Going Solo

[rngrck]

Working my first game solo tomm(JV). Any words of advice would much be appreciated. How about some short cuts if possible?

[bob jenkins]

Draw a line parallel to the third base line through the lead runner. Don't cross that line (unless it's R3 who will score without a play and you are moving out for other calls.)

[JJ]

Originally Posted by rngrck

How about some short cuts if possible?

Call strikes. Lots of strikes. Don't call balls. Ever. Tell 'em, "If it bounces less than twice it's got a chance."

JJ

[BretMan]

Find a copy of the ASA softball umpire manual, then study their one-man mechanics. Okay, might not be practical advice if you need it by tomorrow! But those are the mechanics and coverages I default to on the rare occasions I'm stuck doing a baseball game solo.

[johnnyg08]

one man sucks...i do about 20 one man games per year...when it's not hot out...and since you're doing JV, it won't be too bad...yes, I realize I just contradicted myself, but JV baseball is pretty low maintenance...call lots of strikes, get 'em swinging the bat early, try and hustle when you can to make the calls and don't over commit.

[bossman72]

You can't do much but HUSTLE.

If the coaches see you're hustling to make your calls and not just hovering your fat a$$ around the plate, they can't complain. Just do your best

[Tim C]

Here's my advice:

ALWAYS ask for help from your partner on checked/unchecked swing requests.

Regards,

[PeteBooth]

Have in my mind what I call "givens" to be consistent.

Example: you have R1 stealing on the pitch. Since your first priority is to call the pitch, you are not going to get the best of angles on the play. You get a couple of steps to get the best view possible.

If the ball BEATS the runner and the tag is where it is supposed to be = OUT PERIOD. Same holds true for BOTH teams. Conversely if the ball is off line or the fielder has to reach back for a tag etc. the Call is SAFE.

When working SOLO the runners will have the advantage but again the advantage is equal for BOTH teams. On a pick-off attempt at first base you have to be ABSOLUTELY sure you saw a tag to call R1 out therefore, for the most part you will not see too many outs on pick-off plays.

Forget about watching EVERY runner touch the bases. It's virtaully impossible to do when working solo because if the ball is hit in the air, you are watching for the catch / no catch.

You might get a glimpse of the runner touching third base but again I would not worry about appeal plays.

Do not be INFLUENCED on changing calls even if you "kicked it" Example: you have a play at the plate see F2 tag the runner but do not SEE the ball lying on the ground.

You know the offense is going to "go nuts" but you do not have a partner to check with. If you start REVERSING calls based upon reactions of the other team get ready for a very long day.

As Bob says you get into what is known as the "working area" which is around the pitcher's mound. From there you can move in either direction to make the call.

Hustle as best you can

That is all anyone can ask. Most of the time the coaches understand but as in Garth's post every now and then you get a pain in the you know what and if that happens mirror Garth or something along those lines.

NOTE: In HS at least in my area it's not uncommon for umpires to be scheduled SOLO when working modified and even JV games so get used to it.

It works like this

1. Varsity - 2 umpires ALWAYS.
2. JV - The scheduler does try and put 2 umpires on the game but you can work SOLO
3. Modified - Most of the games umpired at this level are SOLO. In fact SOLO for the modified level is becoming the norm at least in the association I work. There is simply not enough umpires to cover all the games at each division.

Pete Booth

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

There is simply not enough umpires to cover all the games at each division.

that's our situation in the area where I assign...we'd love to lobby for two umps, but we don't have the capacity...

[CO ump]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

Do not be INFLUENCED on changing calls even if you "kicked it" Example: you have a play at the plate see F2 tag the runner but do not SEE the ball lying on the ground.

You know the offense is going to "go nuts" but you do not have a partner to check with. If you start REVERSING calls based upon reactions of the other team get ready for a very long day.

Pete Booth

Pete
I get your larger point about a new ump working solo needing to be tough and hold up under the pressure of the coaches.
But
as advice to new umpires goes the above example is terrible.
If he doesn't "SEE the ball lying on the ground" then he didn't SEE the ball in F2s glove. One of the first things all new umpires need to learn is If you don't see the ball don't make a call!