Walking the line mechanics

[wadeintothem]

Well I gotta go walk the line and clean the pitcher plate .. see yall later.

One thing that sucks is I gave my partner bad directions and cant remember his dang last name to get his number off arbiter.. oops...

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

I disagree.. you see umpires are figuring out ways to take one step, timed perfectly, so they can do all of their jobs and still comply with "walking the line".

Do you wander around in B or C before the pitch?

If its so important to be walking every pitch, then it should apply in B and C as well.. or its nonsense.

In B and C I have an added responsibilty, that of the runner leaving early. Being set at that time makes a lot more sense, as I am having to rely on my peripheral vision.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

I disagree.. you see umpires are figuring out ways to take one step, timed perfectly, so they can do all of their jobs and still comply with "walking the line".

Do you wander around in B or C before the pitch?

If its so important to be walking every pitch, then it should apply in B and C as well.. or its nonsense.

What the hell are you talking about? Have you even checked to see the proper method and situation in which the mechanic is to be used?

Walking the line is only to be executed in foul ground during the delivery with no runners on base. Therefore, you will never use this mechanic in the B or C position. That means you are not moving while the pitcher is in her "wind up" and you are still deep enough to not move into F3's way.

When runners are on base, the BU has more duties than just watching the pitcher. Also, moving with the delivery could put you in a fielder's line of sight or the path of an infielder's move just prior to or as a reation to a batted ball.

You need to attend next years UIC clinic and come with an open mind. Don't get me wrong. I don't always agree with every rule and mechanic change implemented, but this gives me the opportunity to hear and discuss the issue first hand with those involved with the decision.

BTW, why do players clear a base of dirt after a play? Is it not so everyone can see it including their teammates? Why does the PU clean the plate? Is it not so everyone can see it? Why should the PP be different? Does not cleaning it help you and your partner see it and aid you in performing your duties in a proper and professional manner?

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

What the hell are you talking about? Have you even checked to see the proper method and situation in which the mechanic is to be used?

Walking the line is only to be executed in foul ground during the delivery with no runners on base. Therefore, you will never use this mechanic in the B or C position. That means you are not moving while the pitcher is in her "wind up" and you are still deep enough to not move into F3's way.

When runners are on base, the BU has more duties than just watching the pitcher. Also, moving with the delivery could put you in a fielder's line of sight or the path of an infielder's move just prior to or as a reation to a batted ball.

You need to attend next years UIC clinic and come with an open mind. Don't get me wrong. I don't always agree with every rule and mechanic change implemented, but this gives me the opportunity to hear and discuss the issue first hand with those involved with the decision.

BTW, why do players clear a base of dirt after a play? Is it not so everyone can see it including their teammates? Why does the PU clean the plate? Is it not so everyone can see it? Why should the PP be different? Does not cleaning it help you and your partner see it and aid you in performing your duties in a proper and professional manner?

My point is, if walking is so wonderful.. it should be used in B and C.

Since it is obviously not used, it is de facto acknowledged as inferior. Set is the better position for watching.

[Steve M]

Wade,
Sometimes your thoughts make sense. This is not one of those times. So here's what you should do - instead of whining - get yourself into one of those positions which set mechanics and standards & all that. Then, we can all sit back and whine about the standards you've set without thinking about the reasoning behind them.

[wadeintothem]

Also, its absurd to argue its not busy work.. its even taught as busy work. To keep the umpire moving when in A etc. The purpose of it is to keep the big fat lazy umpire in the game. I.e. busy work.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by Steve M

Wade,
Sometimes your thoughts make sense. This is not one of those times. So here's what you should do - instead of whining - get yourself into one of those positions which set mechanics and standards & all that. Then, we can all sit back and whine about the standards you've set without thinking about the reasoning behind them.

Im not that good at kissing but and I really suck at Yes-Man.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Also, its absurd to argue its not busy work.. its even taught as busy work. To keep the umpire moving when in A etc. The purpose of it is to keep the big fat lazy umpire in the game. I.e. busy work.

Don't know who is blowin' smoke up you skirt, but I would suggest you start wearing pants if you are susceptible to this type of bull.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Don't know who is blowin' smoke up you skirt, but I would suggest you start wearing pants if you are susceptible to this type of bull.

OK mike, since this is obviously a very personal issue for you.. its the bestest mechanic ever. The great mechanic known as "walking the line" (very Johnny Casheqse, only adding to its allure) has vast importance in terms of moving to make the call at first, and timed properly and perfectly, you can even watch for other stuff too! Its AWESOME! I stand corrected and humbled before your wisdom, and the compelling arguments you have presented have indeed enlightened me.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

OK mike, since this is obviously a very personal issue for you.. its the bestest mechanic ever. The great mechanic known as "walking the line" (very Johnny Casheqse, only adding to its allure) has vast importance in terms of moving to make the call at first, and timed properly and perfectly, you can even watch for other stuff too! Its AWESOME! I stand corrected and humbled before your wisdom, and the compelling arguments you have presented have indeed enlightened me.

No, what I take personally is someone who talks about training umpires is so adament about dismissing the prescribed mechanics based on a misconception.

One of the things that sets ASA umpires apart from many others is the championship level training available. Every time I've seen an umpire get in trouble at a NC it is because they were not trained in the proper mechanics, but it wasn't their fault. They honestly believed what they were doing was proper, but they got bad info that was "localized" or based on personal opinion/preference of the local UIC instead of what is prescribed ASA mechanics.

The problem is that it is the umpire that gets the gig on their rating.

I've walked onto fields without knowing another umpire any longer than five minutes and the crew has performed flawlessly. OTOH, I have also worked games and looked to my left for a partner only to find that I did not have one. When reviewing the game afterwards, his excuse was "that isn't the way we do it at home"!

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

No, what I take personally is someone who talks about training umpires is so adament about dismissing the prescribed mechanics based on a misconception.

One of the things that sets ASA umpires apart from many others is the championship level training available. Every time I've seen an umpire get in trouble at a NC it is because they were not trained in the proper mechanics, but it wasn't their fault. They honestly believed what they were doing was proper, but they got bad info that was "localized" or based on personal opinion/preference of the local UIC instead of what is prescribed ASA mechanics.

The problem is that it is the umpire that gets the gig on their rating.

I've walked onto fields without knowing another umpire any longer than five minutes and the crew has performed flawlessly. OTOH, I have also worked games and looked to my left for a partner only to find that I did not have one. When reviewing the game afterwards, his excuse was "that isn't the way we do it at home"!

Well rest easy knowing I teach walk the line, it was even on my power point I created, and make no ill comments about it when teaching it, no matter how stupid the mechanic is.

Common sense and every other mechanic in umpiring tells you set is better ... Its a no brainer..

Just because I personally think its idiotic, I would never teach umpires outside what is proscribed by ASA.

And I agree with you, ASA does the best Amateur level training of umpires, bar none.

When I get to have my own opinion about it, (like here) I express that I think it is lame.

It is lame, and the reasoning is unsound.. and further more I've had national staff themselves (on more than one occasion) say one of the purposes is to keep BU moving and in the game.. thats equally absurd as pretending moving is better than set when watching things develop.

But I do teach it, so be cool.

You aint drinking jersey water are ya?

[wadeintothem]

This is why it is stupid.

Priority 1 - The pitch - observing for IP
Priority 2 - The ball reaching the batter, strike, F2 drop ball?, check swing etc.
Priority 3a - Swing with contact.. ball hits batter in box? Out of box?
NOW you can move
Priority 3b - swing with no contact
Yep, you guessed it, no need to move.


Before that, common sense tell you you need to be set to give full attention to priorities 1-3a. A bunt with a batter charging .. it can be very close on the hitting batter in box/out of box. You need to be watching. A foul ball off the foot is the same way. You cant see that moving.

Now if you have to time some step so you can do your job and still comply, then it needs to be rethought as a mechanic. If you must figure out a way to work around a mechanic, then its no good.

I know the goal is to time a step so you have your weight is on the forward foot so you can decide what way to go.

That does nothing. Its diminished returns. You have more potential for missing something with that mechanic.

Please tell me where I'm wrong. Where is the benefit that it outweighs the harm?

I'll read it and maybe even learn.. but spare me the "cuz ASA says" stuff.. that I know.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Common sense and every other mechanic in umpiring tells you set is better ... Its a no brainer..

NCAA teaches walking the line, and clearly states "not to take more than two steps." A cursory examination of the NFHS book doesn't show any particular mechanic, though it is possible I missed it there.

So...is the every other mechanic you are referring to the small ball mechanic?

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

NCAA teaches walking the line, and clearly states "not to take more than two steps." A cursory examination of the NFHS book doesn't show any particular mechanic, though it is possible I missed it there.

So...is the every other mechanic you are referring to the small ball mechanic?

Ideally, you dont make any calls nor should you be observing any play while moving. The only exception I can think of is moving back towards 1B on a double play, so you are likely in some form of movement for the 2B call, but should be set for banger @ 1B.. Ideally, you move to position, come set, observe, make the call. That is in any ball. The only way around walking the line is taking steps so they dont interfere with this. What ends up happening is too many umpires are taking steps during the pitch. That is not correct nor best.

[WestMichBlue]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

NCAA teaches walking the line, and clearly states "not to take more than two steps." A cursory examination of the NFHS book doesn't show any particular mechanic, though it is possible I missed it there.

You did miss it. 2008 change; NFHS follows ASA with walk-the-line mechanic.

Curious - does ASA teach walking-the-line for both base umpires in a 3-man crew when no runners are on base? I don't remember that, but it is in the NFHS manual.

WMB