Texans...this can't be true, can it?

[SethPDX]

There is a softball section on the Amateur Baseball Umpires' Assoc. forums. Not much goes on there, as you might expect, but I read this gem today:

From experience, the high school softball coaches in most Texas 4 and 5 A ranked programs prefer baseball umpires on the plate than the traditional softball umpires. The reason most often given is that they have a much more stable strike zone through out the game, a result of locking in to the stance.

I just can't believe this. Based on this posters' other comments I'm not taking this seriously. There is the possibility of some truth to this, though...

This is the actual thread:
Baseball VS Softball mechanic - Forums

[wadeintothem]

What a bunch of total bs.














The problem with most Texas umpires is they are from Texas.

Loved this gem from that forum: Yes, if you are working softball, use softball mechanics. If you are doing baseball, use baseball mechanics. Unfortunately I see guys on TV working Regionals and the LLWS using softball strikes in a baseball game. Drives me nuts.

This was the first response to the OP. Later, they talk about how more and more baseball umpires are using the hammer as we call it in ASA, and some of them are ridiculing it. I actually believe the hammer is the better signal than the point, having done baseball and softball in the past. It also is a great signal when working with players who have a hearing loss. There's so many good things about the hammer these boys are missing.

[SethPDX]

Wade said it, not me!

The post before this guy went on about how lots of the WCWS umpires didn't belong there, neither did some umpires at one of the regionals, a coach even said so, yadda yadda...

But it's a baseball site, so you don't need to actually know that much about softball to talk about softball.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by SethPDX

Wade said it, not me!

The post before this guy went on about how lots of the WCWS umpires didn't belong there, neither did some umpires at one of the regionals, a coach even said so, yadda yadda...

I think we can all admit the WCWS was not a shining example of softball officiating.

That doesnt mean that we are 2nd fiddle to texas baseball umpires though.. lordie..

[DNTXUM P]

Originally Posted by SethPDX

There is a softball section on the Amateur Baseball Umpires' Assoc. forums. Not much goes on there, as you might expect, but I read this gem today:



I just can't believe this. Based on this posters' other comments I'm not taking this seriously. There is the possibility of some truth to this, though...

This is the actual thread:
Baseball VS Softball mechanic - Forums

not true

[luvthegame]

This quote from the site might offer up a clue to the credibility of someone...

"Over half of the regional crew in the Alabama regional did not belong there. (Not just my opinion but a coach who was there estimated 5-6 umpires on that regional didn't belong there.)"

There were only 4 umpires assigned to the Alabama regional.

Me thinks the site, the poster, or the coach, perhaps all 3, are lacking!

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SethPDX

There is a softball section on the Amateur Baseball Umpires' Assoc. forums. Not much goes on there, as you might expect, but I read this gem today:



I just can't believe this. Based on this posters' other comments I'm not taking this seriously. There is the possibility of some truth to this, though...

This is the actual thread:
Baseball VS Softball mechanic - Forums

#1. Consider the source;
#2. Why would any self-respecting softball umpire give a **** what those in the junior circuit have to say?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by DNTXUM P

not true

Yup.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

The problem with most Texas umpires is they are from Texas.

On the plus side, at least we live in a state that is financially solvent!

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

On the plus side, at least we live in a state that is financially solvent!

Well, your left wing commie buddies are not in charge of Texas like they are in charge of CA.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

On the plus side, at least we live in a state that is financially solvent!

Yep, that's what the Chairman of Enron told the SEC.

[PtotheB]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

The problem with most Texas umpires is they are from Texas.

Hey! I resemble that remark! I do use the Davis stance most of the time though. For some weird reason it really helped me with my timing.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by luvthegame

This quote from the site might offer up a clue to the credibility of someone...

"Over half of the regional crew in the Alabama regional did not belong there. (Not just my opinion but a coach who was there estimated 5-6 umpires on that regional didn't belong there.)"

There were only 4 umpires assigned to the Alabama regional.

Me thinks the site, the poster, or the coach, perhaps all 3, are lacking!

The site is great. For baseball umpiring. But like I said, it doesn't take much to answer softball questions over there. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king and all...

And I knew there were only 4 umpires to a regional, but I was done wasting my time with "Mr. I Know Softball" over there.