Do do plate or work the bases?

Personally, I prefer the plate.

Bases are easier money, and since that is what we are
all in this for :D, (ask any coach). Personally, I like
the plate.

If it's a tight game, it really does not matter to me. I enjoy either position.

However....if it is a mismatch game or blowout, I much prefer to be on the plate. It forces me to stay in the game because I have to call each pitch. If I am on the bases, I really find myself having to work hard to keep myself mentally in the game.

I love the bases. Load of action, lots of movements, plenty of calls. You don't really have to worry about anything until the ball is put into play.

However, don't mind the plate. Once you determine the pitch to be legal (which is the hardest task in that position), you just drop and watch the ball pass through the strike zone, hopefully!

Good to see "Mikey" is up and at "em.
Now if only "Tommie" was with us.

(sarcastic remark so they don't miss EDJW)

Gosh, Glen, I didn't know you cared! ;)

Just the opposite of Andy here.
At my age (and I work only high school)
if the pitchers are throwing strikes, I like
the plate.
With very few base runners, the base umpire
better be on the ball.
Then again, you can always have that close
call at home plate that determines the winner !!
It's all good, I guess.
BTW-- I did an "eraly bird" double header
here on Thursday.
Play ball !!

For those who know me, I'd rather drive any day of the week. GIVE ME THE DISH!

Being an educator, I can get to HS games before most of my partners. OFten that means I did the plate...I think I only worked the bases (non-DH days) four times last HS season, twice with BANDIT (We rotated).

Bases keep me moving. I like to try to think the game when on the bases, try to read defenses, get an idea of what the offense is trying to do, etc.

But I love to umpire, plain and simple. DOEsn't matter if I'm driving or I'm riding.

I like doing both.

Plate in Fastpitch is awesome!! Just watching that ball come in the strike zone and hearing the glove hit!!

and saying "Strike"!!!!!!!!!

As Mike, in SP; bases. That is where the action is. In FP, 12U and above, it seems most of the action is at the dish. I only do 10-15 SP a year, but it seems a lot of our veteran Blues really enjoy the plate. I don't argue with 'em!

As others state, in a blowout FP, the plate to me is more enjoyable.

I really am happy to be at either position! Either is more fun than paying taxes!

I'll take the dish - usually
 

I prefer the dish. Don't mind the bases. In fact in a game that features two great pitchers and will have very few base runners I might prefer the bases because I know that EVERY call I make is crucial...and I'd just as soon have the best umpire on the field (confidence, not ego, on my end) make the call;).

Had my first outing of the season Sunday here in metro Seattle area...no rain! Yippee! But it was colder than a welldigger. The wind reminded me of being back in TX...yuck...but finally got enough clothes on.

Highlight of the day. One of our new umpires went out to the circle because she saw the pitcher reaching into her warmup top and put her hand on something "contraband." Newbie said she thought it might be a rosin bag or something. It wasn't. It was a handwarmer. Newbie (thank goodness) let her continue. If it was me, I woulda told the pitcher to share or else she'd have to give it to me :)

Thanks for the reference to EdJW. This is a great forum with always interesting interaction between umpires on all topics. Unlikely that I'd comment until my name is brought onto the forum. As in this topic. Generally speaking, I note that at the younger ages, the plate umpire is viewed as the umpire in control of the game. My experience 100% when a plate ump makes a horrendous call, the field umpire, upon timeout and appeal for a second set of eyes, always says that he/she did not see the play. 100% of the time. Makes me wonder why we pay for a second umpire at the younger ages.

<font size = 6>Forgive Me For What I Have Done.</font>

20 lashes with a wet noodle
 

Glen,
20 lashes with a VERY LARGE wet noodle. And...no soup for you.

Too late!!!! I certainly hope we don't have to get Mick involved ;)