :D Im not new to umpiring obviously, just new to the 90'. i know where i need to be already after studying it in the book and watching games on the 90'. I cant wait. lol :) Hope to do a few more before it ends. He will be behind the plate, and im doing the bases.

Obviously?

*snicker*...

Garth, you just had to pick that out :D

I had the joy of my first 90' wood bat tournament last weekend. The teams ranged from very very good to well let's be generous and say not quite so good.

I'd have to say know where the ball is critical. Never assume where the play will be. Work on the angles a lot.

VERY good advice. No Big Gulps, Taco Bell, or Italian within 3 hours of game time.

Trust me.

Be sure to watch your timing !

Things happen really slooooooooow for first year kids on the 90' field.

A lot of really goofy things also happen after you think a play is over.

So take your time to make your calls !

You won't be sorry.

I can't wait to hear how the game went! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I wonder how honest Dan will be!

Be sure to go over who has the call at what base on an appeal play. There's nothing worse than a team appealing a runner leaving early, then having both umpires look at each other, waiting for the other one to make a call.

When in positions B and C: On a ground ball to the infield move forward into the "working area" directly behind the pitchers mound and from there turn and keep your chest to the ball. This keeps you out of the throwing lanes and gives you good angles to plays at 1B and 3B. Always let the throw take you to the play.


Mike

I just wanna know if he threw out any 'painted in the basement' bats ;)

Well, you'll get your answers tommrow night, after the game. :D