Look sharp back there. As others have said, slow down. I know I need to and you probably already know it.

And my comment from the last video you posted still applies: nice shin guards!! ;)

Gentlemen,

Thanks to all for your comments. A couple of specifics I wanted to reply to...

The Slav,

He completely surprised me by coming out to his left. It was obvious to me that the ball had been fouled out of play to the right, and it seems that catchers usually never initially turn to the side of the batter on these. I was ready for him on the next pitch.

Chris & Michael,

I noticed the same things about occasionally a little quick on the timing and a tad low with the head height. That's one of the reasons I like to get video of myself because I find it nearly impossible to evaluate myself on these things without seeing it.

With regard to putting the ball back in play, just something that was drilled into me when I started, so I do it whether there are runners or not; agree that it's unnecessary with no runners on.

On the foul, the players in this league WANT a call on a routine catch. Once had a routine catch on a "can of corn" to F8 and didn't make a signal. Got a few "That's a catch, isn't it blue?" comments, so now I just give them a mechanic.

Didn't have any "discussions" during this game but my videographer was under instructions to be sure to get it on tape if I did.

Michael, you should be careful throwing out invitations like that. If I hadn't been working the 18U/16U Northwestern Invitational this weekend, I just might have shown up!

Ozzy,

No, now I'm an OLDER fart - I'm certainly not getting any younger. Agreed - head height better, still needs a little work.

MrUmpire,

Very helpful observation. I've worked 5 plate games since you posted your comment, and I tried going "wider" with my stance, with less "squat". Felt comfortable and I "believe" I've got my head at a better height doing so. Have to see a pic/video to be sure.

NJump,

That's amazing. When I was dressing for the game, I popped my right big toe through a worn spot on the toe of the sock. I can't believe you picked that up from the video!

I'm not sure which pitch you're referring to - I NEVER give location on a ball (other than to the catcher early in the game). There's one pitch in the dirt just past the 5:00 min. mark on one of the videos where I said "no offer" - might be the one you're referring to.

Tanner,

I regularly receive compliments on my
shinguards! :rolleyes:

Again, thanks to all for your comments.

JM

So the players tell us how to umpire now? GREAT!!! I KNOW the pitchers want me to give them that pitch 2 ball off the plate too...I guess I better do it....

The players do not tell us how to umpire. What the big boys cannot tell if a ball caught above their head is a "catch"? Give me a break!

Not "raggin" on you coach..but don't let the rats run your game.

UmpJM,

Thanks for posting these videos. That takes guts and a lot of integrity to throw yourself open to critiques. I may do the same, if I can find someone willing to tape me! You're a huge asset to this forum, and it's great to see you in action.

As for giving the players in a given league what they expect, why is that a problem? They - and the game - are the "clients," so to speak. Was it Richie Garcia who said, "a strike is where I call it and they don't *****"? We all give 'em what they want to some extent. This is entirely meet.

God bless,

Bob James

Very nice and great courage to post. I don't have a problem putting the ball in play every time it is dead. It is a good habit. Do it rather nonchalantly and no voice with no runners, emphatically and with voice with runners.

The only thing I noted not mentioned here is that on one occassion players tossed balls to you from 20' or more. They should bring them to you or if tossed, a much shorter distance, like 5'. I especially despise a batter coming to the plate with a ball and he tosses it 20' before he reaches the plate. He is coming to the plate, why not hand it to me when he gets there.

Get the catcher to catch them for you. That's why he's the CATCHer. :D

I do both of these...yes, I've grown to despise the on deck hitter tossing me a baseball when he's coming up to the plate anyway. I also strongly dislike the baseball used as long bowling balls. Run them out or throw them to the catcher. I try to bring it up at my plate meetings. Sometimes I forget though.

When a ball is rolled to me--like they're helping--I stand there with my hands on my hips and look down at it for a moment. And then I slowly reach down and pick it up and look at the one who rolled it. Then, they don't roll any more.

And don't cover it in the pre-game. Less is more. Cover it when/if it happens.

Yeah, it's one sentence, one request.

Usually they understand after you get the catcher to get the first one.

Different expectations in different leagues / levels. You don't (imo) want to be the "******* umpire who makes us carry the balls out to him on an effin silver platter", nor do you want to be the "effin LL umpire who doesn't understand the protocol at this level."

And, you do sometimes have to spend some time "training" the participants what is expected / allowed. It's (occasionally) a fine line to walk.

I don't make a big deal of it. I mention it one time casually and in good fun. If they don't do it, I don't remind them that we talked about it at the plate meeting. If they do it, I thank them each time they walk them out to me or a short toss, or if F2 helps...as a method of positive reinforcement.

But, Johnny, veteran coaches will roll their eyes at you right from the plate meeting when you get too officious right from the start. It is not the tone you want to set. Cover only the stuff that is necessary and be brief.

Kevin,

I agree with you. Typically the veteran coaches know that's it's a courteous thing to do.

You'll overhear them sometimes, after a ball has been flipped to you: "Next time, hand it to the umpire."