Tonight I had the worst strike zone I have had in many years.
Could not get the up and down. The ins and outs were fine, just
off high/low.

Normally, and I think Joel will agree with what few times he has
seen me call, I have a good zone.

I know this was just one game, but would not like to see it repeat.

Any suggestions.

Thanks,
glen

Whenever my zone gets out of kilter a little bit. I work on my timing and slow everything down.

:D :D :D Work the bases. :D :D :D

Glen,
I'm with Keller - when I'm off, it's almost always becuz I'm too quick with the calls.

'Course, if all else fails, Cecil has an answer.

Steve M

Will try the slow down. Have plate again tonight in
the varsity game, bases in JV...

Thanks guys, especially cecilOne...grin

glen

Sometimes I get thrown off when the pitchers are wild and throwing the ball all over the place. You want them to throw strikes, but they seem to be throwing no two pitches alike. Did that slower pitch on the 3-0 count make the knees? Bounced behind the plate, but maybe it made the zone. Am I going to give that armpits pitch today? It's a ball at higher levels, but neither pitcher is throwing hard, and the pitch is easily hittable. If I don't call it, we could have a walk-fest.

The zone is a lot more subjective that most people think.

To my surpirse, I had one of the teams I had the Bad K Zone
night before. [When assignor gives us dates/times/place, he
fails to say whom home team is playing.] This game is a breeze
for the visitors. Last place team, very uncompetitive and I feel
totally disinterested in finishing out season.
Anyway, at plate conference visiting coach reminds me I owe him
one, I think jokingly. Other coach has no clue of what he is meaning.
Late inning, 6th I believe, visitors up by 9 at this point {9-0], first pitch
to first batter is low and inside. Right...I ring up a strike, look at coach
and say, "We're even" He took it as it was meant.
I did have a good game and he won 9-0. I slowed way down
as suggested and it helped. Thanks guys.

glen



[Edited by whiskers_ump on Apr 1st, 2003 at 08:20 PM]

I can attest.........
 

to Glen's zone............

Can't add much to what has been added...........

You always seem to be consistent in how you set up, so that can't be it...........

Timing, timing, timing..............grin

Kinda like Real Estate.....Location, location, location....

Busier than ever.........

Oldest daughters HS team has had a rough go in District after a great preseason.........

Youngest just getting started.........If I am not watching or working.........I am umpiring.........rare night off tonight.........

Hope all is well with everyone...........

Joel

Joel,

Glad to see you http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/Lurking.gif ing about again.

glen

I started off really bad yesterday. Probably called 3 or 4 bad strikes in the first inning and a half; but remembered this topic and it helped me slow down and get my concentration.

What?!?! There is no such thing as a "bad" strike. Strikes are good, strikes lead to outs, outs lead to the end of the game.

Well, I guess if you are going to error, error in favor of the umpire d:-)

Just kidding.

Mike,

Everyone on this board knows you are not that kind of an
umpire. I guess we all do have bad days. Just gotta get
through them. I have found that it does help to come to
this board for assistance.

glen

Pappa,

You think you really know Mike!!!!!!!!!

Bob,

Not personally. I think you work with him and then, don't you?

Judging from his post/replies on this and other boards I would
say he is a class umpire. He certainly knows the rules and I
think has helped many of us on this board from his postings and
replies.

glen