Time between innings

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by ASA/NYSSOBLUE

Seriously - is there anything more annoying than, especially when working the bases, than a partner who who comes jogging up to you to chatter in between innings?? Especially a veteran who should know better. I know when I am working the plate, unless it is warm and I need to hydrate, I never leave that dirt area around HP. It's called setting an example, I do believe. As a result, I have a nice rep in my area of having games that move right along.

While I may not care for some of the chatter, I'm firmly in the camp of the old between innings positioning on the foul line of the team coming off the field.

IMO, it gives the umpire a chance to nonchalantly discuss observations and possible adjustments in coverage assignments. Or maybe even about the hot mom/dad in the stands.

With today's mechanics (excuse to the change was bullshit), when umpires do need to converse for whatever reason, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

While I may not care for some of the chatter, I'm firmly in the camp of the old between innings positioning on the foul line of the team coming off the field.

IMO, it gives the umpire a chance to nonchalantly discuss observations and possible adjustments in coverage assignments. Or maybe even about the hot mom/dad in the stands.

With today's mechanics (excuse to the change was bullshit), when umpires do need to converse for whatever reason, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

And what was that excuse? I honestly don't know.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Manny A

And what was that excuse? I honestly don't know.

The originally stated reason was that the base umpire coming in each inning was too easy a target and too often resulted in the coaches having "words" on their way by, with the umpires looking like they were the aggressor in those confrontations; the base umpire grazing in the outfield forces the coach to be the obvious aggressor if the comments are happening.

As Mike says, more an excuse than a necessary change for the stated reason.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

While I may not care for some of the chatter, I'm firmly in the camp of the old between innings positioning on the foul line of the team coming off the field.

IMO, it gives the umpire a chance to nonchalantly discuss observations and possible adjustments in coverage assignments. Or maybe even about the hot mom/dad in the stands.

With today's mechanics (excuse to the change was bullshit), when umpires do need to converse for whatever reason, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

I have to adapt it here due to some of the fields designed for slow pitch... they have the backstop practically on your butt when you're behind the catcher! So, no room, really, for the proscribed positioning.

But, I agree with any necessary discussions now being obvious. If I intend to discuss a controversial play between innings, I just make sure it is an inning or so later and not right away.

[MD Longhorn]

The only reason I can see to talk between innings is if you're trying to have a veteran train a new guy. And even then, it doesn't need to be every single half inning... Can't stand it when I go work a tourney with people I don't know, and end up partnered with Chatty Cathy.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

The only reason I can see to talk between innings is if you're trying to have a veteran train a new guy. And even then, it doesn't need to be every single half inning... Can't stand it when I go work a tourney with people I don't know, and end up partnered with Chatty Cathy.

If you have a pre-game with your partner, what is wrong with continuing the same discussions during the game? Once the game begins, like pitchers to an umpire's strike zone, the umpires must adjust to the teams, their abilities and the flow of the game.

There can be some very enlightening discussions during a game even with veteran umpires and it doesn't always involve training.

Everyone loves talking about the umpire crew is the third team on the field, so why wouldn't you expect the crew to act like a team instead of two-three-four individuals milling around a field between innings?

JMHO