Newbie trying to learn as much as possible

[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