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The Heart of Umpiring at the Amateur Level February 2013

UMPIRES, BE PROUD OF YOUR HISTORY! As umpires, we take a lot of abuse. It goes with the uniform. However, being called names and seeing yourself as that is two different matters. There are two perceptions out there: the public perception and the personal perception. We hear from time to time that umpires should strive to change public perception, but just as important is the perception of ourselves that we take on the field. Changing our personal perception and how our community views itself is something within our power, and, in many ways, even more important than the public perception.

Umpires are loyal. An umpire, any umpire, is part of the umpire community. We do not publicly condemn other fellow umpires. Experienced umpires generously share their time and advice with new umpires – often giving tips, books and even equipment to those starting out. We protect and appreciate our own. Umpires want other umpires to succeed and do well.

Umpires are disciplined and masters of self control. Shouldering public disdain, ridicule, and outright hatred is part of the job. It takes a strong person to step on that field, vastly outnumbered, and proceed to do the best job you can. Most of this hatred results from ignorance. Players, coaches, fans…not one of them fully understand what an umpire does. But this does not mean we are secretive. On the contrary, umpires are ready to share their training with non- umpires. Usually non-umpires are not willing to make the large commitment to learn the craft. The public does not see or care to know the sacrifices that the umpire must make to learn and improve his craft.

While the public perception of umpires has always been either malevolent or at best apathetic, umpire history is just as rich and interesting as the players and managers. Since Alexander Cartwright penned the Kickbocker Rules in 1845, umpires have been an integral part of every game. However, most umpires are oblivious to this history.

Think you know your umpire history? Try to name the umpire or umpires at these historic events:

1. The umpires officiating at the famous Merkle’s Boner game of 1908. 2. The home plate umpire for ’ record breaking 20 strike-out game in 1986. 3. The left field umpire responsible for Steve Bartman’s “no interference” call during the 2003 playoffs. 4. The plate umpire during ’s steal of home during the 1955 .

Umpires, be proud of your community and its history! Take some time to learn about umpires at all levels, past and present. Take pride in your appearance and your training. Help your fellow umpires as you strive to improve your craft. While these things may not be known to the public, they are known to you and your fellow umpires. It does matter!

ANSWERS: 1. Hank O’Day, plate and Bob Emslie, bases 2. Vic Voltaggio 3. Mike Everitt 4. Bill Summers

HOW TO CALL A QUALITY GAME This article was written by Jim Bain, former Minor League baseball player, who since retiring has dedicated his life to teaching baseball to youth. For further information from Jim, please visit his website http://www.Learn-Youth-Baseball-Coaching.com

Looking the part of a professional umpire is extremely important, as well as the way you carry yourself, but just being pretty won't get the job done. There are a few basic elements and skills which every umpire should possess no matter the level of play they're umpiring. Let's examine some of these requirements in order to be a good umpire.

Umpires work in crews, the number depending on the level of play and seriousness of the game. A championship game will almost always have more umpires than a normal league or playoff game.

The level of play we'll discuss in this article is at the youth level, which normally operates with a two man umpire team - the plate umpire and the base umpire. It's imperative for the two umpires to be in constant contact with one another in order to know what to expect from each other on any given play.

All a coach can expect is for the umpire to do his best to be in the right spot, at the right time and to make an honest call. This is where communication between umpires becomes imperative, as to who is covering what base and when. Making a close call at third base from 10 feet away, may produce some groans, but miscommunication between umps, which forces a call from 70 feet away, or worse yet, neither knowing what call to make, will bring cries of foul every time.

Possibly a Home Plate umpire's most important task is to establish a strike zone, whatever that may mean to you, and maintain the same strike zone, obviously for both teams, the entire game. A good catcher will have his play around in the strike zone, throwing up, down, in and out until the catcher is convinced he knows what you'll call a strike. He'll then call the entire game based on the strategy of knowing the strike zone. That's one of many good reasons it must not change. A home plate umpire should be easily heard and understood. It is not necessary to call a strike and a ball, as it could be confusing. I strongly suggest only calling strikes. Call them quickly, loudly and accompanied by the "strike" hand signal. Silence indicates a ball.

There should be no complaint from a coach, player or parent if you call the game in this manner. Should a coach request the location of the ball, indicate with a hand signal, hand in front of the face for "high," palms moving up and down for "low," hands swishing to the left or right to indicate inside or outside. There's no rule against verbalizing the location, but hand signals are more professional and not misunderstood.

An umpire must not have "Elephant Ears," which means unless the verbal attacks become personal or vulgar, an umpire cannot act as if he heard them, nor can he allow it to influence his calls.

You must expect the normal oohs and aahs and what not, as that's part of the game and a part of being a spectator. Should a heckler realize he's bothering you, he'll ramp up the heckling and nothing good can come from an umpire and a fan becoming embroiled in an argument.

Should a spectator be crossing the line, in between innings discuss the situation with the coach responsible for the fan, informing him if he can't control the fan you'll be forced to either eject the fan or forfeit the game. I never had an incident go this far, but I've never known of an incident going past this point.

These are a few basic skills an umpire must have.