- Nov 29, 2009
- 2,973
- 83
What I wonder is why they want to call so many balls? With time limits at tournaments the tournament directors obviously want to keep the games moving. Squeezing the strike zone simply prolongs the game, and keeps the blue out on the hot field longer. Makes no sense to me whatsoever.
You got that wrong. Most umpires are at the tournament for the day for 5 or 6 games. So if your game goes the time limit, which most do, it makes no difference to him/her if you play 3 or 7 innings. The time is still the same for them.
Given that thought what needs to be in place is a training for umpires to learn how to call balls and strikes. You would think it's an easy thing to do. It's not for some umps. I have seen umps who have no business being being the plate while others seem to be flawless. It's the flawless guys who seem to have the "easier" games.
What I believe umpires need is to be tested using pitch tracking like MLB does. I believe they need to be evaluated on a bi-annual basis. I'm sure a lot of the so called "good" umps will have their eyes opened so-to-speak with regards to actual and precise feedback. It seems to me that too many of them are guessing out there. I'm sorry, an evaluator can not see from the side just how well a ump is calling the strike zone.
It may cost a little bit, but I'd gladly pay more for an umpire who has been evaluated.
Just my little rant as a pitcher's dad and pitching coach.