Working alone Sunday...

[Thunderheads]

Hey all..

Doing a u11 travel ball scrimmage double header on Sunday ....doing it as a favor for someone, ...still getting paid, but still ......

Solo game ....aside from hustle, .... any tips to make it as easy as possible?

Thanks!

[benrosen]

As long as you are VERY loud and have good game management skills it should be an easy day ;)

[jjb]

Call the pitch from behind the plate, but, as soon as the ball is hit, go to the front of the mound: call the bases from there.

Long day: hope you call the favor in quickly.

[UmpTTS43]

With 11u, I'd be tempted to call balls and strikes from behind the mound. Fair/foul could be a bear, but at least it's a scrimmage.

[Thunderheads]

With 11u, I'd be tempted to call balls and strikes from behind the mound. Fair/foul could be a bear, but at least it's a scrimmage.

Could be, but I'd like the plate work, and it'll certainly force me to hustle (not that I don't) ...just sayin' ;)

[JaxRolo]

Hey all..

Doing a u11 travel ball scrimmage double header on Sunday ....doing it as a favor for someone, ...still getting paid, but still ......

Solo game ....aside from hustle, .... any tips to make it as easy as possible?

Thanks!

I work many 12U games solo and like you said hustle. Remember you can only see so much. Specially with multiple runners and trying to watch for balks. Just call what you see and that is that.

Like you I prefer to call from behind the plate. That way you dont have your back turned to other possible things. Better overall view from the plate.

[boyinr]

Most of our Fall ball here is done as solos. It isn't too bad. It beats not working at all. Get behind the plate for the pitch and then hustle to a spot in the infield. Remember to get set and make the calls when you are not moving. Stolen bases and pickoff plays are the hardest to call. IMO doing a solo game on a 90' diamond really teaches you the benefits of angle vs. distance.

[spiritumpa]

one tip--pick a good looking mommy and keep loking over ----it will make the day pass:)

[Thunderheads]

one tip--pick a good looking mommy and keep loking over ----it will make the day pass:)

ding ding ... we have a winner!!;)

[mstaylor]

Unless you have no gear, never call from the mound. Too many calls you have to sacrifice to make the bases a little easier. You lose balls/strikes, fair/foul, tag ups and catches in the outfield.

[kylejt]

Angle is your best friend, even more that getting close.

Know where the next play might be, and be ready for it. With little kids, that ain't always the next logical play, either.

Be sure to pace yourself in the first. You can haul @ss in the first game, only to drag it in the second.

Drink enough, then a little more.

Eat between games.

Change shirts between games, undershirt too. You'll thank me later. If you have a spare c/p, swap that out too.

[Ump29]

Most of our Fall ball here is done as solos. It isn't too bad. It beats not working at all. Get behind the plate for the pitch and then hustle to a spot in the infield. Remember to get set and make the calls when you are not moving. Stolen bases and pickoff plays are the hardest to call. IMO doing a solo game on a 90' diamond really teaches you the benefits of angle vs. distance.

What are u11 doing on a 90 ft diamond ?

[Thunderheads]

Well, ....it was as success!! Remember, ...this was a favor of a friend of a friend who had seen me at that marathon tournament I told you guys about back in July (11 games in 2 days). Also, it was a laid back atmosphere scrimmage, ..double header, including 3 teams total.

It was BEAUTIFUL in Michigan yesterday, ....80, slight westerly breeze ....WOW....just perfect! It was perfect for, what will probably be my last games of this season.

Working alone was fun, ...a little challenging, but the hustle helped, and was greeted with praise from the coaches, and even some fans too ......"nice hustle blue!" (ahhh....I love that!)

Anyhow ...no issues, smooth sailing .....

AND....2 tips REALLY helped ....number 1) KYLE: I brought 2 shirts, and 2 compressions to change after the first game....GREAT TIP....thanks!!!

2) The GLM tip helped also, ...cuz there were a couple!!!

Thanks everyone!

[grayhawk]

I've been doing 12u, 11u and 10u fall pony games and they are all solo. On pickoffs and steals, there will be plenty of times where you have very little opportunity to get much angle - sometimes just a step and a look. If the ball beats the runner and the tag is applied - I have an out unless I specifically see something.

Hustle is key. Not just to get angle/distance, but if you are hustling you are taking away something for people to complain about. Get your tail out there for a run down and people appreciate it.

Personally, I like the solo mechanic. I've got all the calls and nobody will ever ask you to seek help from your partner. :banghead: