Chris,

I think, in some respects, the leagues (not the players) DO tell us "how to umpire" - though I would phrase it differently.

The only reason not to give a mechanic on a routine catch is because it's a "DUH!" call. It makes the umpire appear to be a novice or inexperienced, and would be perceived as an indicaor of umpire incompetence at higher levels of play. That's not the case here, so I do it on occasion.

In the general case, I'm of like mind with rookieblue. There are SOME aspects of my officiating that are influenced by the level/league I am calling.

For example, a number of posters mentioned the players throwing baseballs to me rather than handing or 'short tossing" them to me.

Again, in this league only, I ENCOURAGE them to do so; it is a "pace of play" management technique, which I find a challenging aspect of these games. Other leagues, I don't.

A couple of folks commented on my integrity and courage for posting the video; while I appreciate the compliments, I guess I don't lokk at it that way.

Every game you work, people are watching you and, typically, offering you all kinds of helpful commentary about the quality of your officiating. Sometimes, it's hard to keep track of it all. :rolleyes:

Here, I can get cogent feedback from people who I have some sense of their expertise from reading their aggregate posts here. I WANT to know what I'm doing wrong - so I can fix it. Other things, I think I'm doing right, but see I'm not when watching the video.

So, I'm really just being selfish! ;) Seriously, I've gotten some very useful feedback when I've posted these things here, and if others can learn from my flaws as well, so much the better.

To wit.....

I was wondering if anyone had any comments or observations regarding my mechanics on the last play shown in the 2nd video linked in my OP. I know why I did what I did, but I'm not sure it was "correct".

JM

You mean pointing fair when batted ball went off the plate? If so, I don't see anything wrong with that.

I have one comment: how the heck did you post a video of a game that will take place nearly 3 weeks from now?!? :D

Seriously, though, I saw a swinging bunt, which you signaled fair. What's the worry? The only thing I could think is that the ball seemed to go down the 1B line and you came out toward the 3B line.

I'd guess you did that to get an angle for running lane INT, since fair/foul was determined before you got out from behind the plate. Makes sense to me if that was it.

Michael,

I'm bulimic. :o Lame "Zoolander" reference. Sorry.

See, that's the thing. Technically, the fair/foul status had not yet been determined when I pointed it fair.

Ah, that happened out of the frame, and I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Now you got some 'splainin' to do.

Since most comments have covered enough, I'll simply add, you have significantly improved since your first post.:)

Michael,

Nothing happened out of the frame that you need to see.

The reason I pointed fair was that I started getting some "...It HIT him..." noise from the defense, the ball had come out "funny" with a "funny" sound, and I had clearly seen it hit the front edge of the plate without ever touching the batter as it bounced toward fair territory.

I just wanted to clarify my jusdgement in regard to those particulars, so I am emphatically pointed it fair - even though it really wasn't yet.

Good idea? Bad idea? Better way to do it? Just stand there & watch? What do you guys think? To me, it seems kind of "incorrect", yet it also seemed like a good thing to do in that particular sitch.

justanother,

Why thank you. :o I hope so...

OK, one more clip. This one starts with the last play of the half inning (which you will see again at the end of the clip). This was one of three "controversial" calls in the game and I'd be interested in your guys' take on the play, the players' reactions (audible on the soundtrack), and what you can tell about the umpiring.

UmpVideo :: MABL, 6/272010 #3 video by CoachJM - Photobucket

Play starts with an R2, grounder to the left side, fielder checks the runner back towards 2B & fires to 1B - and the R2 takes off for 3B as soon as the fielder commits to the throw to 1B. What you see is the back end as the F3 threw to F5 attempting to retire R2.

My partner and I had pregamed that BU would have the "2nd play in the infield".

Only other thing different is the catcher getting "dinged" on a pitch and me cleaning the plate to give him a minute.

JM

Good pregame topic. I too, prefer this mechanic. When I'm on the bases I'd rather have help from PU if I need it at 1B, I can get an angle for the call at 3B, then I have PU already at home on an overthrow.