Greetings from Western Massachusetts

[Phil]

Hi all,

I'm Phil, and I've just started umpiring Little League out here in Western Massachusetts (Pioneer Valley). I've wanted to get into umpiring for a few years, mostly just due to love of the game. I have minimal training as I only inquired about umpiring with our Little League in April, and the only clinic in the area seemed to be in January-February. I'm hoping to attend that clinic next year.

I've been lurking on the boards for a year or so, learning as much as I can because I really want to improve. I have a good understanding of the rules, but my mechanics are only as good as the training PDFs I've been reading. For better or for worse, our Little League division (10-12 year-olds) appears to be pretty desperate for umpires -- pretty much all games are done with a single umpire. Apparently last year there were a small number of games that had to go un-umpired. So when I contacted the guy who runs the league, he had me work the bases for a few games with a more experienced umpire to "see what I could do" and then asked me, "Do you have enough confidence to go behind the plate?" I told him I had the confidence, though I don't think I had the experience he would be looking for, but I think they're just happy to have a warm body out there. From what I've seen, there is no dress code for the umps. I've only met a handful of others, and they seem to wear t-shirts and shorts, though there is one guy who dresses pretty nicely (clearly has some true umpire clothing). As for me, I have an umpire shirt (got as a gift) and I've been wearing that along with black pants and black shoes.

From reading the boards here, I realize that with our league's umpire attire and training standards, we're not exactly living up to the levels of professionalism that most of you would like to see, but as the new guy, I'm not in much of a position to change that, and I'm just excited to work the games in any capacity. Interestingly, I was told I would be paid (I thought LL was all-volunteer), so I'm torn between donating anything I get paid back to the league (since I have no formal training, it really doesn't seem right of me to get paid for this), and spending any income on umpire gear. The league supplied me with a mask, an outside raft protector, shin guards, and an indicator.

And then they threw me behind the plate. Perhaps if anyone's interested I'll post a description of what a perfect storm of mediocrity (on my part and the quality of play) my first game was. My second game went a lot more smoothly.

--Phil

[mtnump]

Welcome!!! There is some great information on this site. I am a newer member here and have found this to be very useful and most of the guys are very helpful when you have questions. I also deal with the warm body umpire phenomenon. Set yourself apart by looking the part and you will gain respect and credibility as well as feeling more confident. The LL website has some useful booklets on mechanics. Ump-Attire and Honig's have some package deals available.

As for being paid or volunteer, LL has the idea that it should be volunteer, but the reality is that in some areas they pay. My area is one of those and it is still hard to get people, but those game checks go to buy my gear/feed my addiction!!!

Good luck and have fun!!!

[mstaylor]

Depends on how you feel. You could get paid and use it to buy gear or ask the league if they buy you what you want, can you work it off. Many leagues will say X games gets you Y amount of credit. Probably easier to take the money and order what you want. Read the gear reviews to see how to spend your money in the best way. Ump-Attire is a sponser here and good quality gear and great custommer service. Honig's is decent, Gerry Davis I never order from. The best thing they have are pants and I think they are ugly. He has a nice mask but for $15.00 less you can buy it without his name on it, exactly the same mask from U-A.

Remember to buy the best you can afford so you don't buy it again in the next year or two. PM and I can make some suggestions.

[yawetag]

Set yourself apart by looking the part and you will gain respect and credibility as well as feeling more confident.

This. We don't expect you to change the idea of the whole league, just go out and look the part.

[JaxRolo]

Welcome!

Keep the money. Buy uniforms and equipment. Do not use a ballon!

[Phil]

Thanks all for your input!

[bigblue89]

Welcome Phil! First its nice to see new Mass guys on here, im an MBUA umpire on the Worcester Board! Second if they are paying you too be there keep the money and if you feel bad about it put it right back to your craft and buy equipment and uniforms. If your going to stay an umpire and have a desire to move up from LL you might as well use their money to help you do it!

Ask lots of questions, give your input where you can, and enjoy what you do!

[Phil]

Welcome Phil! First its nice to see new Mass guys on here, im an MBUA umpire on the Worcester Board! Second if they are paying you too be there keep the money and if you feel bad about it put it right back to your craft and buy equipment and uniforms. If your going to stay an umpire and have a desire to move up from LL you might as well use their money to help you do it!

Ask lots of questions, give your input where you can, and enjoy what you do!

Thanks, bigblue! I'm hoping to attend the MBUA clinic in Springfield next season so I can get some actual training.

[Umpire in Chief]

Welcome