WCWS 07 - The Umpires

[Link006]

This video reminded me of how much I detest softball umpiring mechanics.

[Stevetheump]

Great video of my fellow blues in action. My philosophy: the closer the call, the more emphasis you put on that call, esp in a close game. I started umpiring in 1978 and we used two umpires per game. Now, we use one umpire. Players are more intense and you have to be on your game every game to earn their respect. I can't stand umpires who NEVER move out from behind the catcher when the ball is hit. That is just plain laziness. You degrade yourself and your fellow umpires in the process.

[bagpiper2005]

The '07 umpires were Jerry Bark, Susie Benzel, Lori Bish, Bryan Smith, Paul Edds, and...oh...I forget who else???

Someone help me?!?!?

[Blueforyouenterprise]

John Kurnat - I believe he is between Benzel and Bark on the plate.

[bagpiper2005]

I love Jerry Bark's called 3rd strike (he's the one seen toward the end working the plate).

High energy, high enthusiasm, and one of the best eyes in the game.

[chuckfan1]

You cant be serious on that strike call near the end. Why the overkill? A little style is good, especially softball where its needed, but thats just nuts. Maybe high energy, maybe high enthusiasm, and maybe the best eyes, but doing the macarena there has got to go.

Though I do like the one guy (near the end?) his punchout on a play at the plate. Great form and mechanics, softball or baseball.

[bagpiper2005]

My philosophy: the more energy and enthusiasm you put into the call, the more believable the call is (particularly on those close outside corners).

You complain about the wide corners. Well, that "over generous" outside corner pitch, belt high, is expected to be called...we are EXPECTED and TOLD to call that pitch (if you can hit it, it's a home run ball easily).

[michael15544]

now i know why softball umpires are softball umpires and not baseball umpires

[deesyphrr]

What's up with the swinging 3rd strike mechanic? A little overkill.

[chuckfan1]

Why do softball umpires use the same mechanics? No individual style. Dont overdo it, but this is very robotic. Also, the zones are huge and not consistent. And this is from these games. Pitches down called strikes. Pitches being pulled by the catcher called strikes. Up, way inside, outside called strikes. No consistency. Also whats the deal with those called K3 mechanics. Horrible. The one guy looks like a disco move. Arm up, then throws it down. Softball umps seem to look very stiff and robotic

[bagpiper2005]

Bigger ball makes the strike zone appear much bigger.

What you see being called is a normal softball strike zone. By rule it's the same as a baseball zone, but trust me, no umpire ever calls it like a baseball zone and you'd be crazy to, that ball is moving differently.

Most umpires in softball only use 1 arm on a called K3. Some do pull and punch, but I consider that extremely boring myself, there's no set way to do it in softball.

Softball umpires are generally better trained and.....

[bagpiper2005]

....have better judgment than baseball umpires. Baseball umpires botch far more calls than do softball umpires.

Of course softball is a much faster game than baseball, and you have to be on edge the entire time, vs. baseball where you just stand around and look pretty for all but 5 minutes of the game (unless you're behind the plate).

[chuckfan1]

Better trained? Better judgement? Its all subjective. But baseball is the higher level, thats where the better umpires are. Of course theres great umpires in softball. Softball does move quicker, because the strike zone is inconsistent,pitches are called strikes that should be balls, batters are swinging. And from watching, and seeing replays, the ball could come down by the ankles, and I see strikes being called. Im guessing the amount of botched calls is probably about the same at each level.

[bagpiper2005]

It looks different. The reason the ball looks lower is because of the ball flight. In baseball, the ball sinks down into the strike zone. In softball, it rises into the strike zone. Changes the whole perspective. It's tough to be able to do both.

At least I have the easy job. You baseball umpires work twice as long for the same pay as us softball umpires. See...I'm smart!

[chuckfan1]

Never said you wernt smart. Guess its just a matter of preference. Not disagreeing with you. Just was raised on baseball, so thats what I chose. If I did softball, hopefully I would have another motive besides being the "easy job". And easy? Ummm no. I do HS and college here is So Calif, where the ball is arguably the best in the country. Not easy. And Im sure not for you either. Im sure its the same for both of us..."officials are expected to start the game perfect..and get better from there"

[bagpiper2005]

By the way...the one you commented on looking like a "disco dance" called K3 was Lori Bish...she ain't a guy!

But now you'll probably go on a rant how women have no business umpiring...but that's the typical attitude of the sexist baseball umpire (and most fans actually).

[chuckfan1]

Uhhhh, no I wouldnt say that. Why you so defensive? Woman can umpire just find. They can "botch" calls just like the guys. But unfortunately women will always be percived as weaker in umpiring at the higher levels, minor leagues, etc. Fair? No. Reality? Yes. You seem to assume a lot of things. Guessing the rants someone will go on or all the sexist umpires. And I think even you can admit, with the video going so quick, and the angle of the video, and short hair, hard to tell guy or gal.