Helluva First Game as PU

[Austex]

I have to say I am jealous of the part when people talk about having partner's that are willing to post game with them, much less an actual evaluator. I try to post game with the veteran umpires in my association to see what kind of rookie mistakes I'm making but I get ignored each and every time. And heaven forbid our UIC actually thought of having evaluations. I don't know how I'm supposed to get better besides find a new association next year.

[mstaylor]

Do the same as what I said in post 24. Video yourself and send it to us, we will see if we can help.

[MPLSMatt]

Austex - I was in your boat (although I was working all one-man) in that I had no idea if I was good/getting better or whatever as I was never evaluated. Coming here will help a lot as you'll hear of common pitfalls and learn to correct them. Then as you get better and start to work higher levels, you'll meet other umpires who will help you. I'm surprised that Vets aren't giving you the time of day, though, most umpires I know are more than willing to help.

I think that the advice on the outside pitches is pretty sound - if the pitcher hits the mit dead on, you can give the pitcher a little more leeway and usually call it a strike, especially at mid or lower level youth. That said, in higher level catchers will catch on to that and move farther and farther outside until you are giving 6 inches off the outside.

Congrats on getting into this, guys. By coming here you are already on the right track.