okay, but help

[buddha69]

Okay guys and gals,

I just got back from sat. tournament games. I was base umpire for both back to back games. I know that I'm a rookie, but can someone tell me what is the best way to either stay in the slot (between 1st and 2nd). I did what the book and what was taught at the clinic.

1. When ball is hit in the outfield the I have the batter-runner all the way to 3rd base? Right.

2. Now what would you say if you had a runner on 1st base and the ball is hit to the center field. The runner starts for 2nd base, now that I ran up in the infield and did the button hook, I see the ball being thrown back to 2nd and they make a play at 2nd. The question is now that I moved over a little to see the play and the ball is thrown to 2nd base as the runner gets there. So I called him out, but the coach now are on me, but I called like I called it. OUT!!!

3. Now another one happen when the team was trying for a double play. I stayed right there between 1st and 2nd I stayed with the ball as it went to second, called the runner out going to 2nd, but I did not get a good look at 1st. I ask for assistants from the PU, in which is my UIC. UIC called batter-runner out.

4. Another inning the other team, tried to due another double play. I called runner out at 2nd, but this time I saw the batter-runner, (now can anybody say they did this, I had in my head safe, but my body movement) said OUT. Now the UIC called safe. UIC motion to me slow down before making a call. Now both team are riding my A$$.

But like they say umpire have to be def.

I know that I am just starting but today was a bad day for the buddha.

[oppool]

I am assuming on these answers we are talking about SP game

Question #1. Yes

Question #2. I am assuming you meant you called it like you saw it and that is all you can do. Your UIC gave you the best advice and that is take your time, see the play, pause and then make the call for most situations.

Question #3. On a DP your easy call is usally going to be the one at 2nd. So try to get in position to make that tough call at 1st and make a BIG SELL call out or safe so everybody in the park knows you saw it well..


As for the players riding your A$$ that has and does happen to all of us. Experience will help because players usally can smell NEW blood. Listen to your UIC, other experienced umps and listen to the guys in this forum your umpiring days will become better by the day


JMO

Don

[JEL]

1. Right, buttonhook in and follow in the infield, just as drill we did Sunday with Merle. The only exception I can think of is a short hit to right, make sure before you come in you won't get beaned with an attempt at first.

2. You saw an out, you called an out, you did right. Were you in position to see the play? I doubt the coach was. Some will know you are new, and try and rattle your chain, you gotta be somewhat deaf. Coaches believe it or not, are biased towards their own team.

3. Sounds OK but you should anticipate the DP possibility, and position further in on infield to get angle at 1st. We also did this with Merle on Sunday, you were in other group, so you may not have worked that.

4. The wife and I worked with three new umpires today, (9-10 yr old BB scrimmages). One of these guys made a textbook out hammer, and yelled a crisp, clear "SAFE" didn' realize it until he was told. It is nerves, and will get better.

Keep working with your UIC, she's good. Ask her all the questions you can. Continue to work on the mechanics, when that is all second nature, your mind can focus completely on getting the calls right. It may take several games, but eventually all will start clicking together and calling will be fun.

BTW, Next Sat is rec opening day here, I will probably only get 1 softball game, but may have several baseball at our new 8 field complex. I have been calling HS baseball for a month now, but that opening day at the complex (two this year, 14 fields!) is always fun. Also have a ten year old son playing, and will be helping break in some of the new guys. All day at the ballpark, what can be better?

[buddha69]

thanks, the UIC and I had a talk after the second game. UIC told me, to slow down and be ready to call it. Believe me they already know that new blood is around. HA HA

League starts on Monday. So I will be learn to get myself in the timing of the balls to the bases.

This board and all the members do help me alot. Thanks to all for help the new blood.

[TexBlue]

1. Correct

2. Sounds like you did the right mechanics on this one too, as long as you let the runner pass you, then you went inside. You don't want to run in front of a runner, or across the line of throw.

3. On this one, you learn from doing it a thousand times. You want to be in position to make the call at the most important base (2nd in this case) but you want to remember the possibility of a double play. After the play is made at 2nd and you (quickly) make the call, you have a chance to back up or over a few steps, before the throw gets to 1st. You want to be stopped by the time the ball gets to 1st. Hesitate, wait for any unforeseen event to happen (like a dropped ball ), then really, really sell the out or the safe call. Always put more emphasis on the 2nd play, no matter which way it goes.

4. On the 2nd call, I'll bet everyone's done that at some point or other. Your UIC's advice is excellent. Hesitate, wait for any unforeseen event to happen ( like a dropped ball ), then sell the call. This helps you to not make a reversal of your call if you wait, plus your body catches up with your mind. If you make the out-safe call, correct it immediately and let everyone know in a loud, clear voice that the BR is safe and give the signal again. There is nothing wrong in clarifying a call. It obviously needed clarifying.

As far as getting some heckling from the ruffians on the field, hey, that's where the fun starts. Just take it, and ignore it. They paid for the right to be on the field and get on your case. Just not so much as to hinder or affect the game. Heck, that's why I enjoy the game so much, so I can get all that constructive criticism that's available at any instant.

[buddha69]

Originally posted by JEL
1. Right, buttonhook in and follow in the infield, just as drill we did Sunday with Merle. The only exception I can think of is a short hit to right, make sure before you come in you won't get beaned with an attempt at first.

2. You saw an out, you called an out, you did right. Were you in position to see the play? I doubt the coach was. Some will know you are new, and try and rattle your chain, you gotta be somewhat deaf. Coaches believe it or not, are biased towards their own team.

3. Sounds OK but you should anticipate the DP possibility, and position further in on infield to get angle at 1st. We also did this with Merle on Sunday, you were in other group, so you may not have worked that.

4. The wife and I worked with three new umpires today, (9-10 yr old BB scrimmages). One of these guys made a textbook out hammer, and yelled a crisp, clear "SAFE" didn' realize it until he was told. It is nerves, and will get better.

Keep working with your UIC, she's good. Ask her all the questions you can. Continue to work on the mechanics, when that is all second nature, your mind can focus completely on getting the calls right. It may take several games, but eventually all will start clicking together and calling will be fun.

BTW, Next Sat is rec opening day here, I will probably only get 1 softball game, but may have several baseball at our new 8 field complex. I have been calling HS baseball for a month now, but that opening day at the complex (two this year, 14 fields!) is always fun. Also have a ten year old son playing, and will be helping break in some of the new guys. All day at the ballpark, what can be better?

thanks JEL.

Yeah, the UIC is good, she will be keeping me under her wings for a few games next week. That is cool that your son is playing, I also have started my 5yr daughter in TeeBall this year. She gets pick for team on Thursday night on the 15th of april. Right before the BIG Senior Master Tournament in Town. I will be calling on Friday of the starting day. Seniors will be a ball, I had a chance to watch some of the pre-senior playball last weekend for the prep of next month tourney.

Thanks again
Buddha

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by buddha69

3. Now another one happen when the team was trying for a double play. I stayed right there between 1st and 2nd I stayed with the ball as it went to second, called the runner out going to 2nd, but I did not get a good look at 1st. I ask for assistants from the PU, in which is my UIC. UIC called batter-runner out.

Assuming from your post that when you stated you remained between 1st & 2nd and stayed with the ball you meant that you didn't move, but just followed the ball.

If so, try taking two steps toward 2B. Stay far enough away to see the big picture, but stay with the ball. After the 2 steps begin toward first, parallel to the base line, still watching the play to 2B. Make the verbal for the play at 2B, stay with the ball to 1B. Come to a stop, see the play and make the call.

Take steps, hustle, but don't run.