Little League World Series Umps

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by SWFLguy

Been watching some of the early round games shown on TV. I find it interesting to see the different mechanics used by plate umpires and sometimes even the field umps. I realize they are volunteers. I wonder how they are selected and if differing styles might cause some confusion. Not criticizing, just looking for input. Thanks.

Not going to name names. But one umpire I know to have travelled to umpire a game one round before those you're watching now is the same guy that called a TIE in one of my games not that long ago.

I kind of think that says everything. Until LL gets serious about their umpires like every other organization has, they will get what they get.

[stooloo]

I was watching a game on Wednesday. I don't recall the teams but the b/r turned to go to second base (after a wild throw to first) and the first base ump was in the way. A collision occured, B/R scrambled up to his feet and was thrown out at second. Time was called and the umps gave him second because of interference/obstruction of umpire. No questions asked by defense. To my knowledge, there is no way an umpire can be called for obstruction in this situation, just play on. Umpire is part of the field when it comes to players running into them.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by stooloo

I was watching a game on Wednesday. I don't recall the teams but the b/r turned to go to second base (after a wild throw to first) and the first base ump was in the way. A collision occured, B/R scrambled up to his feet and was thrown out at second. Time was called and the umps gave him second because of interference/obstruction of umpire. No questions asked by defense. To my knowledge, there is no way an umpire can be called for obstruction in this situation, just play on. Umpire is part of the field when it comes to players running into them.

I agree but 3 NCAA umps awarded the same thing in a Texas A&M game a year ago.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by umpjim

I agree but 3 NCAA umps awarded the same thing in a Texas A&M game a year ago.

Link? I don't recall this happening.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Link? I don't recall this happening.

March, 2012: What is Umpire Obstruction? | The Way I See It – UmpHub Blog

Interesting to see Paronto quoted in the comments as saying "wrong by rule but good for the game" . I don't know if he actually said that.

Edited to add: Upon reviewing the link they awarded 2B but then changed it to 1B. Not exactly what the LL guys did.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Until LL gets serious about their umpires like every other organization has, .

As far as I know LL is the only youth org that has umpire schools regularly at their regional centers.

We don't get to see the Babe Ruth/Ripken, Dixie, whatever on TV so we really don't know how their umpires would appear.

[aceholleran]

At the regional level, umps are recommended by their local districts, hence all the Smittys out there. Regional games are like gold watches for these codgers. Yes, I can say that a "senior."

I did LL for 30+ years,along with HS, Legion and summer, college-level+ ball. LL "clinics" are all about the rules, with small nods to mechanics, etc.

I cringe when I watch these games.

Ace

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by aceholleran

I cringe when I watch these games.

Ace

I can't watch them - too many WTFs.

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by aceholleran

LL "clinics" are all about the rules, with small nods to mechanics, etc.


Ace

Not in Western Region.

Rita

[Multiple Sports]

I was amazed by how many guys I have seen so far are out of shape......

are they hitting the concession stand between each game ????

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Multiple Sports

I was amazed by how many guys I have seen so far are out of shape......

are they hitting the concession stand between each game ????

LL certainly doesn't monopolize the market on this particular subject, that's for sure. I've seen umpires who could use a few months at the local gym at the highest levels of championship play in a number of national-level organizations.

[RPatrino]

I have been told by various people in LL that assignments to Regional's and LLWS are awards for service to LL, and not based on competence as an official. Don't assume you are seeing the best of the best. There are also cases of individual districts being given slots as a reward for the DA, for his/her service to LL.

[dst8ada]

To say that most have not worked high school or higher levels is wrong. Many of the umpires choosen from Michigan have worked high school finals, myself included. In 2010 I believe, the plate umpires for the semi-finals in Williamsport were a former MiLB umpire and the man who had the plate for the Class A (highest class) in Michigan.
Some of the mechanics might not be the best, but I can remember when MLB umpires had different mechanics depending on who was in the crew. The Central Region umpire clinic has a drill done before every break "doing the bog six". Yes I get upset when I see guys yelling foul when the ball is in the parking lot, wearing a long sleeve T shirt with short sleeve shirt over it ect, but I saw a picture from A ripken tournament of a guy with the balloon and shorts.
I don't think we want robots as umpres, which is what we would have if all mechanics were the same.

[RPatrino]

Dst8ada, it has been my experience that most of the umpires chosen for higher level LL assignments have not had any HS or above experience. There is only one umpire that I know of that has done high level HS games as well as LL games, and that is out of about 20 or so umpires that I am acquainted with that have done Regional and WS games for LL.

You might say 'we don't want robots' but that is what is being represented on the field. It's hard to argue with evidence.