Little League: Kentucky vs. Texas

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

The announcers keep throwing the umpires under the bus by continually emphasizing that they are "volunteers" and pay their own way.

I beg to differ. They point out consistently that EVERYONE is a volunteer. There have been plenty of times they could have thrown the umpires under the bus and they refrain most every time.

-Josh

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by jdmara

I beg to differ. They point out consistently that EVERYONE is a volunteer. There have been plenty of times they could have thrown the umpires under the bus and they refrain most every time.

-Josh

It also appears they don't show replays of close calls more than once or twice, and I have yet to see a replay of a called strike three.

[kheisner]

Some of those poor kids have gotten rung up on some real nasty strike three calls this week.

It is not like the MLB World Series where they replay those calls.

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by yawetag

It also appears they don't show replays of close calls more than once or twice, and I have yet to see a replay of a called strike three.

I think it's in the MLB rules...they're not supposed to show it at the game anyway. Unless you're referring to the LLWS which the thread it titled...then I guess I don't know.

[MOofficial]

If anyone saw the Japan vs. Mexico game last night, the word "nasty" for at least two of the third strikes does not do it enough justice. The catcher was set up at least half way in the other batters box, pitcher threw it right where he was suppose to, batter watches the ball go right here which is about 2 ft from the plate, and the PU rings em up and sets em down.

Do not get me wrong I do my fair share of games for that age group in the summer in my hometown to help out with the program and the zone does get big when the game is dragging on, but to call that on ESPN, only the biggest sports station in the world, for kids who are the best in the world in that age group is a little disappointing. The only way a batter would be able to even think about touching those pitches would be with an oar, and thats the truth. No "legal" bat would come close to that unless you step on the plate to swing.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by MOofficial

If anyone saw the Japan vs. Mexico game last night, the word "nasty" for at least two of the third strikes does not do it enough justice. The catcher was set up at least half way in the other batters box, pitcher threw it right where he was suppose to, batter watches the ball go right here which is about 2 ft from the plate, and the PU rings em up and sets em down.

Do not get me wrong I do my fair share of games for that age group in the summer in my hometown to help out with the program and the zone does get big when the game is dragging on, but to call that on ESPN, only the biggest sports station in the world, for kids who are the best in the world in that age group is a little disappointing. The only way a batter would be able to even think about touching those pitches would be with an oar, and thats the truth. No "legal" bat would come close to that unless you step on the plate to swing.

Yeah, even Eric Gregg would have thought those pitches were balls. Pretty brutal umpiring in this LLWS overall. Some good, but some dreadful.

But they're all volunteers!

[kheisner]

I guess you can say, You get what you pay for

I know I'm not perfect, but if I were umpiring on national TV....I sure as hell would try harder. I don't know what some of these guys are looking at. Their ball & strike calls have been consistently inconsistent. I'd expect that out of some of the 16-yr old park district umps....but these guys are supposed to be the best!! This year they are terrible...just terrible!

I really feel sorry for the kids. They deserve better.

[aceholleran]

Trust me, the LLWS umps this year are the best I've ever seen (at the WS). Before you get your flamethrowers out, read on.

This shows you how bad it's been in the past. At least we're not getting ball-strike calls before the rock hits the mitt, as I've seen in the past.

The reason why these guys look so bad is that they are virtually all big cheeses in their local areas. They have developed bad habits over the years (witness the constant "play" business), and there's no one to tell them about the mistakes-- they are the assignors, etc. It's like the emperor's new clothes. Most of these guys have never even done a HS JV game. I see them at LL sectional, state and regional levels all the time.

I think LL is a great place to start, but I didn't hone my skills until I did HS, Legion and college/ex-pro summer ball.

These poor guys can't do the "casual out" at first; every foul ball is a major production; dress up that swinging strike 3--it's fine. It's ingrained. Don't forget that these officials aren't even vetted at the regional level. They get these assignments by recommendation. I am going to try to make it to ER in Bristol, CT next year. Chances are slim and none.

I don't blame this august group for hopping on some of these Smitties. Just remember that they don't think there's a thing wrong with their game.

Ace in CT