Plate at a new level

[steeler41]

Working the plate for a college summer league. First time at that level. Nervous.

Any advice?

[Justin]

Just call the game how you normally would. You got the assignment for a reason. Your assigner (hopefully) won't put you in a situation you aren't capable of succeeding in.

 

2nd year umpire, so most of my games this year are a new level for me. I try to tell myself the above before each game at a new (higher) level than I've previously done. Worked out pretty well so far.

[steeler41]

I tell myself that and sometimes it does work. I have steadily advanced in my association and I am honored to get the type of assignments I get. But sometimes I get pre game anxiety that I at times take on the field. Especially if I got the plate. It's crazy. I love the plate. How do you get into umpiring if you don't like the plate? Frustrated.

[grayhawk]

I'd be concerned for you if you didn't get nervous. Just take your warm ups and focus on watching those pitches all the way into the mitt. Once you say "play" it will be like any other game. Don't suck!

[Magic]

Deep breath. Biggest thing I can tell you is you will naturally pinch your zone if you are nervous. So call your zone about 10% bigger than normal. And if you feel it getting away from you, slow down take a deep breath and track the ball all the way to the glove. Analyze it and make the call. Easy Peasy.

[immaculate1976]

I remember my first college game and the best advice I can give you is to count to one mississippi before calling ball or strike. The reason is the ball will break like you have never seen before and what you think is going to be in the zone will break down and what you think is going to miss will break over the plate. Deep breath and just dont hurry it.

[umpstu]

Deep breath. Biggest thing I can tell you is you will naturally pinch your zone if you are nervous. So call your zone about 10% bigger than normal. And if you feel it getting away from you, slow down take a deep breath and track the ball all the way to the glove. Analyze it and make the call. Easy Peasy.

 

echo what Magic says.  Deep breaths on each pitch help greatly.  Don't call anything until it is absolutely over. Make the catchers catch and present the pitch properly.  They're big boys now.  Tell the catchers to help you out.  In turn I would recommend calling anything that is of proper height that passes between the batter's box and the plate a strike, especially if caught properly.  That's a good pitch.

 

And, you belong there.  You are the man, so act like it.  Display confidence, not a**holinence.  Don't start screaming if somebody questions a pitch.  If you miss a pitch, guess what?  There's going to be another one.  Just don't make it a habit.  And if you miss one get on yourself so that the catcher believes you take pride in your game.  I have had them tell me to take it easy on myself when I start dropping f bombs about a missed strike.

 

Big thing.  Have fun.  Remember you say play to start the game.

[umpcoachfather]

Show up looking good, everything shined, clean well fitting ETC.   As stated earlier you probably earned it.  Hustle. 

[JaxRolo]

StAy alert! Things will happen faster.

[UmpJeff]

I will echo what grayhawk and Jax said.  My first summer college game I was really nervous, too.  My partner, a pro school, PBUC graduate, and D1 umpire, had one bit of advice...don't miss strikes.  Having said that, track your pitches with needle-sharp focus.   

 

Everything else, like Jax said, will happen a bit faster.  Keep your mental focus on point the entire game and you'll be fine!

 

In through the nose...out through the mouth....ahhhh...

[refump10]

Like the others have said, the higher the level, the more important your timing is. Track the ball all the way in, and take that extra beat to process what you just saw.  Generally, the pitchers are better; they have more movement on all their pitches, especially breaking balls.  The catchers are a lot better.  They will receive pitches much, much better than you are used to, generally.  I really like the advice of don't miss strikes.  Yes, the level of play is better, but don't make them throw perfect pitches.  Strikes are your friend.

[MooseLoop]

Think in advance about your strike zone and how it will differ from the little league zone you might be used to.  Stay focused mentally on the current pitch and play; don't dwell on past pitches and plays.  Walk on the field with confidence and authority.  After a few batters, your butterflies will flap away.  In many ways, the better the players, the easier the umpiring.

[bam]

Call the glove.

[steeler41]

I can not thank you enough for the advice and support. It was encouraging and I was truly looking forward to the game this evening

Then the sky opened up and it hasn't stopped. Hilarious. Rescheduled for Thursday.

Thanks again.

[immaculate1976]

Also dont call balks it is bad game management

[bam]

Also dont call balks it is bad game management

Extraordinarily bad advice. Don't call nit-picky balks. Call balks.

[Magic]

Also dont call balks it is bad game management

You, my good sir, are an idiot.

[afaber12]

Also dont call balks it is bad game management

 

Calling "ball" and "safe" is bad game management - makes the game longer.

 

Keep calling "strike" and "out" and you won't have a situation where there'll be a possible balk.

[SteveJ]

Also dont call balks it is bad game management

This is a joke right?

[SteveJ]

Working the plate for a college summer league. First time at that level. Nervous.

Any advice?

Relax and enjoy yourself!  The higher the level the better quality of play (usually) -- the better quality of play the easier it is to officiate (IMHO) -- I'd rather work the plate for a D1 game than a 12U game   Good luck!

[immaculate1976]

 

Also dont call balks it is bad game management

This is a joke right?

 

 

 

Its a joke I promise lol

[earl555]

Sweep the leg!    Do you have a problem with that Mr. steeler41 ?

[Pete Peterson Sr]

 

Also dont call balks it is bad game management

You, my good sir, are an idiot.

 

Which was proven out a few days later, when he was summarily banned for life. And deservedly, so, I might add.

[mbkcoach]

this is a great post, topic, and responses!!! thanks to all who contributed! This is why i love this site!