"In the Zone"

[law_reb]

Last week I felt like I was off my game a little bit behind the plate for a playoff game.  I never felt comfortable, and knew that I missed some pitches.  Some strikes that I balled and balls that I called strikes.  I felt like I especially struggled with the top of my zone.  I didn't have any particular reason that I could come up with, but I was disappointed with myself.  Of course, my partners said I was solid, because no one ever wants to be honest with you when you suck.  I have had a few non-high school games since then and have really tried to focus back in and get control of my zone.  Last night I had the plate on game 1 of the 6A North Half Finals(State Semifinal) best of 3 series.  When I got the assignment I was both excited and nervous.  I was excited that my assignor had the confidence in me to give me the game, but nervous because of what I felt to be a lackluster performance last week.  In addition, my partners were two guys who are almost always "plate" guys for big games.  They have both called plates for multiple state finals games.  I got to the field a few minutes prior to when I knew my partners would and just took a walk around the field and talked to myself a bit to try to clear my head of everything else going on in everyday life.  Had a good pregame with my partners who were both excited for me to get this game.  Went to the field with confindence.  From the first pitch I felt like I was in the zone.  It was though the baseball was a beach ball coming at me I was seeing it so clearly.  The only pitch I heard a complaint on all night was an inside fastball the catcher shifted late on and squeezed me out on a 1-2 count.  I balled it, the catcher held it for that extra 1/2 second, and got a little noise from the dugout.  After the game both partners told me multiple times they thought I had an outstanding game.  I hadn't had that feeling of being "in the zone" for a weeks and it felt good to have it back.  That was most likely the last game of the high school season for me.  The only possible assignment left would be a State Finals series next week.  Our association gets one game assignment, so our 3 best will head to Jackson.  I am hopeful to be in the group, but we have several very good umpires who are deserving.  I was glad I got to redeem myself for what I thought was a disappointing game and end the season on a good note.            

[JaxRolo]

Good for you!