Sometimes, despite your best efforts as an umpire, things on the baseball field don't go as planned. That is the beauty and frustration of baseball and I think it is what makes the game so special. You can be the most prepared umpire in the world and there will still be things on a baseball field that will make you go, "hmm, never seen that before", or "whoa! What just happened?!" Well, this weekend, my partner, Adam, and I had a lot of those things happen.
This weekend I had a double header over at Lakeland High School in LaGrange County. Its a good place to do baseball games and usually things don't get too crazy. Well, that all change once we stepped on the field Saturday.
Anything that could happen during the course of a baseball game happened during our two games. We had balks, 3 straight hit batsmen, whackers at every base including home, an ejection, controversy, runs taken off the board, more pitching changes than you could shake a stick at, and to top it off, an extra inning game (which I so luckily had the plate for).
Adam and I handled every situation as best we could. We actually only made one mistake, but it was correctible and both sides were settled. There are just days in every umpire's career where the game just decides to challenge you, your mechanics, and your knowledge of the rules. Most of the time we are pretty good at this but there are days when the game beats us. We have to take it all in stride and continue to do our best to improve so we are ready the next time the situation arrives.
My best advice: When things are not going as planned, it is crucial for both umpires to keep their composer and cool. Evaluate each situation as it arises on its own merits and make a ruling on the play according to the information you have for certain and the rules. If you do this, you can hopefully prevent ugly situations where coaches, players, or even fans, would need to be removed from the game.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Let the Games Begin!
Well, it is official! The high school baseball season in Indiana has started! I started my season with a pre season scrimmage at Bethany Christian where they play Elkhart Central. It was good to get out their and get some work in before the real season started. My regular partner and I worked the scrimmage and it was good to work together again. Elkhart Central is looking good with a deep pitching staff and an offense that will definitely win them some games. Bethany is going to be ok but it is tough to say because they are a small school playing against a far bigger school.
As the season gets started, I have some simple reminders for you:
1. Stay patient. Don't rush into a call. Look, process, call.
2. Stay Calm. Things will get crazy. It is baseball after all. Your job is to "stay above the fray" and be professsional.
3. Look Good. Make sure you and your uniform look clean, crisp, and professional.
4. Have Fun. If your not having fun, there is something wrong. Relax and enjoy the fact they are paying you to do this.
Good luck as your season started!
As the season gets started, I have some simple reminders for you:
1. Stay patient. Don't rush into a call. Look, process, call.
2. Stay Calm. Things will get crazy. It is baseball after all. Your job is to "stay above the fray" and be professsional.
3. Look Good. Make sure you and your uniform look clean, crisp, and professional.
4. Have Fun. If your not having fun, there is something wrong. Relax and enjoy the fact they are paying you to do this.
Good luck as your season started!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It's Getting Close... Can You Feel It?
It is the middle of March but the high school baseball season is getting ever so close! The pros and the college players are already well on their way but it is still not quite time for high schools (at least here in Indiana, it snowed here this morning). Last night I busted out my baseball gear and checked it out. Fortunately I did because I found equipment that could use a replacement because of all the games I did the last 3 years. I also like to go through my stuff again and give it another Fabreeze bath before the season to try to fight of those great baseball odors as much as I can.
I've read my rules, attended all of the required meetings (if I want to officiate the tournament here in Indiana), have have filled out all of the required paperwork and all of that fun stuff so now all I have to do is order some new equipment from Honig's and attend the last few Association meetings and I will be ready to go.
Besides getting physically ready for the season, I also work very hard to be mentally, and emotionally prepared going into the season. I am someone that needs to have the right, focused mind set going into any sport I officiate, especially baseball. You have to go into the right mind set (which is different for every person) or you will struggle with rhythm and your season as a whole.
Just good words of thought. Good luck as you start this season!
I've read my rules, attended all of the required meetings (if I want to officiate the tournament here in Indiana), have have filled out all of the required paperwork and all of that fun stuff so now all I have to do is order some new equipment from Honig's and attend the last few Association meetings and I will be ready to go.
Besides getting physically ready for the season, I also work very hard to be mentally, and emotionally prepared going into the season. I am someone that needs to have the right, focused mind set going into any sport I officiate, especially baseball. You have to go into the right mind set (which is different for every person) or you will struggle with rhythm and your season as a whole.
Just good words of thought. Good luck as you start this season!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Reading the Rules!
Whenever I watch sports on t.v. or in real person, I find it comical how many coaches (not all) don't know the rules and more importantly, how the rules are enforced, interpreted, and administered in baseball. That is why it is crucial for every umpire, as a part of their preseason duty, read through all three of the books you get from the NFHS. These three books (Rule Book, Case Book, and Umpire Manual) are the best way to make sure you have the most successful season possible.
I am going into my fourth season as a High School baseball umpire and every year, I pain stakingly go through all three books, highlighting things I need to be sure to remember or new rules or interpretations as I go.
My goal is to be able to handle almost every situation that could happen on a baseball diamond with complete confidence. The best way to do that is know the RULES!
I encourage all umpires to read their rules carefully, no matter what level you work. NFHS rules are fairly standard and many lower level leagues use them as a base, then make amendments to them. If you umpire in leagues like that, be sure you get a copy of the amended rules and carefully study those.
If you are member of an officials association, definitely go to every meeting you can. These association meetings are great because you are with a group of people talking about rules and different situations that you may not think about on your own. If you have questions about rules, these meetings are definitely an ideal place to get those questions answered.
All of the snow has basically been melted off here in Indiana. Spring is getting closer... I'm getting exciting...
I am going into my fourth season as a High School baseball umpire and every year, I pain stakingly go through all three books, highlighting things I need to be sure to remember or new rules or interpretations as I go.
My goal is to be able to handle almost every situation that could happen on a baseball diamond with complete confidence. The best way to do that is know the RULES!
I encourage all umpires to read their rules carefully, no matter what level you work. NFHS rules are fairly standard and many lower level leagues use them as a base, then make amendments to them. If you umpire in leagues like that, be sure you get a copy of the amended rules and carefully study those.
If you are member of an officials association, definitely go to every meeting you can. These association meetings are great because you are with a group of people talking about rules and different situations that you may not think about on your own. If you have questions about rules, these meetings are definitely an ideal place to get those questions answered.
All of the snow has basically been melted off here in Indiana. Spring is getting closer... I'm getting exciting...
Thursday, January 15, 2009
When Enough is Enough
It is very cold and snowy here in Northern Indiana. It is currently -2 degrees farenheit and dropping. It is a great time for hot chocolate and a book, not so much for calling balls and strikes. The other day, I was going to my favorite coffee shop here in Elkhart for my usual hot chocolate and bagel (toasted with butter). There I ran into a woman sitting at a table with calendars spread out on it. She is the parent of a child that is participating in our church's Upward Basketball program this winter. I went over and we bagan to talk about Upward and other things. We got on the topic of the calendars on her desk. "My son is on more than one basketball team and my daughter is active in soccer and basketball" she stated, "I'm just trying to keep all of the games and teams organized."
That got us into a conversation about young athletes "burning out" on a sport even before they reach high school. It is unbelievable to me how many children who are "superstar" athletes when they are 10, 11, 12 years old, just disappear when they reach high school. This is an issue all over this country and Indiana is definitely not immune to it. There is the school season, an AAU season that is going on at the same time and goes even longer, local YMCA leagues, local schools putting together their own developmental leagues, and countless more, and each one of those leagues are targeting the same kids.
It is no suprise and quite frankly tragic to see it happen and quite frankly, baseball and softball are the two worse offenders of "burning out" kids.
This mother told me that her daughter played 80 softball games this summer. 80! In the 7th grade! What good is that doing for the young athlete trying to learn the game? The mother went on to say the daughter told them at the end of the season that she was on doing this next summer. "I didn't have a summer" was what the girl told them. Can you blame her? I asked a varsity softball coach one evening if playing 80 games at a young age did the players any good. His answer: no. In my opinion, playing that many games, encourages and develops bad habits, especially on the baseball/softball diamond.
There are many reason the IHSAA and other state organizations limit the number of games. One of those reasons is to allow kids to be kids and not play 80 games in a 3 month span.
When is enough, enough for children and teenagers these days? Some parents get wrapped up in getting a college scholarship (to a division 1 school of course) that they forget to take into account the well being of the child. They push kids to play 60, 70, 80 games in a couple months span. It is just unhealthy.
As an official, I set an unofficial limit of 70 games in a spring/summer for myself. After officiating that many games, I am mentally, physically, and emotionally spent. I have no more desire to work baseball games that summer. Fortunately, about this time every year, I get the energy and urge to get back on the diamond. Now think about how tired the athletes (kids mind you) have to feel after playing 70 + games. Using more energy, and traveling much farther than I ever have to do during the season.
I hope and pray that children, teens, parents, and coaches can work together to prevent "burn outs" rather than accelerate the burn out.
That got us into a conversation about young athletes "burning out" on a sport even before they reach high school. It is unbelievable to me how many children who are "superstar" athletes when they are 10, 11, 12 years old, just disappear when they reach high school. This is an issue all over this country and Indiana is definitely not immune to it. There is the school season, an AAU season that is going on at the same time and goes even longer, local YMCA leagues, local schools putting together their own developmental leagues, and countless more, and each one of those leagues are targeting the same kids.
It is no suprise and quite frankly tragic to see it happen and quite frankly, baseball and softball are the two worse offenders of "burning out" kids.
This mother told me that her daughter played 80 softball games this summer. 80! In the 7th grade! What good is that doing for the young athlete trying to learn the game? The mother went on to say the daughter told them at the end of the season that she was on doing this next summer. "I didn't have a summer" was what the girl told them. Can you blame her? I asked a varsity softball coach one evening if playing 80 games at a young age did the players any good. His answer: no. In my opinion, playing that many games, encourages and develops bad habits, especially on the baseball/softball diamond.
There are many reason the IHSAA and other state organizations limit the number of games. One of those reasons is to allow kids to be kids and not play 80 games in a 3 month span.
When is enough, enough for children and teenagers these days? Some parents get wrapped up in getting a college scholarship (to a division 1 school of course) that they forget to take into account the well being of the child. They push kids to play 60, 70, 80 games in a couple months span. It is just unhealthy.
As an official, I set an unofficial limit of 70 games in a spring/summer for myself. After officiating that many games, I am mentally, physically, and emotionally spent. I have no more desire to work baseball games that summer. Fortunately, about this time every year, I get the energy and urge to get back on the diamond. Now think about how tired the athletes (kids mind you) have to feel after playing 70 + games. Using more energy, and traveling much farther than I ever have to do during the season.
I hope and pray that children, teens, parents, and coaches can work together to prevent "burn outs" rather than accelerate the burn out.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
News Travels Fast
I was officiating a basketball game last week (this IS Indiana, we have nothing better to do here in the winter other than go to basketball games), and I worked with a gentleman who also officiates baseball in the spring/summer. He and I had a good game but most of pregame and postgame we spent talking about baseball.
He would tell baseball stories and I would tell stories. We then started talking about different people we officiated with. We talked about an officials that we enjoyed working with and even discovered that we both worked with a gentlemen from Anderson. Inevitably we talked about a fellow man in blue that had some serious issues keeping his mouth shut and keeping a "professional" attitude on the field. He had all the skills to be a good baseball official, except for his great ability to "burn bridges." This gentlemen has, for all intents and purposes, quit umpiring because he has burnt so many relationships with other umpires and Athletic Directors.
I learned that he sent a fairly nasty email to a local athletic director about some situation, and that athletic director showed it to another athletic directors who in turn will not hire him this season.
I am writing this as a cautionary tale to all umpires out there. Not only to umpires talk to each other about other umpires, coaches, and AD's, coaches and AD's talk to each other about umpires. It not only will effect your ability to get in to the local state tournament, but if you get a bad enough rap amongst athletic directors, you may be forced out of officiating.
Just be professional, firm but polite on the field, and respectfull to athletic directors (and everyone else for that matter) and you should not have any problems finding work.
He would tell baseball stories and I would tell stories. We then started talking about different people we officiated with. We talked about an officials that we enjoyed working with and even discovered that we both worked with a gentlemen from Anderson. Inevitably we talked about a fellow man in blue that had some serious issues keeping his mouth shut and keeping a "professional" attitude on the field. He had all the skills to be a good baseball official, except for his great ability to "burn bridges." This gentlemen has, for all intents and purposes, quit umpiring because he has burnt so many relationships with other umpires and Athletic Directors.
I learned that he sent a fairly nasty email to a local athletic director about some situation, and that athletic director showed it to another athletic directors who in turn will not hire him this season.
I am writing this as a cautionary tale to all umpires out there. Not only to umpires talk to each other about other umpires, coaches, and AD's, coaches and AD's talk to each other about umpires. It not only will effect your ability to get in to the local state tournament, but if you get a bad enough rap amongst athletic directors, you may be forced out of officiating.
Just be professional, firm but polite on the field, and respectfull to athletic directors (and everyone else for that matter) and you should not have any problems finding work.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Reigniting the Fire
About two weeks ago I recieved a Honigs Catalog in the mail, I watched Hot Stove news on ESPN, and my dad and I talked about getting tickets for the Tigers/Cubs series in Detroit this coming summer. All of this baseball talk got me excited about the upcoming baseball season. As far as my season is concerned, its not as full as I want it yet but it will get there.
The best part about all of this baseball talk is that reignited my fire and passion for umpiring baseball. I am not going to lie, a tournament I did in July last summer really burned me out and I almost quit officiating baseball a full moth earlier than normal. I did not even do any fall ball, and I had plenty of opportunities to work games this fall.
I love the game and I love umpiring. People think I am nuts but that is ok. Those that umpire know the feeling. We don't do it for the pay (even though that is a HUGE plus) or the fame (we DON'T want you to even realize we are there). We do it because we love to do it and it brings us great joy to be out in the sun (or whatever weather is out there) involved in a great game.
Now that I'm thinking baseball, you will probably be hearing more from me. Things are super crazy at work but there are times I can sneak away and write.
The best part about all of this baseball talk is that reignited my fire and passion for umpiring baseball. I am not going to lie, a tournament I did in July last summer really burned me out and I almost quit officiating baseball a full moth earlier than normal. I did not even do any fall ball, and I had plenty of opportunities to work games this fall.
I love the game and I love umpiring. People think I am nuts but that is ok. Those that umpire know the feeling. We don't do it for the pay (even though that is a HUGE plus) or the fame (we DON'T want you to even realize we are there). We do it because we love to do it and it brings us great joy to be out in the sun (or whatever weather is out there) involved in a great game.
Now that I'm thinking baseball, you will probably be hearing more from me. Things are super crazy at work but there are times I can sneak away and write.
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