New to site, new to umpiring

[bluejerred]

Hello All

 

Jerred Blunt from Bakersfield, CA here!  In a search for knowledge and constructive criticism after having what felt to be a horrible game yesterday (at least the coaches made it feel that way  ), I found myself at this site and decided to join!  I've just started umpiring - only been doing it for 2 months and I love it.  You think you learn by playing, and then you think you learn the game more by coaching, but I have established a whole new perspective being behind the plate. 

 

I look forward to getting advice from all of you who have a lot more experience and training than I do.  Especially tips with single umpire mechanics (usually what I end up working since I'm the only umpire there) and making close calls at bases.

 

Thanks!

[baseballfan]

Over all the years i've been umpiring, there are a few things that stand out:

 

PAUSE...READ...REACT!! You will hear this a lot here, but make sure you slow down the timing of your calls. It's very hard, but never assume the outcome of a pitch or play at a base or while you are working the plate. Make sure you pause and get set into a position where your head is not moving... then read the play and replay it in your mind... then make your call.

 

On close plays, sell your call. It is much harder for a coach to come out and argue if you appear very confident when you make your calls.

 

For one-man mechanics, i'll save that for the experts on here, but I think there is a good YouTube video explaining them.

 

Enjoy umping!

[bluejerred]

How long would you say you should wait until you make a call?  1 second, 2 seconds?  How long would be considered too long?

[Mike Prince]

Timing comes with experience.  Make sure you get set (don't make calls on the run), see the whole play, process what you saw in your head, then make the call.  In most situations err on the side of being too long until you get your own rhythm (versus an artificial count/delay/mechanic)

 

Not really any set time (too quick is obvious and too long everyone thinks you are not sure of your call) and every play is a bit different.  For example on a time play situation you may want to be just a bit quicker with a call so that your partner can determine if a run counts or does not.

[blue23ll]

Timing isn't really about 'time'. Timing is the proper use of your eyes. Watch the complete play (be sure of possession and where the ball is) , make a decision in your mind, then verbalize and signal. For working the plate, use of the eyes means tracking the pitch from the pitchers release point all the way to the catchers glove, THEN make your ball/strike decision in your mind, then announce it verbally and signal. When I find myself struggling during a game, it generally means that I am rushing my timing, not seeing the complete play, so I force myself to slow down. Breathing, and timing...slow both down and become one with the flow of the game (a little ump zen for my friends).   LOL

[bluejerred]

Thank you!  Looking back on my last game, I would definitely say that making calls on the run was definitely a problem for me.  When you get the best angle you can from home plate to the base, do you normally focus on the ball travelling to the fielder, the runner going to the base, or the bag?

[blue23ll]

Angle trumps distance 99% of the time. Stop while you are observing the play, take 2 or 3 more steps toward the play while doing your mental replay, then verbalize and signal. Also, don't ever make a call if you aren't facing the play. On pick-offs, actually step up and toward the play, don't just look over your shoulder. I think that looks LAZY as hell. On steals, let the throw turn you toward 2nd base, don't just turn your head. It's the LITTLE things that will make you better.

 

As far as your question, I suspect you are referring to plays at 1B, while you are in A?

[plateumpire]

Thank you!  Looking back on my last game, I would definitely say that making calls on the run was definitely a problem for me.  When you get the best angle you can from home plate to the base, do you normally focus on the ball travelling to the fielder, the runner going to the base, or the bag?

Don't watch the throw all the way to the fielder or you could miss something. When you see that the fielder has made the throw, turn to watch the play. For plays at first, and sometimes other bases for forces, you need to see weather or not the throw pulls the fielder off the bag.  Listen for the pop of the glove and the runner's foot hitting the base. 

[bluejerred]

(As far as your question, I suspect you are referring to plays at 1B, while you are in A?)

 

No, this question is referred to plays at 1B while at home plate (single umpire), I try to get out to at least the pitchers mound and turn to look at the play but it always seems like I don't have enough time to stop and frame so I'm starting to think that maybe I should go somewhere else or worry more about stopping and looking instead of trying to get as close as I can.  The other trouble plays that I have are pickoff throws by the catcher to 2nd and 3rd after receiving the pitch when I am by myself at home plate because either the pitcher forgets to duck or I have a bad angle and can't see the play cleanly.
 

[blue23ll]

One man mechanics are all about compromises, even more so than 2 man. On plays at first, I always try to get at least out to the 45 foot line, between the mound and the 1st baseline. I say try, because you won't get there a lot. But remember, no matter where you are, stop and get set to see the play.

 

As far as picks , all you can do is take a step back and to the left/right, depending on which batters box the batter is in, that's the best you will do. With runners on and a hit to the outfield, you have to have your head on a swivel, watching the ball and glancing at the runners to be sure they touch all the bases. You can't or probably won't catch any obstructions occurring away from the ball, because you can't take your eyes off the ball very much.  With multiple runners, you focus on the lead runner and any back picks or shenanigans that go own anywhere else, it will be a guess at best.

 

The coaches know how tough it is to do a game alone, they might not tell you that, but they do. The key is to hustle and work hard, they will notice that and leave you alone. I have a VERY short leash when I am working alone, so don't take any crap from anyone about calls.

[Stan W.]

welcome to the site and to our avocation Jerred..........

[bluejerred]

One man mechanics are all about compromises, even more so than 2 man. On plays at first, I always try to get at least out to the 45 foot line, between the mound and the 1st baseline. I say try, because you won't get there a lot. But remember, no matter where you are, stop and get set to see the play.

 

As far as picks , all you can do is take a step back and to the left/right, depending on which batters box the batter is in, that's the best you will do. With runners on and a hit to the outfield, you have to have your head on a swivel, watching the ball and glancing at the runners to be sure they touch all the bases. You can't or probably won't catch any obstructions occurring away from the ball, because you can't take your eyes off the ball very much.  With multiple runners, you focus on the lead runner and any back picks or shenanigans that go own anywhere else, it will be a guess at best.

 

The coaches know how tough it is to do a game alone, they might not tell you that, but they do. The key is to hustle and work hard, they will notice that and leave you alone. I have a VERY short leash when I am working alone, so don't take any crap from anyone about calls.

 

That was a very uplifting post.  I definitely do not camp at home plate during plays.  In fact, when a ball is hit to the outfield, I get out to second base quickly just in case the runner decides to go 2 or even 3 if they are a single runner.  Especially this last game, I had both coaches hounding me about close calls despite lackluster effort by runners getting back to the base during a pick-off, half-slides, or trying to get extra bags when the ball was in the infield.  It almost seemed like any base call I made wasn't right and was making me lose enjoyment in what I was doing.  I'm assuming you guys have had coaches like this as well?  What is the best way to handle these situations when you are a single umpire working a "friendly scrimmage"?  Sorry for all the questions but I don't get a chance to work with other umpires very often.

[blue23ll]

Yes, Jerred, we have all had coaches like this. They tend to like to test the newbie umpires a bit more than us grizzled vets. Remember, in single man, call an exceptional ball/strike game, and work hard to get the lead play correct. Anything else to me, is a bonus. DO NOT allow a coach to hound you on every play, and definitely don't take any crap during a scrimmage. Since it's a scrimmage, have them put a coach on the bases, see how fast they hate that.

[Stan W.]

Jerred,

Coaches in a one man game, are getting away with what you let them.......you are young and they think they can get away with a little more there......if you are hustling and doing the best you can.....its time to learn the technique.....

 

Put your hand up...... turn your palm to face the coach.........say (firmly).......coach!.....thats enough!..........

 

Dont listen to any arguments......on judgment calls,.....fair/foul safe/out ball/strike  are not a item for discussion...............

 

you give them respect, a best effort,  real hustle, professionalism and skill?............good......then you have the right to expect it back from them........hold them to their end of the bargain.....

[bluejerred]

That's a good idea blue23!  I will say that I felt that I had a great game calling balls/strikes during that last game  .  I think the other problem was that the score was 12-4 and it was a 14U losing to a 12U team so their coaches weren't happy to begin with.  That and it was 105 degrees  so the heat had everyone on edge already. 

[ScottFaulkenberry]

Ahhhh Travel Ball 14 & 12 & Under Coaches...They all should be in the Bigs...Just ask them! That is why I try to stick with High School level games...Welcome from a fellow Bakersfield, California Ump! Thanks for the personal message...I'll get you going with KCOA next year...Definitely get to a good Umpire camp, Black and Blue here in Califonia is good, all DI (CWS Experience) Billy Haze, Billy Jo Speck, Joel Henrichs, etc., Went to their camp 2 years ago and it was realky good...want to go to their 3 Man this year if my bum knee will let me! I have really enjoyed this site, lots of good guys on here with lots of experience and good information! Welcome and Enjoy!

[FlaUmp22]

Welcome! Soak up all the info you can from the site

[Umpire in Chief]

^{Glad to have you here Jerred}