How do you become a better evaluator?

[MD Longhorn]

I agree with Steve. At some point, most umpires get the mechanics - where to start, what to watch, where to go, etc. Not everyone (self included sometimes) gets the coach management part of the game. You don't want to be promoting the "I haven't ejected a guy in 20 years" guys - they think they are "great" game managers, but most of the time they are simply enablers that make the game tougher for their partners or for the umpires that follow them. At the same time, you don't want to be promoting the hair-trigger ejection, gruff-at-the-plate-conference guy either.

It's finding that sweet spot that makes a good umpire great. An umpire that can explain himself when necessary and cool down a manager who is upset but not out of control... but also knows when the manager has ejected themselves and isn't afraid to complete the process and let him leave.

Also - try to listen to their pregame and plate conferences if possible. I know I can always tell a lot about my partner at the pregame and at the plate conference. Esp the PC - many times this is the first time you're talking to a coach, and your mannerisms set the tone - an umpire who is comfortable there usually turns out to be good at dealing with coaches in game.