SCRookie

Thanks for the advice. Better timing behind the plate is my next mission. I've worked hard on slowing down calls on bases and I have gotten WAY better at that. Now to bring that to the dish...that feels like it's gonna be harder for me.

All great advice, thank you. I am very loud and confident on every looking strike, and I practice very crisp, very sharp mechanics, at least I like to think so. However, "I like to think so" is also how I feel about my consistency and judgement. I think this is a fundamental thing any good umpire is constantly striving to perfect. I focus on being consistent and fair, but I acknowledge that human error is likely to creep in occasionally. Now, I took a video of the first inning...timing. That's where I visually and clearly need work. I'm quick on the draw for sure. That is a tough one, and I am glad you brought it up. I was on a very good roll up to about the 5th inning in the last game of the day. Felt like it was actually my best game. That's when the chirps started...was I tired after being out there all day? Was it because the losing team was down 8 runs? Probably a combo. I won't deny I probably missed a few, but it was literally a few. No more than I watch them miss on TV for six figures. I have never once acknowledged anyone behind the fence during a game. I actually make a point to not even look at the people to avoid putting a single face in my mind. I look up over the stands or down at the ground when facing the fence. I don't even want to know who's there.

Funny you being this up, in all cases, it was late in each game that I heard it. Always from the stands and never the dugout. I did have one batter stand there and stare at me after I banged him out looking. Didn’t like that, but I let it go. 😂

Ha…thanks for the response. Absolutely not in the dirt before being caught!

I'm a 3rd year umpire and I try not to have rabbit ears for anything on the other side of the fence, but it makes me wonder if this is just a thing that happens often for all plate umpires, or if I am still just inexperienced enough that my strike zone is still in development and it's real. Did 3 games on opening day this past weekend. Admittedly, I haven't really seen a pitch since October. Youth league, I had a slightly expanded strike zone given the age and general level of rust on these kids (and me) after winter. Things went like 95% fine, and sure I had some pitches that were questionable (none that seemed like gross misses). But it seemed like there was at least one or two "ah, come on" or "that was low!" from the stands at each game. Not much at all, but it was there. Coaches for all games were complementary, some even enthusiastically so (even the losing teams) on my performance and told me they loved the zone especially at this time of year. Was even told "Don't change a thing". I know I am FAR from perfect...I have a lot to learn, but I am also dubious to how honest these coaches are being with the kind words. Most umpires I know don't like talking about their own imperfections and are hesitant to admit they miss stuff, so I am just putting it out there: how often do you get even a little chirping from stands? Every game? Most games? Never?

Hi all, Never had this happen personally, but realized that I am not entirely sure of what the mechanic is for this situation. If it happened to me today, I'd put up my hands and say "batter is out", but that seems nebulous to LL coaches who probably don't know the rule (which of course isn't my problem). Thanks for any advice.

I’m on Bupropion as well. It’s been fantastic for me. And yes, as a kid I was the trouble maker who couldn’t learn at a desk. I really love working the dish but I’ve been exclusively on bases for the last few weeks since they want the Jr. umps to work the plate with adult umpires on bases to support and give advice to the younger kids. I find that I need a ton of focus on bases, which has been a challenge, but also really satisfying when I have a good game. Being an umpire has been such an eye opener. It honestly has changed my life. Thanks for your story…I relate 100%.

I’m an adult with diagnosed ADHD. I have been umpiring as many games as I possibly can lately because I have found umpiring to be incredibly therapeutic. It’s been training me to stay focused for 2 hours at a time and be as attentive and detail-oriented as I possibly can. I’ve been an umpire for over a year, and I’ve become hooked on it because it makes me feel a bit “normal”, since I feel like it’s a job that people without ADHD typically do. At times, I feel a bit like a charlatan because umpiring seems like the kind of job that people with ADHD should absolutely not take on. It’s being going fairly well for me, but at times, I definitely notice that I missed something because I let my mind wander or I focused on the wrong thing. It’s usually minor, and I have been feeling pretty good about the games I’ve done these past several weeks. Admitting this is a little embarrassing, but I really wanted to know if there are other ADHD umpires out there, and if you have any techniques or tips on staying focused. Thanks for reading.

I have an opportunity to umpire this year’s “Fall Ball” season which begins after Labor Day. It’s basically a come-as-you-are for Little League kids to keep skills sharp and have fun. They get shirts, but supply their own caps and pants. They don’t technically keep score and it’s described as non-competitive. They do, however, bring in umpires to officiate, nonetheless. Has anyone worked these kinds of games before, and if so, do you apply the same level of stringency you might use in regular season, or do you tend to lighten up a little? I’ve never done this sort of ball before and don’t want to come off as a hard-ass if it isn’t appropriate. Advice is appreciated!

The crazy thing is, it was a tee ball game!

Sold! Thank you for that! @Thunderheads You can lock this one.

This is a fairly good condition original Douglas West Vest. It's just not quite the right fit for my frame. Size 15. The clips are a little rusty but function fine. The plates and straps are in good condition. $140 plus shipping.

@MadMax Thanks for the advice. It's massively helpful. I know that working inside is the real deal, but if you've only ever swam in the kiddie pool, real or not, that first jump in the ocean is going to be a little crazy. And I guess it was for me. I tried to remind myself that out of 7 innings, I had 3 cases where something went screwy, but only 1 of them was absolutely my fault, which was getting in the way of that throw. I have always taken C when I've got anything other than no runners or a runner on 1st only. Everything else, I go to C. Now, staying where I should be...that was probably my failure. One thing you mentioned that really struck a chord with me was how new umpires tend to scramble around and move too much to appear that they're hustling. You nailed it there. That is exactly what I was doing. It is indeed just a lack of experience on my part, and it was what I was doing, 100%. Thanks again for this...I re-read it a few times and took notes!

@RecontraWow, the "I'm listing all my gear on ebay" comment is *exactly* what I was thinking after that game, at least for a good 10 minutes anyway. The last time I thought that was a men's softball game I umpired that was off the charts insane. I scoped out the parking lot before making a bee-line to my car that day. I wish we had an umpire bar in town...that sounds like the best therapy ever.

Thanks, brother. I spoke to the UIC and we're aiming to work a game together soon. Like you, he also said that was an ejection-worthy comment. Once I build up a little more confidence on that diamond, the thumb is going to get a little quicker.