Slowing down quick calls

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by youngump

So, the reply to the other thread reminded me of something I've been meaning to ask.
I've gotten plenty of advice to slow down and for the most part it's great. See something, think about it, then call what happened.

There are some calls though where that doesn't seem to be so effective. A runner leaving early, obstruction, illegal pitches (especially in slow pitch where they are too high). I find these to be some of the toughest calls because if I replay them like I might a call at a base the opportunity is passed. (I could still call something, but it's tough to sell an illegal pitch while the catcher's got the ball or a leaving early call as the batter's hitting the ball.) So I still call them when I can be sure the first time, but I feel like I have less confidence in these calls.

Thoughts?

There are certain calls that do need to be quick, as they have immediate consequences. Interference (known as INT here) needs to be called quickly, as the play is immediately dead, and you will need to know where the runners are. The longer you wait to call INT, the longer it may take to mop up the mess.

An Illegal Pitch (known as IP here) needs to be called ASAP in Slow Pitch (known as SP here). Calling an IP quickly for being too high or too low is tough, as it only takes 2 seconds or so for the ball to reach the plate once the pitcher releases it. You call it as soon as you can so that the batter knows they have the option of taking the automatic ball. I reiterate: you call it as soon as you can. It's been my experience that the flat pitches are never called as fast as the teams would like. They can suck it for all I care, because I'm calling it as fast as I can.

In the SP game, ball/strike does not need to be right away. Wait for that ball to be in the catcher's glove, pause for at least a quarter to half a second, and then make your call. It's a rhythm, and you'll find it. Call it too fast or way too slow, and you'll look like you're guessing.

However, it's the safe/out calls where rushing things can really hang ourselves out to dry. Those are the ones that will give you the most hell when you rush the call, only to reverse it. My advice has always been simple: assume that the fielder WILL drop the ball, and wait for them to prove otherwise to you. That has seriously helped me to slow things down when making my calls, and I might have a call reversal once every 2 or 3 years (with over 200 games/year).

But you're absolutely correct: timing is VERY important, and developing a good rhythm is key in keeping order on the field.