Did he go?
 

Did you catch the LL game last night IL v. GA? Late in the game a player had a check swing and the PU went to the 1b umpire for help - "Did he go?" BU, while stepping forward and giving a big safe signal "Yes he did!" Then gave a hammer to cover it up.

Pathetic. And I'm one of the biggest proponant of LL umpires on here - but that was bad.

No big deal. All of us have had a brain cramp or two. It's happened to Major League umpires.

Bob

Oh, that's what it was. :confused:

I was told the umps are not paid for the tournament. They receive uniforms, food and lodging only.

Glad to hear that you never make a mistake.

Oh, lets not start bad mouthing Mountaineer. If any of us were on television and did what that umpire did, most of us would feel that people would be justified in bringing up what we did. We always seem to set the bar higher for officials that are on tv. Dave

I don't know if we set the bar higher, or if there are simply more people to see our mistakes. In a tournament game a couple weeks ago I had a close tag play at 2B. I stepped into the play with my arms sweeping out to both sides, then make a weak hammer as I called "OUT!" I could see the 3B coach ready to come unglued so I yelled out "Wrong signal, Right call, Coach. So let it go!" And he did.

So only a handfull of people saw my miscue, and it was quickly forgotten. Had I been on TV - ooooh you guys would have roasted me for a long time! :o

WMB

This reminds me of a story from (I believe) former Major League Umpire Ron Luciano's book.

Luciano had a close play at second base, gave a big safe signal while yelling "YOU'RE OUT!!!!". Both players looked at him and asked, "Well, Ron, which is it?"

Luciano's response: "Both of you heard me say OUT, but 30,000 people saw me signal SAFE, so you're safe!" :)

I REALLY don't think anyone here has set the bar particularly high for the LL WS umpires. If this was the umpires' first major mistake, we would probably post here for a bit of laughs and some similar stories of when we did just that.

But this wasn't exactly the first time we've seen these guys proving they are SORELY outclassed by just about anyone that visits here at all.

Made LOTS of mistakes. Heck, I was married for 16 years!! :D I can honestly say I've never made a safe/out signal and verbalized the opposite. Having said that, I'm sure I'll screw it up my first opportunity.

Really? ..........

Heck, I once made a strike signal and said ball 4!

That's true. LL stresses volunteering for everything. I have worked a regional and hope to do a WS next year and that's the story. Pay your own way there (my district picks up the travel expenses) and they take care of you once you get there. When I did my regional, I took my kids to Ft. Meyers, FL and it was basically a free vacation for us. We did 2 games a day and the rest of the time was your own - not a bad deal.

And we might anyway. :D ;) :D :p

If you are ever on TV, I would not let this crowd know it in advance!! :p

Based on the last several weeks, it seems someone in "this crowd" is watching every game. :eek:

Since I've only watched two of them I know you aren't talking about me!