Talkin to yourself

[Jeff C.]

Guys,

When I played ball, my coach drilled into my head to always tell yourself what you will do with the ball if it is hit to you. That way, it's automatic when you get the ball. Now, do any of you apply something like this when you're umpiring? I find myself doing this, i.e., if it's a D3K sitch. Might just be a quirk of mine, but it seems to help me.

[jjb]

Well, yeah, sorta. It's generally said under my breath.

For Instance : (Out loud): "Ball!" (Under my breath): "Ah crap!"

or:

(Out Loud):" OK coach, let's get back to the game" (Under my breath): "Moron"...

Is that what you mean?

[txump81]

Coach: "The OFFICIAL book has 3 balls"

Me: "I've got four" (and so does my OFFICIAL indicator)

[jim knight]

Guys,

When I played ball, my coach drilled into my head to always tell yourself what you will do with the ball if it is hit to you. That way, it's automatic when you get the ball. Now, do any of you apply something like this when you're umpiring? I find myself doing this, i.e., if it's a D3K sitch. Might just be a quirk of mine, but it seems to help me.

Right on... I do it all the time. I tell myself to be ready for obvious plays (ie bunt in late innings)...

[1dumbquestion]

Guys,

When I played ball, my coach drilled into my head to always tell yourself what you will do with the ball if it is hit to you. That way, it's automatic when you get the ball. Now, do any of you apply something like this when you're umpiring? I find myself doing this, i.e., if it's a D3K sitch. Might just be a quirk of mine, but it seems to help me.

if I'm reading your post correctly I think you mean as far as rotation/positioning. if so, then yes. I don't have a ton on experience doing 3 man so when I did for our LL tourney I found myself saying (to myself) what I would do if the ball goes out, stays on the infield, what to do if my partner goes out. things like that so when the ball was hit I was moving and not giving it thought when it was to late. In 2 man I think I did this when I first started but after a while (short while) it just happens naturally. 1

[Umpire in Chief]

Guilty as charged, but I talk to my self all the time. I have some pretty good conversations.

[jjb]

Guilty as charged, but I talk to my self all the time. I have some pretty good conversations.

Nah, it just breaks down into arguing, name-calling, and eventual Restraining Orders...

[yawetag]

In 2 man I think I did this when I first started but after a while (short while) it just happens naturally. 1

I don't do it nearly as much on the field as I used to, but I still run drills through my head before I fall asleep. I'll usually take a certain situation each time (no runners or R2/R3, for example) and go through my responsibilities as each umpire -- fly balls to outfield or infield, base hits, close plays, etc.

On the field, though, it's become second nature, especially in the high school games. With the younger leagues, I have to worry about my partner's actions, so I have more to worry about.

[Jeff C.]

Right on... I do it all the time. I tell myself to be ready for obvious plays (ie bunt in late innings)...

Yep, this is what I'm talking about. And like UIC, I talk to myself all the time. And JJB, I thought we all talked about coaches like that.

[Mr Umpire]

I don't except when I mess up and realize it. Such as calling a strike, a ball as JJB said.

The reason I don't is so I don't get caught expecting something to happen and then it doesn't. If you expect a bunt and the batter slaps one, then what? I have seen some freeze like a deer in the headlights. The anticipation messed up their game. I don't think about the situation and just react accordingly. The only situations I think about are for mechanics. If the ball is hit to the OF, where should I be so I can inform my partner. Things like that.

Trying to anticipate a play can lead to a bad situation.

[noumpere]

The reason I don't is so I don't get caught expecting something to happen and then it doesn't. If you expect a bunt and the batter slaps one, then what?

Trying to anticipate a play can lead to a bad situation.

Iagree with this, and I don't think that's what the OP was talking about.

I think it more along the lines of "if it's hit to the outfiedl, I have to rotate. If it's hit to the infield, watch for the illegal slide at second."

I used to do this, and I do train umpires to do it. Now, it's more of a second nature, and my thoughts run more to "#16 had words with F3 last time -- be ready for a HBP" etc. -- more game management issues.

[Umpire in Chief]

Iagree with this, and I don't think that's what the OP was talking about.

I think it more along the lines of "if it's hit to the outfiedl, I have to rotate. If it's hit to the infield, watch for the illegal slide at second."

I used to do this, and I do train umpires to do it. Now, it's more of a second nature, and my thoughts run more to "#16 had words with F3 last time -- be ready for a HBP" etc. -- more game management issues.

Really good point. As we develop we change our thoughts of what we're thinking about. Earlier Many guys are solely focused on mechanics. Then I believe it grows to potential situations, and then to game management. I'm personally floating between the potential situations and game management.

[Mr Umpire]

Iagree with this, and I don't think that's what the OP was talking about.

I think it more along the lines of "if it's hit to the outfiedl, I have to rotate. If it's hit to the infield, watch for the illegal slide at second."

It has just become second nature to me so I don't even think about it. I don't recall ever thinking this way but may have at some point.

All I ever do is look at the situation and determine where I need to rotate if necessary. After that, I just react to how the play develops.

Again, even that can lead to something bad b/c it may put too much focus on something and then miss other things. Most of this is just my way of doing it and what works for me.

Do whatever works for you to make you stay on top of the play. Just make sure it does allow for you to see everything and not lose focus of the entire play.

[PeteBooth]

Guys,

When I played ball, my coach drilled into my head to always tell yourself what you will do with the ball if it is hit to you. That way, it's automatic when you get the ball. Now, do any of you apply something like this when you're umpiring? I find myself doing this, i.e., if it's a D3K sitch. Might just be a quirk of mine, but it seems to help me.

When I played ball we had many many pick-up games. I learned from watching others and repitition. IMO, if you have to tell yourself something it could be detrimental meaning you can now OVER-THINK the situation.

It's like a running back in football. Even though a certain play is called, the running back reacts on instinct.

Umpiring is similar.

You attend cliniques to get the knowledge and then through repitition (many games) you automatically react.

It's like calling MC or a balk. Sometimes these concepts are difficult to put in words or explain BUT once you see it you KNOW it.

When I do find myself talking to myself that means I am getting tired (perhaps too many games umpired that day) or I am getting bored (ie; a blow-out game)

Pete Booth

[BlueKen]

When I'm BU and there are runners on base, I'll think to myself, now the pitcher can legally throw to the base if he does this or that. Anything else and it's a balk. I do this because I'm new and umpire young kids who can do some strange things that you wouldn't expect.

[willv28]

I'm in an early phase reminding myself of mechanics, timing, always staying alert, etc. I remind myself of timing, not to take things in a manor I cannot handle, ie, too fast or with emotion, . I will talk to myself during the game as motivation. Then tell myself the situations, especially when by myself, IFF, where forces are, etc. It all keeps me from losing track of myself and keeps my mind where it needs to be.

[kylejt]

Talking to yourself, or thinking to yourself? I hope it's the latter. Blabbering in field will get your the rubber room.

As they say "talking to yourself is okay, just don't answer yourself"

[catoblue]

I typically run scenarios through my mind before every pitch to be ready for potential plays. Only problem is, calling LL games, more often than not, the play goes where you least expect it.

[Jeff C.]

I was thinking more along the lines of thinking to yourself. I DON'T anticipate plays because that can blow up on you. I'm a second year guy and things like rotations and such are becoming more second nature to me.

[HokieUmp]

Nah, it just breaks down into arguing, name-calling, and eventual Restraining Orders...

Not to mention tears and recriminations.

[boyinr]

I find myself reviewing rotations and potential situtations (D3K and IFF comes to mind) in my head.

I do not review plays that may be made or attempted for same reasons as previously mentioned.