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Post by crash23 on May 22, 2007 16:11:47 GMT -8
Too many plant themselves and make all calls from one spot. Umpires need to move at the crack of the bat like players. Great point. They need to work as hard or harder than the players. When they do managers/coaches/players/parents see this and appreciate it and I think in the long run get less grief. Everyone appreciates hard work - plus they'll more likely be in better position to make the right call so they decrease their grief factor even more. We had two of the best last night at the Cubs/Pads game and their dedication to the game and kids is appreciated.
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Coop
Full Member
Posts: 73
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Post by Coop on May 24, 2007 20:40:19 GMT -8
LL pushes positioning BUs on the outfield grass. Yes, I would like to position myself on the infield but with 60 bases and having many players this year who are popping 250 foot homers through out the season, I don't think it would be safe on the infield when one of those 250 footers end up being a 60/70 foot line drive (it is 85 feet from home to second base). Now, travel ball moves their bases back to 65/70 feet. That extra footage make a big difference.
With a two man crew I was taught to position myself (BU) between SS and 3rd with a runner at 3rd. I have had a couple games with a check swing that was difficult to call at that position. So I have tried to improve my game by positioning myself between SS and 2nd base. What we also have been taught was when making the call, position ourselves running toward the play and stopping to make the call and not on the run. If the play is at 1st and I am on the SS side and make the call, I not only watch just the catch and the runner hitting the base but also watching the body language of the first baseman. Control of the ball and pulling the foot. If I think that maybe he pulled his foot I will ask for help from my partner (if he is not watching is player touching the plate). As I have mentioned before, any close play an umpire can only please 50% of the people. The other 50% feel it should go their way. As Jerry will tell you, all this only comes with experience and the love for the game.
While umpiring there are some rewards during and after the game. Some coaches will tell thank you and tell you, you called a good game (haha-usually the winner most of the time). I have to pat back of the shortstop for the braves in last nights game. Jerry and I had a foul ball that went off the batters foot and we both must of yelled out foul ball 3/4 times. Some of the fans were confused but the shortstop turned to me and said nice call blue. After the game a fan from the Braves side as well from the Giants side said, "You blues call a good game". There are some good fans on both sides, win or lose.
Thank you all for your support as well,
Coop
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