Plate ump turning head

[thumpferee]

Originally posted by GarthB
Watch the professionals closely. Watch those working single A minors for mechanics. Their mechanics are crisp and accurate and still two man. (You're not going to get many four man games for a while)

Watch the MLB pro's for rules enforcement and the practice of "making the expected call."

Some purists will tell you that the amateurs call a game closer to the rule book. Maybe that's why they're amateurs.

No one on this board calls as good of an all around game as the worst MLB umpire. Some will tell you different, but trust me, it's only in their eyes.

I have to say, I agree with you 100% Garth! The professionals are professionals for a reason. I have watched several TOP College games and the mechanics are nothing compared to the BIG LEAGUE BLUE. That is if you watch the umps and not the players.

jicecone also makes a good point that there are 3 other officials watching the bases and the actions on the field. At our level, we are not afforded that luxury in most cases.

One thing tho is, I don't turn my head! I personally feel better keeping my eyes on the field. But I think everyone has to adapt their own style. If you are like me, I have adapted a style of my own after a couple of years, and then I see a MLB ump and it looks good. Then I try it in the mirror, or ask my wife or kids what they think, and they say they don't like it. Point being, some things work for some and not for others.

I work on mechanics all the time in my house and scare the sh*t outa my wife and kids sometime with a loud "STRIKE!" or "OUT" call while I'm watchin' a game on tv.

I have found for myself, less is better, accept on the third strike of course. lol