Timing - timing - timing

[maineump]

Worked a game today (D-1 fall) with a guy that had only done a few games at this level. He had the plate and was nervous to start the game.

We talked after the first inning and figured out why he felt 'odd' calling the pitches. He is a good umpire - and asked for input right away.

His verbal and mechanics looked like his timing was spot on, however he was missing pitches and some of his close 3rd strike calls had batters stepping back into the box only to be called out (good pitches just a very slow call).

When he asked me why I thought he was missing the pitches and getting strange looks I suggested:

1. He was giving up on the pitches

2. He was thinking about slowing down his mechanics - almost too slow on strike 3.

3. Just to help him focus on the ball - follow it by moving his head a little until he was seeing it ok, then back to his normal routine.

4. Timing includes seeing the play/pitch through the end, not just the 'mechanical' functions on the call

 

He improved throughout the game and was able to re-focus. By then his confidence was a little shot and he heard some words from the catchers.

 

We all seem to think because the game is a higher level and faster, that we need to speed up our game as well. The most important thing that I told him in post-game is to relax, let the play/pitch happen and call what you see. Positioning, including the slot or positioning to see a play is very important, and never let 'em see you sweat.

 

Any other ideas/tips for him, as he will have another plate job right off?

 

Thanks for the input.

 

 

[UMP45]

Worked a game today (D-1 fall) with a guy that had only done a few games at this level. He had the plate and was nervous to start the game.

We talked after the first inning and figured out why he felt 'odd' calling the pitches. He is a good umpire - and asked for input right away.

His verbal and mechanics looked like his timing was spot on, however he was missing pitches and some of his close 3rd strike calls had batters stepping back into the box only to be called out (good pitches just a very slow call).

When he asked me why I thought he was missing the pitches and getting strange looks I suggested:

1. He was giving up on the pitches

2. He was thinking about slowing down his mechanics - almost too slow on strike 3.

3. Just to help him focus on the ball - follow it by moving his head a little until he was seeing it ok, then back to his normal routine.

4. Timing includes seeing the play/pitch through the end, not just the 'mechanical' functions on the call

 

He improved throughout the game and was able to re-focus. By then his confidence was a little shot and he heard some words from the catchers.

 

We all seem to think because the game is a higher level and faster, that we need to speed up our game as well. The most important thing that I told him in post-game is to relax, let the play/pitch happen and call what you see. Positioning, including the slot or positioning to see a play is very important, and never let 'em see you sweat.

 

Any other ideas/tips for him, as he will have another plate job right off?

 

Thanks for the input.

DO NOT MOVE YOUR HEAD!

[maineump]

By moving his head, I meant moving it to a spot where he could see the spots he was missing before the pitch - not during the pitch - then to set into his normal stance. I don't think he had the right spot in the slot to see the pitches he was missing

[umpstu]

Get over the nerves. Realize that it is D-1 ball and they pitch and catch better so just try to do what got him to the game in the first place.

[woodiemiller]

Baseball is baseball.

[SteveJ]

You didn't mention what level of ball he has worked in the past but it sounds to me like he has a confidence problem and was intimidated by his surroundings.  I remember the first time I worked the plate in a D-1 game. I had worked Juco, D3, & D2 but I was still a little nervous until the first pitch...then it was all fun!

 

I work many of the intra-squad games for the U of Arizona. The local high school and small college umpires are invited out to work the games to gain the experience of working good D-1 baseball. I tell all the "new" guys that this is great baseball, easy to work, and there's no pressure on them so just relax and have fun.  For many of them it's their first time to work any level college. Often we work 3 and 4 man mechanics and it's usually their first time for that too, especially 4-man.  In the end we all have great fun....

 

Tell him to relax and have fun - don't put pressure on himself!