First Game Tomorrow...

[JohnDorian37]

What is the protocol regarding the pre-game meeting? Do we come dressed and pre-game in the parking lot? Do we leave our stuff inside somewhere? What about waterbottles on the field?

--rookie

[UmpJM]

John,

Originally Posted by JohnDorian37

What is the protocol regarding the pre-game meeting? Do we come dressed and pre-game in the parking lot?

What I try to do is arrive at the game site at least 45 minutes before the scheduled game time. I wear my "street clothes" while driving to the game. As soon as I arrive, I walk to the field, introduce myself to the head coaches (whose names I already got from the schools' website - though w. underclass, they're not always there). Something like...

"Hi Bill, my name is JM and I'm your umpire today. Just wanted to let you know I was here. I/We'll be back on the field at 10 minutes before game time to check the bats and helmets. Would you please have your players have them ready for me/us to check? Have you got any paperwork for us to fill out? Thank you."

Then back to the parking lot to get dressed and pregame with my partner. Leave the parking lot 15 minutes before game time (yeah, I know, I told the coach "10"), ask the coach if he would please have his players get the bats and helmets out for us to check (yeah, I know. You'll see.), check the "hats and bats", name and number in the scorebooks, conduct the plate conference (reintroduce, lineups, groundrules, "properly & legally", "sportsmanship") then the HT takes the field for pitcher/infield warmup and we go.

Do we leave our stuff inside somewhere?

Yes. Generally the trunk of your car.

What about waterbottles on the field?

JV game? Heck, I'd bring a bottle of Jack Daniels.

On a more serious note, in this venue I see no problem with bringing a water bottle on the field. Just put it someplace "out of the way".

Oh, and in case nobody's mentioned it, slow down.

--rookie

JM

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by JohnDorian37

What is the protocol regarding the pre-game meeting? Do we come dressed and pre-game in the parking lot? Do we leave our stuff inside somewhere? What about waterbottles on the field?

--rookie

Entirely area dependent. Call your partner /assigner / mentor / someone in the area you trust and ask.

[Forest Ump]

Don't forget to watch for the foot touching the bag and listening for the ball to hit the mitt. Do this and you will nail the close ones.

Did anyone mention slow down?

Report back and let us know how it went.

[JohnDorian37]

thanks for all the help, guys.

i probably won't be able to internalize all of it, but i'll be sure to sprint from place to place, make calls before the play is finished, and in general to keep my mind racing at 1000 MPH.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by JohnDorian37

thanks for all the help, guys.

i probably won't be able to internalize all of it, but i'll be sure to sprint from place to place, make calls before the play is finished, and in general to keep my mind racing at 1000 MPH.

That's funny!

So, how did you do? Do tell, do tell!

[JohnDorian37]

a thought from my first game: with runners on 1st and 2nd the BU is in the C position. isn't it tough to get a good look at a pickoff play at 1st? you're very far away from that play.

[David B]

Originally Posted by JohnDorian37

a thought from my first game: with runners on 1st and 2nd the BU is in the C position. isn't it tough to get a good look at a pickoff play at 1st? you're very far away from that play.

Yes it it difficult, you just have make sure you have a good angle. Or, as we like to teach our umpires, stay in B. You are closer to the play at first and still have a great angle to 3rd. (but that depends on what is taught in your association or group - of course)

Thanks
David

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by JohnDorian37

a thought from my first game: with runners on 1st and 2nd the BU is in the C position. isn't it tough to get a good look at a pickoff play at 1st? you're very far away from that play.

First, why are they holding the runner to begin with? Very bush, even for JV (there are some pretty serious JV teams out here). I see it once in a while in adult leagues and do a little chuckle over it. That, and inexperienced F3's who don't know how to hold a runner to start with. Always good for a hoot.

Second, C is plenty good enough. Better angle, actually. It's not that hard of a call. Coaches (yeah, yeah, present company excepted, I know) usually don't know their a$$ from their elbow about right or wrong calls anyway, so you probably nailed it.