- Dec 5, 2017
- 514
- 63
I umped for the first time this spring in our rec league and number 3 is so true. Also could hear it from the field. I really struggled ignoring the ignorance sometimes.So i read bits and pieces of this post and debated commenting or not. This past year I decided to volunteer to ump for USA tournaments, and our local city league. Having been a FP coach for a decade, it was an easy transition rules wise. Here is what I learned from just one year behind the plate.
The one thing i am starting to notice from a coaching perspective is the lack of strikes being called at belt high. Saying she missed high. Just baffles me how that is NOT a strike. I would post video but it wont do anyone any good. When your pitchers avg 2-3 walks a tournament and suddenly you are seeing 6-7 per game it really makes you wonder. At young ages umps are opening up the strike zone but then tightening it up when pitchers are actually skilled enough to hit corners. That has always bothered me, at this age you throw down the middle and the ball is going for a ride. So our pitch calling is looking for grounders/popups and mis hits vs K's. I see both sides of the arguments, but in general i dont see the umpiring getting better regardless of how far we travel.
- no matter what call you make one side will be pissy
- working the slot makes it hard to judge outside strikes. i prefer to work straight up and eat a few balls. i have also used this knowledge to improve my pitch calling noting where the umpire sets up.
- I hear every little comment behind the plate. gets real old real fast.
- just because your catcher doesnt move their mitt does not mean it was a strike. it amazes me how many catchers set up in a location that their own coach is clueless about. Example setting up outside for in an inside pitch.
- i will call the corners if you hit the corners. i dont know how many times i told a coach that.
- Just because a changeup looks pretty does not mean it crossed the plate in the strike zone.
- know the actual rules before appealing.
- we all make mistakes plain and simple, going nuts on a ump in rec league is just flat out stupid. Had a coach put a female field who was only 17 in tears. I promise i will be less than cordial when/if we ever meet again.