Would you take the field with this guy?

[umpire99]

This was a high school state semifinal game. His appearance made him look like he was in way over his head. His performance then showed that he was. How he got the assingment, I will never know. He also called the state championship game the next day on the bases. He was constantly out of position in a three man crew.

[APG]

Originally Posted by umpire99

This was a high school state semifinal game. His appearance made him look like he was in way over his head. His performance then showed that he was. How he got the assingment, I will never know. He also called the state championship game the next day on the bases. He was constantly out of position in a three man crew.

Why do I have to consider any of that? What does this have to do with your original question of whether we'd work with this guy or not? If I'm working a game with little kids playing or doing a huge state tourney game, there is NO reason why any official should decide to not work the game because of the other official's appearance.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by umpire99

This was a high school state semifinal game. His appearance made him look like he was in way over his head. His performance then showed that he was. How he got the assingment, I will never know. He also called the state championship game the next day on the bases. He was constantly out of position in a three man crew.

In my state we do not have that choice. We work with who we get no matter what. And I do not get to decide what position I work either. That is assigned that way and I would never make that decision on my own. Now I might say something to those that make the assignments, but I would still work the game no matter what.

Peace

[UmpJM]

umpire99,

Yes, I would - and have in similar situations.

I have seen umpires "dressed to the nines" who absolutely sucked and umpires who didn't know the first thing about how to dress who were quite good.

As a generalization, I think it's fair to say that generally there's a correlation between umpires who "dress well" and "umpire well". There may be a stronger correlation between umpires who "dress poorly" and "umpire poorly".

When I first started umpiring, I was a bit overwhelmed by the complexity of "umpire fashion".

Some guys are compulsive about appearance, some don't GAS. I try to be in the middle, a bit to the compulsive side. To me, it's part of being courteous and goes to respect.

While "game appearance" certainly influences my "first impression" (...you never get a second chance...) of another umpire, it is not determinate.

JM