New here

[24sdad]

Just joined...and after looking around it looks like another great place to get info from those more experienced than I. I have been playing since a kid (51 now) coaching TB for a while now and thought I new a lot about the game until I started umpiring at the beginning of this year. Boy, was I wrong.

Started mostly with LL major and junior as volunteer (local league is only one around who does not pay umpires) until I joined an assoc. that contracts with PONY and every other local LL (majors thru Big League) in the area. Guy who runs our assoc. is a trainer for our area HS and I will begin doing HS next season.

Looking forward to picking up as much good advice as I can.

Marty

[mstaylor]

Welcome to the board, I think you will reconize some of the posters. Jump right in.

I would like to have a dollar for every coach or player that is shocked by how involved umpiring.

[jjb]

Did we mention the Rookies are responsible for the first round?

[24sdad]

figures...

alright, whadda drinking?

[Umpire in Chief]

Welcome... I thinks it takes more passion for umpiring than coaching (not that I ever have coached) But it takes an understanding of the game I don't think you can understand unless you are an umpire.

[umpirejohn]

Welcome to this excellent forum:yippie:

[txump81]

I started umpiring this year. After a few games behind the dish, I think every coach should have to take at least 2 games back there. It puts a whole new perspective on things.

[DirtyDawg]

Warren is right about there needing to be a passion for the game to umpire. Coaching is similar, but instead of on the game the passion is more towards the kids and helping them advance. Welcome to the board, if you ever have a question don't be afraid to ask. Oh, and I'm drinking bud lite wheat over here!!

[catoblue]

Welcome to the crew!!!!

[ukce1861]

Welcome aboard!

[24sdad]

Welcome... I thinks it takes more passion for umpiring than coaching (not that I ever have coached) But it takes an understanding of the game I don't think you can understand unless you are an umpire.

UIC, perfect observation. I have had a love for the game for as long as I can remember, and am lucky to have a son that out and out lives for baseball. The "baseball instincts" I have certainly helped as an umpire (and I would argue most coaches and baseball people in general, would think this is all you need to get by in umpiring). It took me about two innings behind the dish to realize how far off base (pun intended) that reasoning is. Totally different mind set, different perspective, etc. Not to mention having your nose buried in the various rule and case books 24/7 learning the rules you thought you knew "better than any blue" just cause you coach.

Edited May 24, 2010 by 24sdad

[txump81]

I did my first game as an umpire this year. It was pretty nerve racking trying to remember all the rules. you only think you know them until you put on that blue shirt, then you MUST know them. Not to mention, I was PU for my very first game. Nothing like jumping in with both feet.

[jjb]

You can't learn to swim in shallow water....

[umpire78]

Did we mention the Rookies are responsible for the first round?

I think that was mentioned in the fine, finer, very fine print.