See Me Umpire
 

I've got a video up of me making some calls behind the plate. I'd like to get as much feedback as possible. A few questions:

1) Should I say "one ball, one strike" when giving the count or "one and one"? Is either okay?
2) Should I be quieter on my "ball" calls?
3) Was I working far enough from the catcher?
4) How was the timing?
5) How was my use of the eyes?

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vztdbMGo8CQ

Canadaump,

You can post your video embedded into the forum at www.umpire-empire.com. And get the feedback your looking for.

He could easily post a link here but it's obvious that he wants to limit who has access to the video.

i'll check it out, canada

Here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vztdbMGo8CQ

Please send a PM with any suggestions, or better yet if you've got a Youtube account send me an email there as it won't have the word limit.

Is that ever......cute.

Okay, I'll offer some feedback...I'll also say that others will disagree with portions of my post...as with almost every aspect of umpiring, it comes down to being loose, having fun, and being mechanically sound.

So...

1) Should I say "one ball, one strike" when giving the count or "one and one"? Is either okay? "one, one" is fine, everybody knows that you say balls then strikes. You don't want the reputation of a smitty.
2) Should I be quieter on my "ball" calls? No, in fact, some will say to be louder on "close ball calls" some will say, a ball is a ball and a strike is a strike, I say them both the same. Personally, I use both...but remain consistent per game.
3) Was I working far enough from the catcher? looked okay, but it shouldn't be the same every single time, this will change per batter and per the size of your catchers
4) How was the timing? Timing was good.
5) How was my use of the eyes? Couldn't see your eyes, but your head seems to hold pretty still.
6) Your stance looked a tad wide, I try to split the catcher with my lead foot. But if you can see the low, outside pitch from where you are...why change.

Here's my 2 cents
1) Should I say "one ball, one strike" when giving the count or "one and one"? Is either okay? I say one ball, one strike. Most of the guys I work with do the same thing.
2) Should I be quieter on my "ball" calls? No, the volumn on the 'ball' call should be loud enough for the catcher, batter and pitcher to hear. Your strike call has to be louder and more emphatic then the 'ball' call
3) Was I working far enough from the catcher? Looked to me like you worked as far back at the book case would allow. Given that you set up very low, being back further would have hindered your view of the zone.
4) How was the timing? To me, it looked like you were rushing a bit, but these training situations are always a bit artificial. You can be sure, though, that if you rush in a cage drill with no pressure, you will really rush when the heat is on.
5) How was my use of the eyes? Couldn't tell from the video.

One other upgrade I would offer is, don't put your hands behind your back. It looks very unprofessional and it could effect your balance. My personal preference is the Gerry Davis system, which provides a very stable platform from which to call strikes.

Why not just post the link rather than deal with all the PM's? I'd like to see it, as I'm sure others will who don't really want to go the PM route......


Tim.

He posted the link in post # 5.

Bob,

1) Should I say "one ball, one strike" when giving the count or "one and one"? Is either okay? Either is okay. I mix it up, depending on the situation.
2) Should I be quieter on my "ball" calls? No, you were just fine. Don't scream "ball," as others have said, loud enough for the pitcher is fine.
3) Was I working far enough from the catcher? You were fine.
4) How was the timing?It did not seem contrived, so it appeared you tracked the ball properly to the glove. Too bad the catcher couldn't catch some of those strikes :rolleyes:.
5) How was my use of the eyes? I couldn't see, but the timing seemed genuine, so it was probably good.

I echo what Mr. Umpire said. You don't want to hide the arm behind the catcher and leave the slot arm exposed. Looks dumb. Tucking both arms or just the slot arm looks better, and I have seen many MLB umpires doing it, so there's no shame in it. Just don't ever put the arm behind your back, or you will look like the proverbial speed skater.

It would have been nicer to see you on a field and add one more guy to play the batter, but other than that one thing, it looked pretty good. Of course it is no substitute for the real thing, where we can take into account your other game management skills, but as far as cage work, not bad at all.

Height above the catcher is not bad. Be careful not to get much lower. I'd rather see you raise up a couple of inches. You are tall so let that work for you. Other than the first pitch, very little movement once you are set (that's good). Feet are spread a bit far but you are tall so, as long as you are comfortable, it's okay.

Relax your arms when you are in the set. Your cup will stop the ball better than your hand - it looks like your are using your hand as the first defense. If you keep your arms relaxed, it won't hurt so bad if you get drilled. I usually suggest to keep the elbows resting on the thighs for tall guys like you.

I suggest that you lower you arm a bit when pointing the strike. You are bent at the elbow almost 45 degrees. It looks too amateurish Just point straight out to the side. It looks better to others and you'll find it easier to deal with if you run into extra innings (that arm gets heavy after 9 innings).

I cannot see your eyes so I cannot help you in that department. As far as vocalization, you're okay. Always make the strike call louder than the ball call. I agree with "2 balls, 2 strikes" or Two & Two" - never twenty two. I teach "down on the ball, up on the strike" and you are fine there. I also agree with Steve in that a field video may be even better.

All in all, not bad, not bad at all.

How's that for a video evaluation from a prick?

Should I say "one ball, one strike" when giving the count....Yes (Canadian Standard) Also make sure you show them at the same time as well...It appears that a couple of times you show balls then the strikes.

Should I be quieter on my "ball" calls? No. Also learn to call balls and strikes by the number. Ball One, Ball Two...Strike One, Strike Two etc. Once again Canadian Standard, as well what is taught at Jim's.

Was I working far enough from the catcher? Distance wise I didn't see much of a problem however your head height was a little low and on the left side you seemed to be less in the slot than you were on the right side. Hands would also be vice versa from the left side, you kept your hands the same on either the right or left sides.

If this is a Canadian thing, so be it, but it is one of many things used at Jim's for drill purposes. It is dropped by most as soon as clinic/school/classic is over, just like the mechanic of calling time at the end of the plate drill.

Thank you for the comments guys. I was told by another umpire that the pro schools teach putting the batter-side forearm in front of the waist, and putting the hand that is behind the catcher to the side of the knee, with the thumb tucking underneath the shin guard. Would this be a better alternative to putting the hand behind the back?

I also like hearing that I made the calls a bit too quick, because I am often told that I take too long to make my call.

I will likely have some videos of live-game action up by May, which should make things a bit easier to observe.

1. It looks to me like you are too far back and too low to see the outside corner.

2. On some pitches, your head moves as the pitch comes in. Not much, but even a little movement suggests improper tracking with the eyes. Concentrate on keeping the head still.

3. A nit pick - try not to look at your indicator, it looks bad. If you need to look at it, make a slight adjustment to your mask with your left hand and sneak a peek that way.

4. Good job of hanging in there and not bailing out on a catcher who let more than 75% of the pitches get by him. Are you sure he's a lefty?

I agree they tend to allow us to drop calling balls by the number however they still would like to see strikes by the number.

When the catcher caught the one strike and squeezed it and i realized it was a squeak toy i about lost it!! hahaha!!!

But on a serious note, everyone has given you good advice here. Keep improving. Keep learning.

whoever told you that the pro schools teach what i put in bold above was lying to you. that's just plain dangerous.

You have your "druthers" backwards. I would rather be told I take too long to make my call than I make them too quickly.

Man, if I had a dollar for everytime I've heard someone say, "this what they teach in proschool" while referencing bullsh!t, I'd have complete new gear and unis every year.

Garth I will admit that I probably misheard or misphrased the information that was given to me.

Is this the way they teach it: batter-side forearm at the stomach, catcher-side hand beside the leg?

The most important piece of advice you'll ever get out of this...

Mom told you never to play ball in the house! :D

(C.U. might be too young to get this iconic Brady Bunch reference, but I'm guessing most here are not.)

One other subtle thing I noticed was that you did not relax between pitches. You spent a lot of time before the pitcher began his motion in that wide stance. If you called a 9 inning game doing that I imagine you would be quite tiredby the 5th inning. Of course cage work is very different from game situations and you might not do that during a game. I am in the habit of taking a step back and standing up straight until the pitcher starts his motion before I get into position. I have plenty of time to get set and it helps me relax. All in all you looked pretty good to me.

Thanks again for the feedback. Where should I put my catcher-side hand?

Place it just above your knee on your thigh. It'll help you to "lock in."


Tim.

I believe you can do better than that, Tim. What would you recommend in a more dynamic, safety conscious approach? Hand on knee is problematic to injury especially with particular F2 positionings. Yes? :D

Tim is sure having a rough decade. :(

Hello Youngster, glad to see you are still at it regardless of the great assistance and positive feedback of too many (misguided) Veterans of this forum. How can you not succeed with such youthful commentary coming from adult (aged) mouths? :)

Signal your finger (count) when you have the attention of F1, with palms facing in. This will show only your count fingers (try it for yourself), easier to see especially at a distance.

Watch out for the “Strike” hand over the head of F2; he may popup on you with a throwing arm or his head.

No need to look at your counter; takes eyes off the field. Cut into the wheels notches for the zeros so that you know when you are reset there by feel. If you need to look at your counter, pull your hand up to your mask, counter facing in, and peek as you adjust your mask :)

Get an F2 that can catch; those wiffle balls can put a sting on you and Mom’s furniture.

And as always, reading is fundamental. Tim said above the knee on the thigh, which is not problematic to injury. He didn't say to put it on top of the shin guard.

I think he's better off with us veterans than with a LL guy like you, and I sincerely mean no offense to other LL guys.

Pretty Smitty. I don't think that's the way it's taught at the school. Anyone back me up on this assumption?

I think the reason not to signal high like that is because it looks like hell. You have to be aware of the situation and stay out of the catcher's way, no matter how you signal strikes.

InterestedUmp, where have you been hiding?;) What's happened to Donovan- I haven't seen him in ages either. Good to see you back.

I take it I should be signaling lower. How much lower?

I got it, no it's not taught that way at school

Or PBUC, or college clinics for that matter. I doubt LL western regional teaches that either.

I have a close friend who has taught down at western region, and nope not there either, that about covers em all.

Thanks for the welcome, I nearly missed it with the parade of them coming from all four corners of the forum. :D The Deej is fine and I will pass along your nice thoughts. During the winter, I make him hibernate with the other bears. It renews his pi** and vinegar.

Not lower with the signaling, I would suggest that the level of the hands is adjustable to the positioning of the B and F2. I am under 6 feet which means I often side step to the open batter;s box to signal the count, if F2 is standing, for instance.

Our philosophy on signalling is that to accomodate the three most important people in any pitch. F1, B and F2. Personally, I try to find a "quiet time" where I can get the attention of all three with hand signals primarily for F1 not necessarily in tandem with a verbal announcement for the ears of B and F2


For simplicity, I do not announce every Ball or Strike especially if the obvious pitch well outside the zone has occured, I try not to interfere with my commo when coaches, F1/F2, others may be attempting their own.

I see in the responses that many do, goody for them. :p I find many umpires take this opportunity to bring focus to themselves and announce every single pitch. I might suggest that they purchase rooms full of mirrors and echo chambers to satiate their need to be heard and seen. :D

Hopefully, I answered your question. Signalling has one purpose, to bring attention to the umpire.

No, strike that. :D

It is to commo the count as a reminder, a courtesy, an improvement to the level of play, service to the game.

Quote:Originally Posted by Interested Ump
Watch out for the “Strike” hand over the head of F2; he may popup on you with a throwing arm or his head.
:confused:

let me see if I understand you. It "looks like hell" to use a high, elevated strike signal iynsho. "Looks" are in the Eye Of The Beholder. I happen to dislike the looks of obese umpires. ;)

Be carefull who you listen to when you ask for feedback from others. However good intentioned some may be, they think they know, but they do not know.

here are a few things a noticed from your video. (you didn't even have to pay to go to umpire school for this advice.:)

---Before you walk in behind your catcher, put your mask on. It should be on and ready to go before you even start to walk behind him. Then all you have to do is get in slot and wait.
-----Timing is quick at times. proper use of eyes will take care of that. See the pitch all the way to the mitt. Do not be in a hurry.
-----hold indicator in hand with pointer and thumb, not with pinky and thumb.
-----put arms up at same time, and signal with fingers at same time when giving the count. 1 ball 1 strike.
-----regular strike mechanic is too high. keep it down just below shoulder if you are going out to the side like that. still be visible with it , just will look much better.
----you look good in your uniform. nice and clean and well fitting.

See me umpire
 

1) Should I say "one ball, one strike" when giving the count or "one and one"? Is either okay?

In the minor leagues of professional baseball youa re taught to say one ball and one strike (or whatever the correct number of balls/strikes is). Also, there is no such thing as a "full count", that is actually a media term. Finally, when you have either two balls or two strikes it is always indicated with the index and ring finger and never the index and pinky fingers.

2) Should I be quieter on my "ball" calls?

Jim Evans teaches that on pitches that are balls, the call should be lound enough for the dugouts to hear. On strikes the call should be loud enough to be heard in the stands and should get progressively louder from strike one to strike three.

3) Was I working far enough from the catcher?

Its difficult to evaluate your stance from the video, however you should be set up in the slot such that the toes of your front foot are on the same line as the heels of the catcher and the and the toes of your foot are in the same line as the heel of your front foot. In addition, your trail foot should be turned slightly outward. This will help you to avoid having the catcher make contact with you should he need to pop up to throw.

Your head height should be that your chin should be no lower then the top of the catchers head.

4) How was the timing?

See number 5
5) How was my use of the eyes?

This is also difficult to see on the video. You should be tracking the ball all the way into the catchers mitt. the call is made mentally, the signal is dne physically. The sequence should be somthing like....your eyes track the ball into the mitt, you decide in your mind the pitch is a strike, then you come up and signal strike.

The mechanics for strike and out are the same. You extend your right hand like you are ging to shake someoens hand, then make a fist and band on someones door.

I hope this helps.

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vztdbMGo8CQ[/QUOTE]

That's what is taught. Is that what is used?

In any event, I'd use whichever the "big dogs" in your assoication use.


Agreed.

I'm sure you mean "index and middle finger" ;)

Agree; erudite observation from a "first" time poster. ;)

Yes, Thank you.

Hey, kiddo, as always I see you're pushinmg the education curve, good for you. Remember when you get advice, especially from the fatsos who are limited by their bellies position-wise. They tend to be the ones that "let their gear do the job it's supposed to"; translation - can't get low enough to get protect from F2. :D

All this "how they teach at school" is a laff. I've seen 50 schools and about as many "mandatory" things that differ. Just don't poke anyone in the eye. :eek:

I hear the "MLB umpires leave their hands exposed, on th eknee, etc etc" all the time. You're prolly umping ball where the catchers are as about as good as the one in your film.

Tuck that sucker away anywhere it won't take a shot and that does not include on top of the knee b/c it looks "good."

~Heavy Sigh~
 

I see the fools have returned. It was so nice while they were gone.

Regards,

He was catching with about the skill of a 7 year old machine pitch player. That level of "baseball" is something I try to avoid like the plague.

Like locusts.

Really? Well, thanks to the handy-dandy "Idiot-No-More Click and Ignore" feature, I hadn't really noticed.

Since being introduced to the Ignore feature at Off.com, I've been saved from much of the inaccurate information, fawning over wannabees, off-target insults and holier than a Pope position statements that tend to accompany certain posts.

Yes, sir, the "Idiot-No-More Click and Ignore" is more than worth double it's price in time savings alone. Not only do you not see the inane posts, but you are no longer tempted to spend the time in the futile exercise of correcting them.

That's "Idion-No-More Click and Ignore." Available at all of the better forums. Get yours today.

I'm wondering if it's even worth trying to explain how properly locking in is essential in maintaining proper head height throughout a game.............

Tim.

The surprise is that you're wondering if it's "even worth trying". Surely you know the answer to that.

I'd be most Interested Ump in hearing you expound on this biomechanical-visual relationship, please, for all of our edification, do proceed. :)

:D

Alas, the Voice Of Reason, Mr. Jenkins is absolutely correct. Officiating is about the money and it is about pleasing the moneygivers. Only wish those Old Dawgs were right more often. :(

I have to wonder why it is that you, and your Old Guard, go to such lengths to make sure that Donovan and I see your criticisms yet expound on how little you care to see our posts. What, for the life of me I do not know, are you afraid of? Why is it that you choose to torture young umpires who are trying their best but pass on debate with your age equals?

Is it so important to you to control, as if you could, this forum that you would go to such ridiculous measures as this post above? Is honest discussion fallen down your list of forum priorities that it resides below bullying antics and informative debate?

Why am I asking this, of course it does, your actions speak louder than my typing. :(

So much to offer, so much waste.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset">Originally Posted by GarthB
Really? Well, thanks to the handy-dandy "Idiot-No-More Click and Ignore" feature, I hadn't really noticed... the Ignore feature at Off.com, Yes, sir, the "Idiot-No-More Click and Ignore" ...That's "Idiont-No-More Click and Ignore." .

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Wow, these guys are still intimidated?? I haven't been here in weeks, or months. LOL

Back to umping.

Canadaump, what level of ball do you get to call (the upper end I mean?)

To be clear, my comment is equally applicable to those who work as a volunteer, those who get paid, and those who work for the money. The last two are different categories.

Around here we have what is called house league (games played within the city) and All Star (representative teams from each city play other cities). Age groups range from 7 to adult for these ages. The top level I did last year was the 16-19 year old All Star range (basically the equivilent of high school ball in the US). I've done a few men's house league games (they are certainly not beer league as I haven't seen a can of beer in my two years playing/umpiring this level). I will likely be doing some PBLO (Premier baseball league of Ontario) games, a few 19-22 year old All Star games and hell maybe even university ball. Just so long as I don't have to do another 15 U girl's softball tournament again.;)

ump video
 

Good job. Timing was very good. I just go 2-2 1-1 3-0. I do not like "twenty-two, or "thirty". The only thing about balls and strikes is that you dont want anyone to question if you said ball or strike. I call a ball quick and silent, and a resounding strike.

Canada, you wouldn't have had any problems with the girls softball if you could have just kept your pants on!! (WINK)

Good ball for your age, enjoy it and absorb all that you can. :)

Get low enough? That's all I need to read to determine that nobody should take advice from you. As if "getting low" is good advice for calling balls and strikes.

Originally Posted by fitump56
Hey, kiddo, as always I see you're pushinmg the education curve, good for you. Remember when you get advice, especially from the fatsos who are limited by their bellies position-wise. They tend to be the ones that "let their gear do the job it's supposed to"; translation - can't get low enough to get protect from F2.
First you would have to get down there, Rich, to be able to decide. :D

In your world is it better to view the strike zone just below your nose like you view other umpires?


Tim.

It looks good to me, although it seems you set up rather far from the catcher, laterally. If a right-handed batter were at bat, it seems you would almost be standing behind the batter as opposed in the slot. But that's hard to gage without an actual batter.

I think you look good!

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Fitty, I normally don't read your posts, but occasionally will see one of your replies in someone elses posts.

Please clarify for me your comment, "can't get low enough to get protect from F2". My assumption is that you using sarcasm as a form of humor?