How many would be umpires

[tucktheump]

Pete,
There are many more categories that umpires should be graded on than just those three.

Like anyone trying to get into professional baseball, I went to school. I chose wendlestedt. (I made it into the PBUC evaluation camp, and on to spring training. I was on the minor league reserve roster untill the end of last season. Sadly, I never got called up. I now work Div. I & II baseball in the southeast.)

Pro umpires are graded on several categories:
1)Appearance
2)Hustle
3)Knowledge and interpretation of the rules
4)Game management & special situations
5)Voice
6)Mechanics
7)Judgement
8)Overall plate work (a monkey can work the bases)

Your plate work is what makes you a great umpire. Knowledge of the rules is absolutely essential. I strongly disagree with Whowefoolin when he says only 5% on rules. The rules are your job. That is the reason baseball has umpires - to enforce the rules. He writes 80% on game management...I agree, game management is extreamly important, but good mangement and confidence is a result of thoroughly understanding the rules.

There is nothing worse than a partner that does not know the rules. And nothing makes your partner look more stupid than when you have to correct him because of a misapplied rule.

Thanks,
Tuck