Coaches: While they're not the only barometer for measuring our success as officials, the ability to understand what coaches want from us is a stepping stone in making the ascent from mere rule book reader to field leader. So exactly what qualities do coaches seek in umpires?
Hey, a long-time Little League Baseball coach, who also umpires, brings a unique outlook to the game. Known for his own proficiency with the rules, Hey also observes the importance of hard work and appearance in creating a well-balanced umpire.
"It's not really the difficult calls that get a new umpire in trouble," Hey continues.
Dan concedes that many of the more arcane rules of the game could be argued for hours anyway and suggests that coaches shouldn't worry a lot about those interpretations, especially at the Little League level.
"It's the basic calls that trip some officials up and reveal the level of rules knowledge someone possesses."
For Hey, there are several pitfalls a new umpire must avoid.
"Don't come to the game without a thorough understanding of what is a fair and foul ball," he determines. "If you're working the plate, establish a good position on a ball that goes down the line," the coach suggests, "and never make a verbal call on a fair ball."
On the bases, Hey believes two keys to leaving a good impression are to hustle and follow the flight of the ball.
"If an umpire misses one call, I figure that's part of the game," Dan admits. "When they come in bursts of three or four, that's when you lose control of the game."
Every coach wants the plate man to be consistent with the strike zone; Coach Hey makes his definition of consistency clear.
"Watch how the pitch sets up the batter and call wide corners," he indicates. "When the 'pitcher's pitch' is delivered, be prepared to see it as a strike."
