New mechanics

[BretMan]

If you like these advanced mechanics, you'll love what is apparently the new softball umpire uniform requirements- or, at least, the uniform worn by a recent partner I had in a men's fastpitch tourney.

This guy was on the bases and wearing a ball bag! But there was more to it than that. He wore his shirt UNTUCKED, then fastened the ball bag around his waist with a thin, elastic belt, so his shirt was cinched at the waist with about 12" below that blousing out like a tunic.

Now, he did also demonstrate some mechanics that must have been super-secret advanced stuff. Like positioning himself right on the foul line behind third base with a runner on second.

But my favorite was when we had a check swing appeal. I step out from behind the plate, point to my partner and ask, "Did he go?". All I get is a deer-in-the-headlights blank stare until, finally, he seems to realize we're waiting on his input. Then he just says, "I don't know", and shrugs his shoulders!