Is the BIG Game worth it

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Why the knock on baseball, Jeff? There are just as many baseball games with something on the line as basketball. Is it the lack of a crowd and atmosphere that makes it seem less important? The slower pace?

The fewer people watching, the less the scrutiny.

You live in Big Ten country like I do. It is not about the nature of the sport or the pace. But do you really equate Big Ten Football with Big Ten Baseball?

Peace

[MajorDave]

For most of us, we don't really see ourselves as others see us. It takes a very experienced and mature individual to have a solid, realistic view of themselves and their own abilities. I constantly seek feedback from those I trust. (i.e. more experienced than I at the matter in which I seek advice.) I love the big games and big crowds and better competition. I have no problem making a call that may be perceived as controversial. Called third strike, fair/foul on the line, no catch/catch on a diving outfielder, balk with go ahead run on third-whatever. I have made them all and do not regret or re-play a one of these calls. I will ask my partner for help on a call if I did not see it. Ultimately, IF it is my call to make, I will make it based upon my own knowledge, positioning and judgment. The bigger the better I say for me personally. For some, they do not need to be in the big games. Experience is only one factor. Ability, attitude, disposition and demeanor are several others. My two cents.

[ManInBlue]

I personally prefer to work the big game. I like to see the plays being made, the pitchers painting the plate, etc. I even enjoy having the coach come discuss a call - note I said discuss. I feel they have a job to do, that includes defending their team. I find that I have fewer issues with the coaches teh higher the level of play. However, the "meaningless" games get NO discussion about the calls - that's VERY nice. I'd rather be out there with the intensity of the big game. It may be left over from my playing days, but I just love that rush.

I have no problem doing lower level games, I hope I never feel that "I'm too good for that." But if you gave me a choice, I'm doing the big game - pay doesn't matter. To me the "easy money" doesn't come from the slow, error filled games - that's HARD work, even with a partner. I want to get as far as I can get with my ability, and being selected to do the big games is an indicator that my ability is improving and has been noticed.

[DG]

When I started, I started at a late age and worked HS games only, and my goal was to become more profiicient at the rules, because I was also coaching, at lower levels where my sons were playing. I had no aspirations to move up above HS.

Now they are grown and I realize it is too late to aspire to greater heights than working HS games, and some lower college games.

That being said, if I was only assigned JV games I would quit. I don't mind working an occassional JV game and in fact worked 5 last year as part of JV/V double headers and 1 as a late fill in.

But I WANT to work the big games and I WANT to work the plate for the big games. I don't do this for the money, although I would not do it for free. I would not work lower level ball for higher pay.

My second HS game last year was a plate game for me, the final score was 1-0. The winning pitcher pitched a 1-hitter and the losing pitcher a 3-hitter, both pitched complete games. The winning pitcher later signed to pitch for a major D1 school. You don't find this kind of game working JV ball.