Preferences in Doubles

[mstaylor]

I think I am somewhat unusual which makes me the perfect partner. I actually like working the second plate on a double. 90% of my double headers are in the evening and I prefer to call under the lights. I struggle some on the dusk innings so I don't think I give them my best. Most guys feel they are sharper on the first game and can coast on the second. I believe just the opposite.

[Kyle_Stevens]

I would rather be behind the plate for the first game. There are a couple of reasons. One I am able to get to games 30-45 mins prior and rather that wait until the last minute and decide I just get suited up and wait to find out what color my partner wants to wear. Second, usually the first is better baseball (Varsity), which means better pitching (more strikes/faster game) and better catchers (I am not getting hit every other pitch).

I really have no preference. I give my partner the option of what he wants to do when we are both there early.

[LMSANS]

I don't have a preference. DH around here are usually college level players so it is not usually a talent issue. The weather can be an issue. Having the plate at 10am is better than 1230pm on a day go into the 90's or above.

I had 2 weeks in a row I had the 2nd game on very hot days. The first week we wound up cancelling because of lightning in the 2nd inning. The next week, we stopped for lightning in the top of the first and got rained out within 15 minutes (field became a bog). There's a vote for doing game 2!

[Umpire in Chief]

I'll give the decision to the other person if he is more senior than me, if not it really doesn't matter.

[Stan W.]

Im lucky that I am able to book a great deal of my games with a regular partner. I also keep a game journal so we strictly follow alternating base/plate.....so if its with him,. I always know what game I have.behind the dish.....

With other partners, I usually take the first game........

[BrianC14]

I'm a plate hog, I always want to work it in the first game. But as UIC states, I also respect seniority and will ask him if he minds if I work it first. If I'm the senior guy, then I usually make my preference known right away.

[blindumpire99]

USUALLY, I prefer the 1st game, but it varies depending on several factors as most guys have mentioned, weather related for example.

If it's a regular season HS game assigned by the association, the position assignments are doled out on thearbiter and unless me or my partner have some strong aversion to the particular days assignment, I just go with whatever I'm assigned..

But during the rest of the season's games, Babe Ruth, summer HS league and Fall Ball, I usually just "play it by ear" whenever partner shows up, unless it's really going to be a sub-quality affair, particularly having to work behind a known or potentially horrendous "catcher", then I always lean towards the basepaths...

Of course, the quality and location of the MILF section can factor into your personal daily choice of assignment(S) too!:givebeer:

[rainier]

I haven't worked a game in the field yet (tournament excluded) this season. Some umpires seem to be scared to work the plate. When working with our top umpire in seniority and the guy who does the clinics, I have yet to see him do the plate. I even asked him why in the two years we have worked together he never does the plate. He never answered. He has no problem critiquing me on my mechanics but I would like to see him "do it properly".

I usually have no problems doing the dish. I leave it up to my partner to decide unless I'm feeling beat up.

[MCLEOD36]

If my partner is senior, I will defer. If not, I dont mind the plate the first game. Then I know I can set a tempo from the start and not have any issues for the 2nd..

[Stan W.]

rainer and mac bring up a few points .....I know plenty of senior guys who "plate duck".....lay back and let the youngsters do the plate....but are pretty quick to offer criticisim on plate stances or mechanics.....if I offer a criticism, then you will be able to see it first hand if you work with me more than one game....I usually want the plate, but to be fair will switich off.....

that being said, come july and after a week of hot dusty plates, I have pushed off when I need some recoup time......that is something we all shoudl be cognizant of....that is when its time for "time off".....

Mc's point is a good one and I hadnt thought of it.....but I like to set the tempo.....keep the game moving...doing the first game of a double can do just that.

[Ump29]

Personally I prefer to do the plate first. However in our area, the Assigner (of which I am one) dictates who does what.

[blue32]

rainer and mac bring up a few points .....I know plenty of senior guys who "plate duck".....lay back and let the youngsters do the plate....but are pretty quick to offer criticisim on plate stances or mechanics.....if I offer a criticism, then you will be able to see it first hand if you work with me more than one game....I usually want the plate, but to be fair will switich off.....

that being said, come july and after a week of hot dusty plates, I have pushed off when I need some recoup time......that is something we all shoudl be cognizant of....that is when its time for "time off".....

Mc's point is a good one and I hadnt thought of it.....but I like to set the tempo.....keep the game moving...doing the first game of a double can do just that.

You make a great point. I think it's good mix it up just to stay sharp on both.

[BT_Blue]

Personally I prefer to do the plate first. However in our area, the Assigner (of which I am one) dictates who does what.

I was going to say. In my area it is the same thing. I let the assignor decide to works the plate and who is on the bases. For a DH the assignor lists the position for the first game and we switch for the second.

Takes all the trouble out of a constant back and forth of "you want to do the plate?" "no, you do it." "no thats ok." and so on. :givebeer: