The thread on terrible umpires got me thinking and I tightened up my strike zone in my last 2 Varsity and a low level 12U recreational game.
No only did it make my job a lot easier but I noticed no real difference in the pace of the games.
(Then again in all three games both teams were very aggressive and were looking to hit the ball as opposed to walk.)
Best of all there has been no moaning and groaning from the coaches--and no, "How could that be a strike" comments.
Yesterday I had the plate at a Varsity game which turned into a 31-3 slaughter.
The losing team made a play at the plate in which the catcher played it as a force play and did not tag her until the runner--who did not slide--lightly contacted her after she had already scored.
I was confused and looked around to if somehow I had missed the force situation but, after seeing it had been 1rst and 2nd, I called her safe.
The defense coach started chirping about a bad call but I just ignored him.
The game soon merciied and he came out, shook my hand and said good job, but I knew a but was coming.
Sure enough he said that the play was so close ( actually it was not) that I should have called the runner out just to end the agony of the losing team.
I thanked him for his insight--and did not mention that my partner had called a girl out at 3rd in that same last inning who was safe by 2 feet--and walked off the field.
You guys are right--just call the game and let the chips fall where they may.
No only did it make my job a lot easier but I noticed no real difference in the pace of the games.
(Then again in all three games both teams were very aggressive and were looking to hit the ball as opposed to walk.)
Best of all there has been no moaning and groaning from the coaches--and no, "How could that be a strike" comments.
Yesterday I had the plate at a Varsity game which turned into a 31-3 slaughter.
The losing team made a play at the plate in which the catcher played it as a force play and did not tag her until the runner--who did not slide--lightly contacted her after she had already scored.
I was confused and looked around to if somehow I had missed the force situation but, after seeing it had been 1rst and 2nd, I called her safe.
The defense coach started chirping about a bad call but I just ignored him.
The game soon merciied and he came out, shook my hand and said good job, but I knew a but was coming.
Sure enough he said that the play was so close ( actually it was not) that I should have called the runner out just to end the agony of the losing team.
I thanked him for his insight--and did not mention that my partner had called a girl out at 3rd in that same last inning who was safe by 2 feet--and walked off the field.
You guys are right--just call the game and let the chips fall where they may.
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