Watching the local team playing in the LLWS (MidAtlantic), as usual, I'm watching the umpires, not the game.

Notes of interest:

First base umpire looks like he's trying to take off on safe calls. At first, I just thought maybe he made an excited call. Then I watched him make every call in the same manner. His timing was great, his signal needs work.

Plate umpire was sweating and it was very noticable with the heather grey pants. I almosts felt embarassed for the guy on national TV.

A problem I have with ASA showed in this game. All the time I spend teaching and correcting umpires in an effort to get them to use the hammer as prescribed by ASA's umpire mechanics and I'm getting phone calls from umpires at nationals stating that they are being told to do it differently. The PU in today's LL game reminded me of that.

Rant on!

I don't care how the MLB umpires call strikes or how the NCAA umpires like to emulate them (I'm sure the Kellers will like to jump in on this one), but I'm tired of being told that, as an ASA umpire, I should adjust my signals and uniform to look like the big boys because that is what everyone else is doing. I got over that when I graduated high school and cannot think of any good reason to model things in my life after someone else.

I believe the method of signaling a strike (or out, for that matter) with a low, abbreviated hammer in front of the body looks like an aggressive signal made in an arrogent manner. An umpire who makes a call like that literally seems to be shaking a fist at someone.

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard at a school or clinic (and I'm sure every umpire on this board has probably heard this also) that what comes out of your mouth is for the players in the vicinity of the call and the signal is for everyone else, from the outfielders and the players in the dugout to the spectators and the media. Well, hiding a signal in front of one's body fails to accomplish that.

I do not expect umpires to be robotic and can appreciate an umpire being comfortable with their calls and signals. But I do expect them to be made in a professional and effective manner to accomplish the purpose for which they exist.

Rant off!

Thanks,

<b> don't care how the MLB umpires call strikes or how the NCAA umpires like to emulate them (I'm sure the Kellers will like to jump in on this one), but I'm tired of being told that, as an ASA umpire, I should adjust my signals and uniform to look like the big boys because that is what everyone else is doing. I got over that when I graduated high school and cannot think of any good reason to model things in my life after someone else.
</b>

Nope not jumping on that one. I disagree with your assessment of Umpires that work NCAA ball, just like you would disagree with some of my assesments of ASA.

Gotta Sleep...Just got back from a nice relaxing vacation with the family in Florida.

Re heather gray; Watching Atlanta Braves as I reply, PU does look wet in heather. I called HS today, its hot and muggy, by second inning, my pants were two-toned also, but it really doesn't bother me. That is prescribed uni for our area, so I guess I gotta live with it. No-one ever mentions the sweat, but I'm sure it is noticeable.

kellerumps
 

That sounds like a genteel discussion between you two. Did you ever call ASA, or do you still?

Is that Kellerumps as in Keller, Tx? I'm from Ft Worth.

[Edited by TexBlue on Aug 16th, 2003 at 11:03 PM]

My apologies for not being clear. My intention is not to make a disparaging remark concerning umpires who work NCAA ball. The point was that I don't believe that should be justification for umpires working ASA ball to abandon the mechanics taught and precribed in ASA schools and umpire's manual.

And yes, when I talk to umpires who work both NCAA and ASA, I hear about the way MLB does it. This is also what I heard from an umpires who have worked ASA Nationals this year. Well, if that's what ASA wants, fine, but don't make the rest of us look like idiots by teaching one thing only to be told another.

I used to have the two-toned pant problem in this unbearable Texas heat, until I started wearing interawear a few years back. Most of the sweat is wicked away by a good pair of interawear shorts or pants. There are times when my pants are still damp after a mid-day long battle in full gear, but never visibly two-toned.

I was watching a game the other day. (don't remember if it was softball or baseball Little League) but the PU had on a red shirt and all the other umpires had on blue shirts. What gives? Dave

<b>That sounds like a genteel discussion between you two. Did you ever call ASA, or do you still?

Is that Kellerumps as in Keller, Tx? I'm from Ft Worth.</b>

Nope not from Texas. Yes we call alot of ASA ball.

"I used to have the two-toned pant problem in this unbearable Texas heat, until I started wearing interawear a few years back. Most of the sweat is wicked away by a good pair of interawear shorts or pants"

Where do you get this interawear?

I wear the interawear leggings, too. But they will not take away all the sweat. I still have the two-toned pants show up frequently. I sweat enough that the interawear has little or no effect.

Steve M

We swear by <i>Under Armour</i>.......Some friends use a "knock off" <i>Starter</i> Brand but we have not found that yet.

In any case, in our opinion, here in the Mid-West, Heather Grey rules.

"<i>Some friends use a "knock off" Starter Brand but we have not found that yet."</i>

Wally World sells them in this area of Texas. {walmart}

glen

The NCAA does not teach a low hammer in front of the body. I was fortunate enough to be evaluated by the several CWS umpires this summer and learned a great deal. I also did a national school with Billy P. and the mechanics are very similar. The NCAA still wants the BU to walk the line whereas ASA has gone to a "ready position" on the pitch. The NCAA umpires manual is a valuable resource for anyone serious about being a good official.

The low hammer comments sound like my objection to the uppercut punch out in another thread. Too agressive, too intimidating. But then, they are on national TV and I'm home.

Don't worry so much about the heather gray. As soon as the clothing guys make sure everyone has enough of them, we'll switch to another color. How about dark green, with the excuse of hiding grass stains?

Welcome Home
 

Welcome home from FL. Keller. Sham sham on you. Navy Blue rules, you know that! Sorry we didn't get to that golfing activity at Nationals. But having to do 3 and 4 games in row has a tendency to take the best out of everyone.

You can get it anywhere that sells umpire gear, such as http://www.stripesplus.com, or http://www.lestersupstatesports.com, or even http://www.honigs.com.

Lester Upstate Sports Intera Wear page

Honigs Intera Wear page

Rachel,

Didn't say NCAA taught it, but then again, NCAA has yet to take full possession of softball umpires. I'm sure they will soon enough.

I think it is more emulation of MLB umpires and other baseball influences than it actually being taught. My complaint though is that you bust your hump to train and work umpires to the point they will show well at a National, only to be contradicted by someone at the tournament.

I can understand adjustments for upper levels of competition as Billy P teaches. I worked for Billy a couple of years ago and one of my deputies just worked for him last week. We both ran into mechanic changes brought up by Billy. For the level of competition, the suggested changes made sense and we both adjusted at our respective tournaments.

Like what?

Please explain?


From what I heard at a clinic, I agree and will buy it for next year.

I believe you can get it online from the NCAA for free.

Here is a link.

http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules.html


Now on the subject of mechanics. ASA has definitely raised the uniformity in regards to mechanics. When I started in the 80's most of the mechanics were baseball oriented. This allowed a little more flair and individualism.

What I think has developed in the softball officiating ranks is that everyone wants the mechanics so standardized that umpires focus too much on that part of their game. When I hear the local UIC being more concerned that an individual did not get in the set position before making the call, rather than telling that individual he did a good job on the call, I get concerned on the focus of what we are supposed to be doing.

I don't care if people know I sweat, but I would hope if it causes my uniform to have an embarassing appearance, someone would tell me. That goes for anything that would be embarassing, regardless of the reason. Even if it's the pitcher's father passing behind the backstop and telling me a seam is split (true story). Never was so glad to have spares and a nearby locker room. :)
Seriously, would you tell your partner if he needed a change?

Well, I doubt many TDs would understand if an umpire suspended a game to change a pair of sweat-laden pants. My comment about the heather grey's is that those who prefer them always seem to boast how "sharp" they look with the navy shirt. Personally, I don't think they look sharp at all when the umpire is sweating.

Yes, the blue pants show the dirt, but so do your shoes and can just as easily be cleaned. However, once the greys get stained, it is possible the only way to get them back into shape is through laundering them.

JMHO,

This is the best blue-gray battle since 1865.

NCAA still wants us to walk the line when there is not a runner on base. Once 1 umpire goes set, then we all do.

ASA is implementing umpires staying set at all times. At first, this seemed kinda awkward, but after a few games I grew to like it.

As for NCAA Umpire Manual....It is a great resource, one that I believe all serious umpires should possess.

This is the best blue-gray battle since 1865 - Reply
 

Which is why we wore black a lot locally until Fed. & LL both made a big deal about gray. Now, it even matters what manufacturer's grays you have.

I also found it interesting that the LL softball Championships had the umpires in navy, after a big push for the light blue for softball, dark blue for baseball, this year. And, someone noted the red jersey one plate umpire had. I also liked it, but I'm one that goes back far enough to still own a red shirt from before. Would personally like to see red make a comeback.

What I find odd is that after all the discussions we have had about legal pitching motions, correct calls on interference & obstruction issues, and a lot of other problem calls, etc., the main emphasis from so many sanctioning bodies & others seems to be on uniforms and what motion was used to signal an out.

Has anyone ever seen the color of a ball bag affect a play? Are runners less out if the hammer is in front of the umpire, instead of over his head?

I like to look good, and see other umpires look good too, but there has been a lot of style over substance lately. I'd rather see the attention on getting the rules differences reduced, and improving the umpires that don't work on their rules awareness as much as the professionals (paid or not) that use this board to better themselves.

Re: This is the best blue-gray battle since 1865 - Reply
 

I disagree with this sentiment, and I'll tell you why. One of the easiest rules for an umpire to apply are the ones that apply to himself / herself. If s/he can't even do that????

Taking the extra effort to always wear the proper uniform, and to always look sharp and to always use proper mechanics - whether calling the plate in the 18U Gold National Championship Finals or calling a local rec league 12U game solo - shows the umpire has a pride in personal craftsmanship, in doing the job right, and will put in the effort to not just learn and apply Rule 10, but all the other rules, too.

OTOH, an umpire who won't even spend an extra $15 to replace his old vinyl gray ball bag with the prescribed navy bag indicates a sloppiness and a corner-cutting attitude that most likely shows up in the other aspects of his / her game.

JMO.

I don't disagree with Tom "Dakota"'s sentiments. To clarify my observations, I agree with using the "prescribed" equipment. What I was addressing is the ongoing debate here and within the industry about how specific or general the "prescription" should be.

For example, there was an observation recently about using what was either a black or navy bag with gray slacks. That must have been approved in the case at hand, or umpires working a game on national TV wouldn't have been so attired. I agree, old vinyl bags should be gone. But, IMO, I see no problem with some variety in choice of uniforms and equipment, color and style.

I also differentiate the elements of mechanics related to being in position to see the elements to correctly make a call, and the "mechanics" of communicating the call. It is important that all concerned know what the call was. If that isn't accomplished, nothing else matters. OTOH, if it is accomplished, what added value does a given motion have vs. another?

I realize many of us have a military background that stresses the elimination of any trace of individuality.

OTOH, attracting new, upwardly mobile types into our line of work is important in many localities. In the society we live in, many of the people we need to attract as new participants, as well as spectators (read supporters), value individuality, freedom of choice, and, yes, colorfulness. If all the diamond sports are to remain viable, we need to appeal to new blood. Like it or not, we are competing with every other diversion out there whenever we step onto the field.

I am by no means proposing WWE Wrestling as our marketing model, but I am suggesting making sure we "appeal" to diverse "markets".

questions from yesterday
 

Can anyone answer my questions from yesterday around 3:00 PM?

Depends on the change you are talking about. I have told partners when their uniform needed adjustment (everything from shirt collar up in back to fly open to split in the pants), but sweat? Not during a game. Maybe in the umpire's area between games.

Let me also clarify...

ASA has been (justifiably) accused of being restrictive in the detail of umpire uniform requirements and mechanics.

Some of this I support (standard mechanics in signals is good; having two umpires show up wearing a uniform uniform is good.) Some I think is overly fussy (fretting about black or tan mask pads, for example).

Working within the "system" to affect desired changes is a good thing. As is discussing gripes, etc. here.

However, "civil disobedience" isn't. If you are going to call ASA (or utrip, or AFA, or LL) games, apply their rules, including Rule 10 (or their equivalent) and the adjustments made by the local association. Here, for example, we are required to wear shirts with the local ASA association's logo on them. Annoying, since I can't buy my shirts from wherever I want. But, if I am going to call for them, I conform to their rules.

Simple as that.

That's correct, just like allowing calculaters in schools at an early grade. Now you have college graduates who cannot perform simple arithmatic with a pencil and paper.

Anyone who has been to an ASA clinic has heard that the first part of selling oneself as a good umpire is to look like a good umpire. Nothing looks worse then a crew diverse in uniform. That word alone, "uniform", should offer an indication as to the purpose of dressing alike. I watch some minor-league ball around here and it is rare the umpires are in identical uniforms. One guy wears shoes with the white Nike swoosh and the other wears black. One may be wearing an old style plate coat while the other wears a "Ike" style jacket on the bases. As often as I watch, there is nothing ever convincing me they can act as a unit.

Look the part, then act the part. This is where the similar mechanics come into place. Anyone ever hear, "If you deviate, communicate"? Of course, you have and that also is part of uniformity among the crew. The best crew is that which act as a single unit regardless of how many umpires are on the field.

I'm not suggesting an umpire be robotic, but "individualism" among a crew may lead to a lack of cohesiveness which will be noticed on the field. Umpires are not being paid to look good or cool on the field and, no, a ball bag does not affect a call, but it may very well affect the manner in which it is accepted by the teams.

Re: questions from yesterday
 

Yes. I have and will. Also, though, not during a game unless it is near the end and they are fixing to have a chance to change.

I am not sure that I agree with your line of thinking here. When I first became an umpire, lo these many years ago, I was not an ex-military person, nor anything slightly akin to that. I had just left a lucrative job with the government and secured a comfortable teaching post. In short, I was one of these free thinking, professionals that you are talking of here. And yet, I am a stickler when it comes to following the uniform code to the letter, including the color of the ballbag...etc. I am also a stickler when it comes to the use of a prescribed set of signals to be used by all umpires. It is part of what being an umpire is.

Some of the new recruits in this area include a 30-something "techie" and a college student. Both also adhere to, and are learning to respect the "uniformity" of umpiring. In short, no matter what your background, military or private sector, liberal or conservative, white collar or blue collar, I believe that if you choose to be an umpire as your advocation, then you should embrace all aspects of being an umpire, which includes the proper uniform and signals.