Pearls of Wisdom

[SnareDrum]

We've heard, or said that one little pearl of wisdom that we've picked up along the way that means something special. Whether it be about playing, umpiring, or just something about the game itself that's outside of mechanics, situations, and rules. Some of you have them appended to your signatures, while others may find yourself constantly repeating them. Perhaps you picked it up from an old umpire of or player form back in the day, or it's something you've come up with yourself. If you have one (or more) little positive "pearl" that you could tell a newbie umpire, player, or yes, even a coach, or even just something to pass along, feel free to add it here.

Mine? "Always leave something of yourself on the field; and always take something with you. Give to the game, and learn from it." - Frank White, former 2B for the Kansas City Royals when asked by a younger player for some advice about how to succeed in baseball. The absolute exact quote escapes me, but that was pretty much it.

So, go ahead... wax some wisdom!

[sdix00]

As a talk to new LL umpires, things come out that sound kinda dumb, but every now and then things come out sounding good.

I am sure these have been said before, but I think I came up with them independently, subconscious notwithstanding.

More hustle = less hassle.

The louder you are, the quieter they are.

A good one I heard:

Pressed pants and shiny shoes will get you through the first four innings. You will need knowledge and experience to finish the game.

[carolinablue]

Perception is reality.

[Dragon29]

A good one I heard:

Pressed pants and shiny shoes will get you through the first four innings. You will need knowledge and experience to finish the game.

The way I heard it was, "If you show up looking like you know what you're doing, it'll take 'em at least two innings to find out you don't know ****!

If we're talking about 'pearls of wisdom' for brand-new umpires, I'd go with, "Slow down! It ain't nuthin' till you call it." Not exactly Ghandi, I know, but I'm a pragmatist.

[Paperipper17]

If we're talking about 'pearls of wisdom' for brand-new umpires, I'd go with, "Slow down! It ain't nuthin' till you call it." Not exactly Ghandi, I know, but I'm a pragmatist.

+1

I was taught to see it, think it, then call it. Since I started following that advice, I haven't had a single "Ou-safe!" and have heard far less chirping on bangers.

And +1 to looking good. You walk on the field and immediately gain a certain degree of respect if your uniform is clean and pressed, and you're clean-shaven or your facial hair is neat and trimmed.

[mstaylor]

I tell guys that as they move up the ranks, what you may consider a low level game is important to those participants,

[yawetag]

My mantra: Family. Work. Umpiring. While umpiring is a great gig, I have to remember that it's third in my priorities.

My first year, one of the experienced umpires said that he saw the following written on a player's bag: "Give it all on the field, and leave it all on the field."

[Scuzzyfeller]

"STRIKES"

They "visit" the inside corner...

WELCOME THEM...

They "L I V E" on the OUTSIDE corner...

"Go and L I V E with them..."

Pearls...

Scuzz

[Mr Umpire]

All games are important to the participants involved. Treat it as such and give them the same respect you give your highest level teams. They deserve the same level of commitment and treatment. Look like you want to call that game and do not stand there with you hands in your pockets or your arms crossed. Things will go better if they think you are ready and willing to call their game appropriately.

[Mike Prince]

One that I got this year: "the less you say is the less you say".

[mstaylor]

I have a friend that says all explanations should be 5 words or less.