Umpires are getting to robotic..

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

If you notice things from the umpire's POV, and call any level of serious ball, you know that the purpose of signals is to convey a message. Is it simplier and clearer to convey any message in a concise, uniform manner, or 26 different ways? We all know the answer. For example, SOS in morse code or "mayday" broadcasts have a very clear, universal meaning. Do you think if you decided to key GOF in place of SOS, or broadcast "junenight" via radio, you would convey the message you desire to communicate, and subsequently get the desired results?Therefore, uniform signals and mechanics are preferred for that reason.

The umpires are not to be entertainment. If you umpire to be an entertainer, then you are in the wrong avocation. Might I suggest karaoke? As umpires, our job is to simply rule on the play, and signal our ruling in a form that everyone present will understand.

This is a bunch of hokey BS sold to softball umpires at clinics while we eat our cold donuts and stir our coffee in our Styrofoam cups.

I've never been confused watching a competent umpire regardless of his signals.

Rather the umpire points, hammers, chainsaws bow and arrows, throws, boxes, uses scissors, GD, box, Heel toe, knee, whether he says strike, heeyaa, haa, etc etc etc etc.

You DO NOT need to be a robot to be competent. You do not need to use the same universal signal and strikes to be competent and convey the message.

Want proof?

Watch MLB, Minor Leagues, HS Baseball, or College baseball umpires.

If you cant watch the game and keep up, youre in the wrong business. And they are not robots.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I worked 18G showcase this weekend and goofed with all kinds of different stances. Gerry D, Scissors, etc. What did a umpire say to me? "Man I like your baseball stance".

Ha!! That was funny.

At any rate, I personnally see the plate best in ASA's prescribed robot stance. But it was fun to goof around a little at a show case and experiment with different stances.