Love to see an animated umpires especially on strike 3. We don't see that anymore. I remember as a kid we'd see that more often back then. Umpires are human and will make mistakes like the rest of us. Just be fair and error on both sides but try keeping those mistakes to a minimum please.
Unless all the kids think it's funny it's obnoxious and age inappropriate. I don't attend sporting events to have the umpire perform in the center ring. I go to see players perform. That said I enjoyed Emmett Ashford and Red Cashion because they were unique. If all game officials put on a show it would become a clown show.
Good umpires are quickly forgotten literally. If I don't know what he looks like, or sounds like up close, that means he calls a good game. I hate umpires that try to show off for the crowd during play and in between innings.
"Good game umpires...see ya tomorrow!" Thats the most I want to talk to them. I think the good ones want to go unnoticed as well.
This is a great thread with many good insights from everyone. Here is my take; I think that an umpire is defined by their professionalism, demeanor, consistency of strike zone and game management capabilities. To compromise any of those attributes at any time would be a disservice to the game and to the integrity of the umpire. With that said, good and effective game management is what separates the really good umpires from the ones that are working hard to become really good.
BE PROFESSIONAL PERIOD
TRUE STORY: Tommy Lasorda pitching in Cuba during the Winter Season. He is giving the non-verbal body language to the Cuban umpire. The umpire open his jacket and show a '45' pistol.
Tommy now understands and accepts the umpires decision. "this is my enforcer".
Bob
Obviously my link is over the top. But I do like a bit of flare from an umpire.
Consultant posted:TRUE STORY: Tommy Lasorda pitching in Cuba during the Winter Season. He is giving the non-verbal body language to the Cuban umpire. The umpire open his jacket and show a '45' pistol.
Tommy now understands and accepts the umpires decision. "this is my enforcer".
Bob
Soooo politically incorrect now but this reminded me of a line from a Woody Allen movie in the 1970's but never thought I'd see it as an umpiring philosophy.
Bogart: I never saw a dame yet that didn't understand a good slap in the mouth or a slug from a .45.
JWC1022 posted:This is a great thread with many good insights from everyone. Here is my take; I think that an umpire is defined by their professionalism, demeanor, consistency of strike zone and game management capabilities. To compromise any of those attributes at any time would be a disservice to the game and to the integrity of the umpire. With that said, good and effective game management is what separates the really good umpires from the ones that are working hard to become really good.
As a parent in the stands I am looking for three things:
1. Consistency of the strike zone, it may not be what I would call a strike but as long as they are consistent then I am happy.
2. Either yell or motion what the heck was just called. No, you don't have to do a dance for the crowd but when all of us are saying "was that a ball or a strike"...it gets aggravating.
3. Be quick about it. I really dislike waiting what seems a century to hear if that was strike three or did my kid just walk. I understand you have to replay in your head everything you just saw but speed in doing that would be helpful.
I understand your points. However, #3 "Be quick about it" is the Cardinal sin for every umpire. Good timing in a critical component of having a consistent strike zone and good judgement on calls in the field.
JWC1022 posted:I understand your points. However, #3 "Be quick about it" is the Cardinal sin for every umpire. Good timing in a critical component of having a consistent strike zone and good judgement on calls in the field.
Quick is a relative term for sure. I've seen the pitcher get the ball back and then a strike was called. I've seen a batter cross the plate, toss his bat at the dugout, and be 1/3 of the way to first before he heard it was strike two not ball four. And these were 12u games....not exactly fast paced.
luv baseball posted:Consultant posted:TRUE STORY: Tommy Lasorda pitching in Cuba during the Winter Season. He is giving the non-verbal body language to the Cuban umpire. The umpire open his jacket and show a '45' pistol.
Tommy now understands and accepts the umpires decision. "this is my enforcer".
Bob
Soooo politically incorrect now but this reminded me of a line from a Woody Allen movie in the 1970's but never thought I'd see it as an umpiring philosophy.
Bogart: I never saw a dame yet that didn't understand a good slap in the mouth or a slug from a .45.
I was watching an old Tonight Show from 1982 on Antenna TV. A young Robins Williams was the guest. He would have never said the thing in this era he said then.
Carson: You're from SF?
Williams: Yes, it's where God Save The Queen has an entirely different meaning. It's where drag racing is two guys running down the street in frilly clothes.