Newbie trying to learn as much as possible

[DeputyUICHousto]

Don't take your eyes off the ball. Nothing can happen with out it...See Bernie Profato school of umpiring...

I learned how to do an over hand out at NUS when he was an instructor.

And that is over simplified...but its true. "nothing can happen without the ball"

[JefferMC]

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

And that is over simplified...but its true. "nothing can happen without the ball"

Well, obstruction almost always happens without the ball, because with the ball it's not usually obstruction.

[Gulf Coast Blue]

Originally Posted by gsf23

Agree with that. The first year I umped, I had a bang-bang play at third, called the runner safe, the third baseman looked up, saw that I was on top of the play and says, "It's a good thing you are standing right there blue or we'd be arguing right now." Then he tossed the ball back to the pitcher and didn't say another word.

It is nice to get your nose in their once you have seen the play, but don't get in too close too early. Bad things can happen if you are too close to the play.

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

Don't take your eyes off the ball. Nothing can happen with out it...See Bernie Profato school of umpiring...

I learned how to do an over hand out at NUS when he was an instructor.

And that is over simplified...but its true. "nothing can happen without the ball"

There are a few times you just have to take your eyes off the ball though. Case in point, summer womens game (mostly college kids)......nobody on and outs don't matter. I am in A.....shallow fly ball towards RF......I bust inside while watching the ball over my right shoulder. Apparently, F3 thought she might also have had a shot at the fly ball and we collide. Damn near knocked both of us off our feet.

In that situation a quick peek at the ball and then watching where I was going would have been the right thing to do.

Joel

[tcannizzo]

Also remember, that even with proper mechanics from all umpires in a game, there are certain situations, where there are spots on the field where a pair of eyes wasn't available. And even after a private meeting with your partner(s), if it wasn't seen, it can't be called.

[ontheway]

Originally Posted by tcannizzo

Also remember, that even with proper mechanics from all umpires in a game, there are certain situations, where there are spots on the field where a pair of eyes wasn't available. And even after a private meeting with your partner(s), if it wasn't seen, it can't be called.

for me the toughest part of officiating in those crazy 1 in 500,00 instances when two umpires or 3 basketball officials miss what ever the fans or gym is screaming about and theres nothing you can do except play on

[Gulf Coast Blue]

Originally Posted by ontheway

for me the toughest part of officiating in those crazy 1 in 500,00 instances when two umpires or 3 basketball officials miss what ever the fans or gym is screaming about and theres nothing you can do except play on

For the most part though.....fans have no idea what they saw.....they just know they "saw something"......

Joel

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

Don't take your eyes off the ball. Nothing can happen with out it..

Except for maybe obstruction.........

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Except for maybe obstruction.........

...or UC, or INT or a missed base or an injury or .......well, a load of things can happen without the ball.

While it is true that the umpire needs to find the ball and be aware of where it is, I disagree with the comment of always watch the ball. As noted, "over simplified", but it is a too simplistic a comment which too many take to heart, including some UICs. I once received a phone call from an umpire at a NC who was told by the UIC to not worry about watching the BR touch 1B instead of watching the ball which was at the fence in left field.

When on the field, we all have specific assignments and a good portion of those jobs do not involve watching the ball. You learn to find the ball and adjust, if necessary.

[DeputyUICHousto]

Unfortunately, my attempt at humor in remembering the "drills" Bernie Profato made us do at NUS wasn't quite so humorous...sorry.

I remember doing the three man drill with Bernie where he gives you a hand signal and you all three have to make the same call. If you do not, they you get to do over hand outs from 1st base all the way to the outfield fence. And finally, when the three of you get it right and you're high fiving each other, Bernie will throw his hand up and everyone is supposed to yell "Dead Ball!!!". And if you're not paying attention, guess what you get to do...yep. Over hand outs.

Great learning tool to get umpires to hesitate that split second but that the ball is quite important.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by DeputyUICHousto

Unfortunately, my attempt at humor in remembering the "drills" Bernie Profato made us do at NUS wasn't quite so humorous...sorry.

No, it is humorous for anyone who has experienced Bernie.

I remember doing the three man drill with Bernie where he gives you a hand signal and you all three have to make the same call. If you do not, they you get to do over hand outs from 1st base all the way to the outfield fence. And finally, when the three of you get it right and you're high fiving each other, Bernie will throw his hand up and everyone is supposed to yell "Dead Ball!!!". And if you're not paying attention, guess what you get to do...yep. Over hand outs.

Great learning tool to get umpires to hesitate that split second but that the ball is quite important.

Though he could be mean at times Saw him rip up a blank certificate that was supposed to be that of a kid who happened to have nodded off during a lecture by Bernie. When awarding the certificates and it came time for this 14 yo kid to receive his, Bernie put on a show ripping up the certificate. Poor kid damn near came to tears. Felt bad for him.

[tcannizzo]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

No, it is humorous for anyone who has experienced Bernie.

I am laughing.

[DeputyUICHousto]

Bernie was an experience!