LLWS and replay

[njdevs00cup]

I took my son to watch the LLWS games last Friday. One of things we both noticed was that during the conference to see if another umpire had a better view, fans around us were receiving texts and phone calls regarding the play in question from people watching the game on TV. The fans at home have already seen the slow motion replay and know the result. Fans were yelling to the manager to challenge calls.

Six umpires is way too many for a small diamond game. We saw umpires almost getting hit by throws, getting in the way of fielders and almost contacting base runners. It sounds like all of the umpires have a great deal of experience, however I don't know how many six man crews they get to work with prior to umpiring the LLWS.

[MD Longhorn]

The idea that lack of pay does not affect the quality of umpires is really rather silly. Sure, there are exceptions - Rich being one. But when you don't pay from the very beginning... a vast majority of the umpires who care enough to work at the vocation will migrate to where they can make some money. Thus, the pool of people that LL has to choose from is inherently of less quality than the pool of umpires in general.

One would think that they STILL have enough good umpires to pull from - and perhaps the selection process is an additional hindrance. But the INITIAL problem is the lack of pay.

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

Six umpires is way too many for a small diamond game. We saw umpires almost getting hit by throws, getting in the way of fielders and almost contacting base runners.

I don't necessarily disagree that six is too many. But, let's say we dumped the two guys standing in the outfield twiddeling their thumbs most of the game. How would that have any bearing on the other four "almost getting hit by throws, getting in the way of fielders and almost contacting base runners"?

[zm1283]

I don't work on small diamonds, but I would think three umpires would be enough for any LL game. If three can handle NCAA games and MiLB games, I think three can handle 12 year-olds.

[biggravy]

Let's just go with one to keep the game moving and they can review every call and flash the correct call on the scoreboard. Maybe we can put a clicker in every seat so the crowd can vote? Sort of a "poll the audience". We can give the coaches 3 polls per game. Get the crowd more involved. Then we can have more debates about the "expected" call vs. the "correct" call!

[njdevs00cup]

Originally Posted by BretMan

I don't necessarily disagree that six is too many. But, let's say we dumped the two guys standing in the outfield twiddeling their thumbs most of the game. How would that have any bearing on the other four "almost getting hit by throws, getting in the way of fielders and almost contacting base runners"?

BretMan, I can see your point because the base umpires were the umpires getting in the way, not the line umpires. Eye contact and communication between umpires is very important, especially when working with larger crews. This may take longer when the crew members are not familiar with each other or the six man system. That, along with the small field confines made it look like it was difficult to potentially make a call and get inside while avoiding incoming throws, runners and fielders.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

BretMan, I can see your point because the base umpires were the umpires getting in the way, not the line umpires. Eye contact and communication between umpires is very important, especially when working with larger crews. This may take longer when the crew members are not familiar with each other or the six man system. That, along with the small field confines made it look like it was difficult to potentially make a call and get inside while avoiding incoming throws, runners and fielders.

Why get inside, though? It's just as easy to get an angle from the outside and, bonus, you're not in the way of the players.

[njdevs00cup]

Rich, from what I've seen the 2B umpire (not 1B & 3B umpire) busts inside on balls hit to the outfield. I'm not sure if he/she has any coverage responsibilities regarding fly ball/trouble ball coverage to the outfield with a six man system in Little League. Most of the issues with almost getting hit by throws, and interfering with fielders and runners were on plays around second base. A lot of people in a small space.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

Rich, from what I've seen the 2B umpire (not 1B & 3B umpire) busts inside on balls hit to the outfield. I'm not sure if he/she has any coverage responsibilities regarding fly ball/trouble ball coverage to the outfield with a six man system in Little League. Most of the issues with almost getting hit by throws, and interfering with fielders and runners were on plays around second base. A lot of people in a small space.

Not really... think of softball, also played on a 60 foot diamond. In any number of man mechanics, SOMEone is going to be in that inside area on balls hit to the outfield. There's plenty of room. The issues around 2nd have nothing to do with 6-man mechanics being used where they shouldn't, but rather due to untrained umpires who have not worked together not knowing what to do or where to be.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

Rich, from what I've seen the 2B umpire (not 1B & 3B umpire) busts inside on balls hit to the outfield. I'm not sure if he/she has any coverage responsibilities regarding fly ball/trouble ball coverage to the outfield with a six man system in Little League. Most of the issues with almost getting hit by throws, and interfering with fielders and runners were on plays around second base. A lot of people in a small space.

There's no need to bust anywhere. Go opposite the ball, make sure you're out of the way, and if necessary, make a call -- even from the outside. False hustle to get inside at the cutout before the ball comes in. Unnecessary.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

There's no need to bust anywhere. Go opposite the ball, make sure you're out of the way, and if necessary, make a call -- even from the outside. False hustle to get inside at the cutout before the ball comes in. Unnecessary.

I completely agree and I'm glad someone else has said it. If you have to work a four man crew on the small diamond, there's no reason for anyone to be on the inside except the PU. You can make calls as easily from the outside with proper positioning without having to bust inside. It's too messy to have umpires moving inside on that small of a field.

Tim.

[Tim C]

" . . . LL is a volunteer organization and the volunteers are the ones who deserve the honor and privilege . . .

As I have noted before:

Volunteer Little League Umpiring = "Glamorous Baby Sitting"

JMO

T

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by tim c

as i have noted before:

Volunteer little league umpiring = "glamorous baby sitting"

jmo

t

+100!!!!

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Tim C

As I have noted before:

Volunteer Little League Umpiring = "Glamorous Baby Sitting"

JMO

T

You know me and you know I work LL and worked one of the eight World Series tournaments this year -- I'd hope that people that know me and have met me (and/or have seen me umpire) would stop and think, "Hey, Rich does this. There are good umpires that work LL games." Guess not. Your blanket generalization notwithstanding, I guess if I should ever be fortunate enough to be selected for Williamsport I'll have to listen to people on this and other forums say how I'm just a glorified babysitter. That's OK with me.

I don't personally know THoy -- I know he was the third base umpire who called the ball foul that hit the bag. I know he was a minor league umpire and a guy who has owned his mistake. And all of us have made similar mistakes before -- only a few get to make them in front of a nationwide audience.

BTW, I was watching the Phillies/Braves last night. Dale Scott was on the plate, Jerry Meals at first. Ball hit up the line, fielded by Ryan Howard a few feet in front of the bag. Scott (from the plate) pointed fair, Meals pointed foul.

[THoy]

Originally Posted by Tim C

As I have noted before:

Volunteer Little League Umpiring = "Glamorous Baby Sitting"

JMO

T

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. If it makes people feel better about their game to think this way than thats fine. When we volunteer umpire we help to give the kids a positive experience. The more we strive to be the best umpire we can be, the better the experience for the kids. The World Series is a place where the volunteer umpires are rewarded for their service and dedication. Opinions like the one above seem to reveal a disdain for the Little Umpire for reasons that I can only speculate. I am giving back to the program that gave so much to me and my family. Little League is my family as I have volunteered at the Western Region for over 20 years. So if what I do is "glorified babysitting" then so be it. I enjoy it, and I don't have to tell myself how good I am......I will let the kids, coaches, and evalutors be the judge of that.

The Little League World Series topped any level I have ever worked. It was an experience I will never forget as long as I live. I made friendships that will last a lifetime. I left everything I had to give on Volunteer and Lamade Stadiums and was not the least bit jeolous of my brothers who worked on Sunday. I enjoyed watching them from the stands with my family by my side. By not taking myself too seriously and following the main administrative directive of HAVING FUN...I did my best to provide those kids with the best quality umpiring that I was able to deliver. I only hope that my experience will inspire others to desire the World Series stage that I was fortunate enough to grace if only for a moment...Rich the Series is everything I have described and more. Let me know when you get the call....hopefully I can be there!