First Game(s)

[WIUMP]

I finally worked my first non-scrimmage games yesterday. In WI, there are two different seasons of HS ball—spring and summer—with separate state tournaments. I coach varsity spring ball so I haven't had availability to work any games (or get on U-E in a while). Yesterday was the summer ball opening day. With the holiday weekend, my spring ball team has off and I picked up a Frosh double header.

Both games were smooth on my end. I had plate for the first game. Partner (8-year umpiring vet) wasn't comfortable with substitution rules so he asked if I would take plate the first game. Whatever. I explained substitution rules during our pregame, then had to explain them again to the HTHC who looked to be a fresh out of college volunteer or first year teacher. First game was easy. I was happy with my timing and management. One play at the plate on a passed ball. Other than that, just balls & strikes, fair & foul. Visitors won by 10 at time limit. I noticed my partner's mechanics and positioning were different than conventional. He said he wasn't nimble enough to get into the IF from A on a safe hit to the OF or to go out on a trouble ball. Whatever. I'm certainly not going to make a big issue during my first HS game.

Second game I had bases. Also rather uneventful for me. A few easy tag plays at the bases and a banger force play at 2B. Field was so dry at that point I didn't get a great look at base for all the dust. I called an emphatic safe. Defensive team had no comment so I'm guessing they couldn't see much either. Plate umpire had trouble with an interference call on a bunt that hit BR about 20' down 1B line. I didn't have a clear view of play with the pitcher trying to get over to the line so waited for plate guy to make a call. He called BR out with no explanation but never a dead ball. We talked and got it right. OTHC asked for explanation and was satisfied with outcome. Unfortunately, game two was played without time limit. 

It it was a fun day. It was a pretty low pressure environment for me to get out on the field and work on things that umpiring classes in gymnasiums don't allow for. I have about 40 games scheduled so far this summer—mostly sub-varsity. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do varsity games (or even feel comfortable doing them) because I coach spring ball. But this is a good stepping stone to doing some competitive adult games and HS-aged travel tournaments. 

Edited May 24, 2015 by Matthew Turner

[KenBAZ]

Good on you Matt. This is how you start. If you want to get better and do the work required you will get better. Stay open and pay attention to the guys on UE that know what they are talking about.

[Umpirechick1]

Way to go!