Umpires-Love them or Hate them

If we ALL know, even though coaches say the don't know, that it is not possible for a 2 man crew to truly actually see each safe/out call due to either the angle or getting blocked or the multiple play action why would 3 man crews not be the norm just like basketball has gone to?

Isn't it more important to get the calls correct instead of worrying about the cost OR is it not really that important in the majority of games?

What specifically do the coaches really want from an umpire?

The last thing I wonder is why do umpires not have to pass a physical test as so many seem to be out of shape?

 

My first response is they don't need 3 umpires. What good are an additional 2 blind eyes. I've always said that if they want to take advantage of me attending a game, I am always there to help them for free.

But seriously, I think the HS umpires, overall, do a tremendous job and I'm not convinced the extra one will help. If you have a good 2 man crew, I'm fine with that. If you have a poor 2 man crew, the extra one won't help.

Stretchy, I think the biggest complaint you will find from most people is the discrepancy of strike zones. The bang, bang play and the other calls, people will always have different opinions.

I believe there should be high standards to become a HS umpire, but in some areas it is hard to find enough of them, much less how good they are. Therein may lie the problem.

 

Simple...to see things their way

 

Good Umpires Must

1. Have a deep love of the game (just like the rest of us).
2. Have tons of integrity
3. Go unnoticed (not be the center of attention, not be part of the show)
4. Have small ears
5. Admit they are not perfect. (Nothing makes a coach madder than a perfect umpire!)
6. Know the rules and apply them as intended.
7. Work hard, get in position and don't agitate or "bait" players/coaches.

 

At the HS level I think that it is a cost factor. In the playoffs and championship games three should be the norm. Instead of physical training rules and strike zones should be required and reviewed time to time. I see so much outside the zone pitches being called strikes. What message are they sending? This is were I have seen most of the worst calls. You are right about the physical. I know that they are not making enough to cover gas money now but they have agreed to do a job so do it.

 

3 blind mice

This is outstanding stuff. Once again TBR comes thru. Thanks.

 

Love for the most part by far

In my years of coaching or watching I'd say that there are probably two things that make me really appreciate the good ones. And most are pretty good.

#1 Consistent resonable Strike zone. Consistent isn't enough if you force the pitcher to hit a 12" square zone , or you force batters to swing at balls 6" or more off the plate.

#2 Don't be afraid to ask for help -

Don't live with selling the call if you're not sure. Don't be hesistant to ask for help in the right circumstances. I really admire the guys that go the extra mile and conceed they may have not seen it correctly and they talk with the other umpire to get the call right.

I agree with Brave that sheer economics make adding a 3rd umpire in high school prohibitive. I think it could help the quality of calls assuming you have 3 good guys, but the costs wouldn't fly in the HS budgets.

 

If we could get these two things. Life would be good. Or as Andy would say, "Outstanding"

 

I'm fine with 2 umpires. My only wish is that they would accept or ask for help when needed or requested. There's nothing wrong with admitting a mistake, or having it confirmed. The objective is to get it right. I really respect guys that don't mind having one of their calls overturned. I respect them even more. I don't expect them to be perfect. I also like an umpire that isn't afraid to tell his crew mate that he saw something different. BTW, I used to umpire at a low level and my son is starting out.

 

The vast majority do a great job.

I have alot of respect for the guys in blue. Most of them love the game and just want to be around it. Every profession has some guys that dont do a great job. We should not judge them all by a few.

#1- A consistent strike zone. If its a strike in the first inning it should be a strike in the 7th inning. Im not a fan of a high strike zone I can live with a low strike zone. But regardless I just want the umpire to establish his strike zone early and be consistent throughout the game with it.

#2- No predetermined calls. I hate the automatic if its around the plate 3-0 strike call. If its a strike its a strike if its not its not.

#3- Hustle to get in posistion. I can live with a call that doesnt go my way even if I think the call is wrong as long as the umpire is working to get in posistion. What I cant live with is an umpire that is going through the motions and doesnt hustle to get into posistion.

#4- Dont try to be the show. The players are the show not the coaches and not the umpires. A great umpire is not even noticed. He works hard stays consistent and is a professional.

#5- Be in the game. Call it foul call it fair. I want to hear if its a ball or strike. I want to hear if he safe or if hes out. Umpires that are into the game , vocal and in charge let you know they are doing something that they enjoy doing. And the ones that enjoy their job and take pride in doing a good job are very respected.

Its easy to see the ones that are going through the motions and just collecting a check. Just like its easy to see the coaches that are doing the same thing. Umpires should be respected and admired for the job that they do.