Post by Ed Schultz on Mar 1, 2006 12:17:38 GMT -5
I like what Durwood Merrill had to say abouth the strike zone. "In the first inning or two expand your zone a bit (a ball width) to get the batters thinking about swinging."
This really works and keeps the game moving.
I always recommend the following to my umpires:
1) line up in the slot (with your nose lined up over the inside edge of the plate) so you can also see the outside edge of the plate clearly.
2) when you squat, let your eyes establish the top of your zone
3) stay down on the pitch all the way in (do not come up early)
4) IT IS A STRIKE until it's not. (think strike first)
If they follow this advice calling a ball or strike is made much easier.
Any pitch that is to the left of the center of their body is a ball
Any pitch that causes the catchers glove to raise into eye level is a ball
Any pitch below the knee is a ball
The hardest pitch to call is the outside pitch. This pitch is where the real "judgement" comes into play. But hopefully if lined up in the slot they will be able to get a good clear view of that outside edge.
I think it goes without saying that the defense argues every pitch is a strike and the offense argues every pitch is a ball.
Call the pitch as you see it. And remember no one is perfect we are human. In a normal game the plate umpire will see around 300 pitches, if he misses one or two or even three that is still 99% to the good. Also, no make up calls. If you miss one, you missed it. Don't be afraid to call that pitch a strike the next time.