There is an oft quoted line with respect to talent that goes something like this:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't...teach."
Naturally, I am not willing to concede this point, for a number of reasons including the fact that my mother is a teacher, that many of my friends from high school have proceeded to higher education to become teachers and the fact that it was my grade seven geography teacher that inspired me to head down the path that has led to my current vocation.
Nonetheless, it is worth mentioning that the reason that I began umpiring at the age of twelve was the fact that I couldn't play baseball (in any form) as well as my peers on the playground. As such, the only way to be a part of the game was to call the balls and strikes, the safes and the outs.
All the same, I carry with me not a single regret. For the past eleven years I have been umpiring for the Fenwick Softball Association and other associations and tournaments as called upon. I don't think that I'd trade a second of it. How else can you be involved in every second of a game as good as baseball, and better yet, be paid to do it?
Of course there are some elements that are less pretty - irate coaches, domineering parents and whining players to name a few. But this is par for the course in any sport. Furthermore, I have developed a number of practices, tips and advice for not only survival, but also success officiating out on the diamond.
Under the Gun: Advice for the Ump
In the past eleven years, here is the information that I have gleaned that you might find of use:
The basis for these points is fairly straight forward. The same as for any job, as in umpiring, the better you look - the better that you will be thought of. Ask yourself: "If a photographer took a picture of me calling a play right now for the newspaper, would I be embarrassed?" It's a pretty good rule of thumb that if you wear the official clothing for your league that you will be given the benefit of the doubt as soon as you step on the field and introduce yourself.
Secondly, strange things tend to happen in baseball for reasons that can't be explained. My advice is to know what should be done if the pitcher drops the ball in the middle of the wind-up, if a baserunner kicks a ball while advancing to the next base, if the third strike is dropped, etc.
Thirdly, remember that whatever you decide on a close play, some people will be happy, some will be upset. Tough. Deal with it. If you were in the right position and saw the play clearly, then chances are you are the only one in the stadium who could have possibly gotten the call right. If that doesn't cheer you up, then remember - yours is the only opinion that counts!
As an aside, you would not believe the number of compliments that I have received over the years for constantly hustling and being personable. Naturally, you should not be running when a tag/throw is about to happen, nor should you be so personable as to appear biased, but again remember, it is only a game. It's supposed to be fun. On the field or off the field, if you look excited, happy and motivated to be there, you (and your calls) will be well thought of.
This leads me to my next point. Communicate with your partner. Decide before the game ever starts who will take third on a hit to the outfield, who will call the caught/trapped balls, who will call the illegal pitches. Communicate between innings to encourage each other (about the last call, about your hustle, etc.) Finally, talk after the game, decide what can be improved on for next game for each of you. You can even have a little fun with your communication - a friend of mine used to hum showtunes while the pitcher was warming up. We called it Croonin' with da Umpies. Whatever it takes to keep your heads in the game.
Finally, remember (and this has been a time-honoured tradition) no one person, player, coach or umpire is bigger than the game. Show don't show up a player or coach if you can possibly avoid it. Nothing grates on a player like swinging at a pitch and having the umpire yell a loud and emphatic "strike" call. It's like adding insult to injury. Ditto for issuing a warning to a coach the first time he or she opens her mouth to question anything. In the case of the swinging strike, just raise your right hand. With coaches, hear exactly what they have said, do not respond unless it absolutely, positively justifies a response. As with "umpire interference" on a thrown ball or a hit ball (after it has passed an infielder) you are exactly like a lump of dirt on the field. Act like said lump of dirt if they call out from the benches and you'll be better off. Most people just want a means to vent their frustrations.
Congratulations, you're it!
Good Luck!
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