Here is a question to ask yourself….When was the last time you spoke with one of our
umpires about mechanics, technique, rules knowledge, etc.? I am sure you are saying,
“All the time!” Really think about it, what 3-5 people can you name in our organization
that you speak to on a regular basis, and can lean on you for honest critiques and
knowledge? Our membership has a wealth of knowledge with a number of lifetime members
that pride themselves on being a member of our association.
Think of what encouraged or possessed you to become involved with umpiring baseball and soft-
ball. Think of the influences you had helping you along the way! Now when we look at our member-
ship and we start to see newer members ask yourself if you have reached out and tried to take them
under your wing. When was the last time you checked in with a newer or younger member to ask
how there experience has been or what challenges they are facing on the field? Let’s admit it…..WE
CAN ALL DO BETTER!!
New years always present new challenges…..Let’s challenge our membership and veterans to reach
out to newer and younger members and be someone they can relay on and utilize as a resource.
Newer and younger members don’t hesitate to ask questions or make mistakes. Ask veteran um-
pires about their experiences and the path they have taken in umpiring. We must all remember
that when walk on that field we are truly the THIRD TEAM! While we strive to do our best and
handle the situations that come our way, we will be noticed and critiqued. The more we can work
together to help everyone succeed the better our association looks as a whole, and the more confi-
dent we are walking onto the field with any partner we are assigned to.
To the veteran umpires in our association, we commend you and appreciate your work you have
done and continue to do. Pride yourselves in knowing the most current rules and mechanics. Each
year there are new rules and new mechanics that are released. The mindset of this is easy and
“nothing changes” is the furthest from the truth. There is nothing more gratifying in the world than
giving back to an association that you has given so much to you.
New and younger members, pride yourselves on reading the rulebook. This can never be stressed
enough. Get into the rule book in the offseason and continue to read the rule book during the sea-
son. Anyone can call safes/outs, fair/fouls, and balls/strikes. You will elevate your umpiring
knowledge by properly applying the rules in all situations. Will you make mistakes?…of course you
will! Learn from them, and when you have questions reach out to a fellow member and discuss.
Nothing is more important than a post-game chat with your partner. While it is essential to have a
good pre-game with your partner over responsibilities on the field the post-game is where the most
education and feedback occurs. Too many times we rush after a game to get into our vehicle. There
is always something that happens in every game that needs to be discussed. Take the 10-20
minutes post game to discuss and don’t be afraid to pullout that rule book! This past year we
learned that this game can end out of nowhere, and we have no clue of when we will be able to be
back on the field. This year let’s make it a priority, as a membership, to mentor and develop rela-
tionships with our partners. Let’s educate each other as we ALL have improvements to make and
lessons to learn. Take the time post-game to discuss plays, rules, and enforcements. Just think at
the end of 2021 how far we will have come and the stronger or relationships will be by taking these
suggestions seriously.
