Confidence

[dweezil24]

Hi guys,

This is my first season umping in a SP league that follows ASA rules. A few problems over the weekend in a game, and I think they could have all been avoided if I had called the plays with more confidence and authority. But I wanted to get your opinions.

Scenario #1:
As the PU, a borderline 3-1 pitch at the knees. I twitched my arm about to call it a strike. The batter moved towards 1st. I dropped my arm and called it ball 4. The pitcher got mad.

Thinking back, I ought to have stuck with my initial instinct and called the batter back to the box. I also should probably wait a little longer before I call the pitch, was I reacting too quickly?


Scenario #2:
As the PU, there is a tag play at 3rd which is my call. I have a clear view of the play from about 1/3 of the way between the plate and the pitcher's rubber. I saw the tag up on the shoulder of the runner just after he sneaked a foot in to the bag and called the runner safe. The other team's manager (who happened to be the pitcher from the 1st scenario) went to my partner, not to me, and asked for a second opinion. My partner came to me a said that he saw the runner as out (from the edge of the rightfield grass). Rather than stick with my initial call, I caved and called the runner out. Dumb dumb dumb. I should have had confidence in my angle on the play and stuck with the safe call. I also should have pulled the manager aside and reminded him to come to me first if he questions one of my calls.


In my defense, it was my 3rd game of the day and I had been sick the whole day before. No excuse, I know! Just wanted to confess my sins and get your guys' opinions on the situations. Any suggestions on how I can improve?