Watching other umps call games.

[iowasoftballump]

How much do you watch other umps call games? Do you find yourself critiquing them for their calls or strike zone.

You know I'm all about giving a benefit of the doubt to an ump behind the plate but what I saw this weekend was just horrible.

Sitting behind the plate @ my daughters game count is 3-1. The next pitch is in the left hand batter's box by two feet, called strike two. You get the normal rumbles from the batting teams fans. Count 3-2, next pitch at least a foot wider in to where the catcher has to dive for the ball, punched out for strike three. Even more rumbles from the crowd and I start to shake my head because I don't see it.

Now this is an ump that has done many HS state tournaments and for the most part a good umpire.

I don't know maybe I'm being a little hard on him since it was my daughter that was up to bat and it has been drilled in her head that you do not watch and 3rd strike go by and if it is close you better be trying to put your bat on the ball.