My 2015 Umpiring Resolutions

[teebob21]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

That said, Willie's emphasis of BS (ball status) is that IF a situation arises where the person responsible loses any part of the status, the entire crew will suffer from the result.

Major 5 NCAA assignments are pretty lucrative; and replacing/canceling air travel arrangements can be costly. Willie's words to me, as best as I can quote from memory; "Steve, we're friends, and I respect your game. But I'm NOT going to risk MY future assignments, and potential postseason assignments, to you or any other umpire that might lose sight of all the elements. I will ALWAYS move to my next position keeping my eye on the ball, and every possible runner, no matter who my partners are. I strongly recommend that you, and every other umpire do the same."

TeeBob, how close is that to what he told you??

The underlined portion of your quote is the reason he gave me. The funny thing is, though: a long time ago on a softball field far far away, my first umpire mentor told me basically the same thing. I'd simply become lazy over time.

Originally Posted by Andy

I will keep this in mind for April 11, 2015.....

Looking forward to working with you again Andy.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

On the occasions that I've worked FP games, I never seemed to have a problem negotiating movement to the next position and still keeping the ball in my range of vision.

Sounds like what you already do maintains better ball status than I do (did). I think it's less about 100% eye contact on the ball between batters, and more about sustained mental awareness from the first pitch to the last.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

BTW, is isn't a matter of a ball which could "become" live since that isn't possible without the PU indicating it as such.

The scenario Willie gave me was a pitcher in the circle with the ball who proceeds to drop it (and potentially kick it away) with runners on base. That ball is live without F1 possession and control. If my back is turned as BU, I may not even know there could be a play happening.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by teebob21

The scenario Willie gave me was a pitcher in the circle with the ball who proceeds to drop it (and potentially kick it away) with runners on base. That ball is live without F1 possession and control. If my back is turned as BU, I may not even know there could be a play happening.

My point is the ball is live before anything happens or whatever happened would be irrelevant. But I agree, at least one umpire must be aware of what is happening with the ball.