Getting Good Part 2

[JJ]

Sheer volume of games is good and bad - good from the standpoint that you'll have more opportunity to see situations, and bad from the standpoint that you'll have more opportunity to screw up (!). Yes, work a LOT of games, but pick your partner's brains in a solid pregame and postgame. Seek out critiques from anyone and everyone who may know something about umpiring - then with experience you'll be able to glean from all of that input the really valuable information that will make you - A Good One. Never be satisfied with your work - ever. Pick one new thing to try every year - strike call, plate stance, how you communicate with your partner...it's how you find what works for you. And if you come across a sticky situation, dig for the answer - and don't quit looking just because you find one!