| Umpire Resources |
|
|
Darkness Presents
Possible Issues
One of the beauties of baseball is that there is
no clock. To win the game, a team not only has to outscore its opponent, but
also record the required number of outs on defense - most of the
time.
Consider the following situation: It is dusk as you prepare for
the top of the last inning. The home team is ahead 7-2, and there is only about
15 minutes of daylight left.
Remember, if the visitors tie or go ahead
in the top of the inning, and there is not enough light to complete the bottom
half of the inning, then the score reverts to the last whole inning and the
home team wins anyway.
As the UIC, ask yourself the following two
questions: First, what does the visiting team have to do to win or tie the
game? They have to score at least 5 runs and then record 3 outs against the
home team for those 5 runs to count. Second, is there enough time for the
visitors to accomplish that?
Even if five batters hit 5 home runs, the
home team must also make 3 outs. The teams must change sides, the pitcher
warm-up and then the home team make three quick outs. All of this will surely
take more than 15 minutes.
If you don't think all this can happen in the
fleeting minutes remaining, then you had better re-think starting the next
inning, and call the game immediately.
Looking the part can really help
you get through some situations on the field, even if you don't feel all that
confident. Looking the part can also help you to gain some of that confidence
and make you a better umpire. A sloppy looking umpire does not instill
confidence in players, coaches or fans. The umpire who shows up to the game in
a Hawaiian shirt and shorts has hurt himself before he ever makes his first
call. Become "concerned" about your appearance. We have a saying in umpire
circles; "Looking like an umpire will get you 2 or 3 innings of trouble-free
game. The rest of the game you are on your own." Have fun and keep
smiling.
|
|
