CoachJM, if you were doing a college game in my area, and the evaluator was watching you, you would receive good feedback for doing exactly what you are doing!

I have called at least 2000 games, and still do what you do.

I would modify a couple of things.

1 - Between innings, go 1st of 3rd baseline extended, being opposit of the team coming to bat, but also up the baseline at the edge of the dirt. When the pitcher is down to 2 warm up pitches, walk up to the baseline, hold up two fingers and inform him "Two more". Make sure he sees you.

Believe it or not, they appreciate not having to think about this, and it shows you are engaged in what is happening out there.

2 - Get the catchers name before you start looking. Ask him whatever you need to find out. I sometimes ask if the pitcher has anything nasty I should know about. They are always glad to explain what their pitcher has, and what it may or may not do. The better catchers will even tell you the guy is a basket case and wouldn't know the strike zone from his locker! :) I usually take those kinds of comments to mean that I won't have any problems with that catcher that day! :)

As I said earlier, I watch about 3 pitches, 5, 6 and 7, and I don't do it to see what kind of stuff the pitcher has, but to just get focused, and have a few words with the catcher.

Gentlemen,

I would just like to thank each of you who chose to respond to my question.

Earlier today, I worked the first game I had since initiating this thread. In respect to my question, I did many things the same and some things differently as a result of your collective feedback.

So, thanks for bothering to help me try to become a better umpire.

JM

So, how were the GLMs? :D

LMan,

GLMs were a little "thin" - and I don't mean that in the good way. ;)

JM

Nicole Ritchie thin, or hair on your head thin?:D

Great, now the only thing we need to work on is your screen name :)

Aww give him a break, it's not like his name is "A$$h***Rat". ;) Judging by his posts, Coach is a standup fellow. Unless of course he had an exorcism performed when he switched to the darkside. :D

...............................

Indeed.