LL Softball on ESPN, MI vs TX

[IRISHMAFIA]

Is this the same guy who, standing in the B, watched balls to the outfield over his shoulder and never moved into any other position even when there was a possible call at 2B?

[NDblue]

Alabama,

We're talking about the championship game between MI and NJ so yes, it was a different game. Sorry for the confusion.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Is this the same guy who, standing in the B, watched balls to the outfield over his shoulder and never moved into any other position even when there was a possible call at 2B?

I think so, the one who made JL look quick. But as I remember from years ago and a few recent observations, LL umpires are generally amateurs with no training.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

I think so, the one who made JL look quick. But as I remember from years ago and a few recent observations, LL umpires are generally amateurs with no training.

WOW, now THAT'S a generalization if I've ever heard one. I've had tons of training (not that it's done me any good) and I do LL as well as NF and NCAA. I know of probably a dozen college umpires that volunteer for LL as well as literally every NF umpire in our local board! In 2004 I did a LL Regional and many of those umpires did other levels of umpiring as well.

I had a boss that used to say, "All generalizations, including this one, are false."

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

WOW, now THAT'S a generalization if I've ever heard one. I've had tons of training (not that it's done me any good) and I do LL as well as NF and NCAA. I know of probably a dozen college umpires that volunteer for LL as well as literally every NF umpire in our local board! In 2004 I did a LL Regional and many of those umpires did other levels of umpiring as well.

I had a boss that used to say, "All generalizations, including this one, are false."

I was trying to point out that we might be unfair holding the umpires in a few TV shots to the NCAA/ASA/NFHS mechanics because
1) "as I remember from years ago and a few recent observations"; many are volunteers who are there as recognition of their ability and
2) I don't remember any mechanics training at the league, district or state levels and
3) the mechanics might be different.
Thanks for stating the other side of the coin, and please correct me if my perceptions are no longer the norm.
I frequently work with an umpire who is highly skilled and I think LLWS or Regional level, who does not adjust to NFHS mechanics or practices; and is apparently used to not having structured mechanics.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

I was trying to point out that we might be unfair holding the umpires in a few TV shots to the NCAA/ASA/NFHS mechanics because
1) "as I remember from years ago and a few recent observations"; many are volunteers who are there as recognition of their ability and
2) I don't remember any mechanics training at the league, district or state levels and
3) the mechanics might be different.
Thanks for stating the other side of the coin, and please correct me if my perceptions are no longer the norm.
I frequently work with an umpire who is highly skilled and I think LLWS or Regional level, who does not adjust to NFHS mechanics or practices; and is apparently used to not having structured mechanics.

OK, now I think that's a valid point. Yes, we do have umpires in our area that are virtually untrained and they do struggle. Having been to the regional level and hoping to work the WS next year, I know they would get eaten alive at regionals. I do know in our district, we've had the Southern Region come in and do mechanics, but their mechanics ARE very different (as you pointed out). That's one of the things about LL that pisses me off. They think their way is THE way. Also in our district, our UIC and I have gone to several different leagues and held mechanics training for their league umpires. You perceptions are what they are - your perceptions. In your area that is probably correct and some of the things we see on TV do nothing to dispute that. I was simply pointing out that it is somewhat different than that in my area.

Speaking of mechanics, here's something to watch. LL wants the umpire's head heighth to be NO lower than the chin at the top of the catcher's helmet. That's the very lowest they want. I'm watching the Japan/Russia game and this guy is like a foot higher than that. Personally, I think that's too high. I think that hurts calling the outside corners. Do you think that's too high too?

[Steve M]

"The one person I have come over from LL three years ago, worked his first ASA national this year. He expected to be intimidated by some, but realized his training far exceeded that of many of the umpires with years of experience 5-fold or better, and he excelled. Of course, I started him out with an extremely good umpire."

Thanks, Mike. Like I said there, you could use him in a text book. He's very good right now and is only going to get better. He asks good questions, listens, thinks, and then applies.

[CecilOne]

If you have nothing better to do, you might want to read this "base"ball topic on LLWS umpires:
Little League umpire in the regionals

In spite of the poster, Mike.

[WestMichBlue]

I watched parts of both the MI vs TX and MI vs NJ games, with most of my time watching (and critiquing) the umpires. The call at 2B was terrible; obvious obstruction, but Blue was in the wrong position.

On a tag play at 3B Blue was in foul territory, 2B to 3B line extended. No way could he see when the tag was applied.

On two plays at home F2 did a MLB block of home plate; I would have called obstruction even in the days of "about to receive." But they did not.

I have noticed this year, and in years past that the PU generally looks excellent (on TV). This makes sense from my personal observations from attending the Big League World Series in Kalamazoo the last few years. To me it appears that the majority of umpires are being honored for their many years of service. Which is consistent with Little League’s philosophy of volunteerism and equal participation.

However, it seems that a highly qualified umpire is appointed to the UIC position. This has been very evident in Kalamazoo; as it should be, for Big League is a high level of play. These girls are high school stars, all-state or all-something; play on high level travel teams, and many are college bound. So at least they get someone behind the plate that is capable of calling balls and strikes at that level.

BTW – anyone here had the opportunity to be on national television to be evaluated by thousands of recliner umpires?


WMB

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

WOW, now THAT'S a generalization if I've ever heard one. I've had tons of training (not that it's done me any good) and I do LL as well as NF and NCAA. I know of probably a dozen college umpires that volunteer for LL as well as literally every NF umpire in our local board! In 2004 I did a LL Regional and many of those umpires did other levels of umpiring as well.

I had a boss that used to say, "All generalizations, including this one, are false."

I think C-one is referring to those who only work LL as volunteers and only receive training when the district brings someone in for a clinic.

Many go out and find training on their own and that is not a bad thing. I've offered the school to LL assns. for the cost of a registration. Though some may be interested, the local LL assn. often kills it because they do not care for the outside influence. Personally, I think this happens in many youth organizations. They do not want anyone from the "outside" to taint the way things are in their little realm.

The one person I have come over from LL three years ago, worked his first ASA national this year. He expected to be intimidated by some, but realized his training far exceeded that of many of the umpires with years of experience 5-fold or better, and he excelled. Of course, I started him out with an extremely good umpire.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

The one person I have come over from LL three years ago, worked his first ASA national this year. He expected to be intimidated by some, but realized his training far exceeded that of many of the umpires with years of experience 5-fold or better, and he excelled. Of course, I started him out with an extremely good umpire.

It's good to know you found one to work with him.

[LLPA13UmpDan]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Is this the same guy who, standing in the B, watched balls to the outfield over his shoulder and never moved into any other position even when there was a possible call at 2B?

Yeah it might be i dont know. I never seem him come in, I know when i do second, any ball to the outfeild im in, where im supposed to be