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Mon Sep 04, 2000, 12:54am
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I don't believe I've ever seen a play studied and or dissected nearly as much as this one. It was something to watch the big guns break it down and put it back together again. All the while us little guys could sit back and soak it up like a sponge. I'm just thankful that just before the debate started I asked what relaxed and unrelaxed action meant. With out that knowledge everything discussed would have been about as clear as mud.
If you guys don't realize it I'll explain. I now know how to handle both missed bases and leaving early on ALL three bags. What the call is on a missed home and the mechanics for all of the above. That might sound eliminatory to you and I guess it is. I probably would have gotten the call right on the field (except for #2) but now when I get the call right I'll know WHY. I've always had this uncanny ability the make the right calls. (Most of the time) but I am never able to explain why, when questioned. And that is frustrating to me and to the coaches. There is another topic that hopefully before next season starts, will be brought up again. That being Obstruction/Interference- ABC's. You must remember you all have been around the boards a lot and have got libraries full of rulebooks. But there will always be a Rookie like me signing on trying to figure out what the hell your talking about. Relaxed and unrelaxed, the ABC's and other topics such as this are not like, are the hands part of the bat? What ya'll take for common knowledge in advanced interpretations is Greek to some of us. I'm just not afraid to ask. rex 
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Tue Sep 05, 2000, 03:25am
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quote: Hey, Rex, NEVER be afraid to ask. I learned something from the questions you posed too! I know that Carl, Jim and I will never object to a reasonable question. Where we usually get peeved is if someone asks a question where the answer can easily be read straight from the rulebook and there can be no controversy over the reading. Even so, I'm sure all of us will remain as patient in the circumstances as you have been with our long-winded deliberations over the issues raised following POTEOD#2. Cheers, mate. Warren Willson ------------------ Member and Co-Moderator, UT
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Tue Sep 05, 2000, 10:28am
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quote: +++++++++++++ Gosh, Jim, you've got me stumped. I don't remember taking part in any such discussion. I have a play on eteamz covering that for FED and NCAA, but I didn't include OBR. You say there "was considerable support" for listening to Evans and that "many" gave his opinion equal weight with 5.11. Refresh me on that, please. Who were the "experts" who offered "support" for waiting on the batter before making the ball alive? Give me a name or two from among the "many." ------------------ Papa C Editor, eUmpire
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Wed Sep 06, 2000, 03:52am
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quote: Jim, Thanks for the "me too".  Now as to the rest of your post I'd like to make a few points: 1. I think Carl, Jim and I have each been around long enough to be able to tell the difference between an apparently "clear and unambiguous" passage, and one which really is an absolutely "clear and unambiguous" passage. I'm sure each of us would really relish any opportunity to expose the pitfalls in the former, and abhor the need to keep repeating "look it up" for the latter. 2. This is a forum for officials ONLY, and as such it would be unusual to be fielding questions from posters who did not at least have access to a rule book for the league they call. Each of us would therefore quite reasonably expect the enquirer to have read the rule in question for themselves before asking their questions. 3. It should be noted that OBR 5.11 is the ONLY rule on which Evans offers his declared "personal opinion". In EVERY other case he either refrains from offering any opinion or interpretation, or simply states the extant "Professional Interpretation" of the rule. The case you quoted [OBR 5.11] is therefore quite unique. That is why, with the specific exception of this one "personal opinion", what Evans states should be taken not as "opinion" at all, but rather as an "official interpretation for professional leagues". I am flattered that in your response to another poster you appear to give my own opinions equal weight with those of Mr Evans. Let me make it absolutely clear, however, that I would NEVER disagree with Mr Evans "official interpretation for professional leagues". On the specific question of game management though, Mr Evans' "personal opinion" as an experienced umpire in the highest professional leagues may not be quite as valid as mine, or Carl's or Jim Porter's when it is translated for use in many amateur and semi-professional leagues. The bottom line is, Jim, that the intending poster really doesn't have to worry about how his or her question will be received provided he or she has made a reasonable effort to find an answer for themselves. If in doubt - ASK. If the effort is fruitless it will always help the atmosphere to include the sources canvassed, so we know that the effort was made. With the voluntary code of conduct that is enforced in this forum, it is highly unlikely anyone who makes at least a minimal effort will be offended by the responses. Warren Willson ------------------ Member and Co-Moderator, UT [This message has been edited by Warren Willson (edited September 06, 2000).]
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Wed Sep 06, 2000, 01:37pm
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The best way to learn is to learn on your own.
The only thing that the experts on this board can do for you is point you in the right direction. They can give you official rulings and interpretations, but those mean nothing without a solid foundation of the why's and how's. Just as important as good equipment that you can trust, you must not cut corners where your education is concerned. A subscription to http://www.eumpire.com is a great place to start. Finding the books and materials you hear about on the internet is also important. Get a copy of Jaksa/Roder's Rules of Professional Baseball, the NAPBL Manual is a must, keep checking Jim Evans' web site for the release of Jim Evans' Anotated, buy a copy of Carl Childress' Baseball Rules Differences, and seek out and find any and all other materials on the history of baseball rules, interpretations, or any book about the art of baseball umpiring. I know one umpire - very good official. He bought the latest and best equipment, his uniform was always pressed with sharp creases and he always had nicely shined shoes. He looked great, like a professional. This past season he called a runner out on appeal for failing to retouch after a foul ball. If only he had put as much effort into his education as he did his equipment and uniform, he would be the top dog around here. But that rules mistake knocked him down quite a few rungs on the officiating ladder, let me tell you. Get your buns to as many clinics as you can. Attend camps and instructional clincs as often as possible. Keep learning for your entire life. Once you know it all, you're in the grave. Sincerely, Jim Porter
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