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Vocalizing Pitch Location
Where Was That?
Announcing Pitch Location Has Proponents, Detractors
By Jon Bible
Last season, I was watching an MLB game and the plate umpire — I forget who it was — was giving the location on pitches he balled. Now, as most everyone knows, plate umpires are often put on microphones so the public can hear what's being said. He was saying, "Ball inside," "Ball up," etc. The reason it caught my attention was that is what I always had done but I know a lot of people oppose the concept and the only major league umpire I ever remember doing it was the late Lee Weyer.
There is one school of thought that says if we verbally announce the location of a ball, we're inviting challenges. For me to say, "Ball, low" — or, in my case, "No, it's down" — is, in other words, calculated to draw from the defensive dugout a, "What do you mean, low? That was right there!" or some such blather. And I do see the merit of that argument.
But I always figured that I can deal with retorts like that one just as I can any other kind of challenge on a pitch call — by putting my hand up, as if to say, "I heard you; no more," and, if need be, going to the next step and issuing a ball-strike warning (as allowed by NCAA rules). To me, in other words, there was never really any downside to making a verbal announcement, and I always thought there was an upside.
On the pitches that are up and down, when the dugout has a pretty good idea of whether the height of the pitch is good, your announcement at least lets them know what you thought. They may not agree with the fact that you said the pitch was low, but at least there is no need for them to yell, "Where was it?" And on the pitches that are in and out, when the dugout has no clue if the pitch is over the plate except by trying to read the catcher's motion and how he frames the pitch, I think that many, many times in my career I staved off challenges by saying, "No, it's inside," or, "That's outside."
They may have thought, "That looked good," but when they heard me they said, "Oh, OK." I never did it on the real obvious misses, just the close ones. Sometimes I reinforced my call by looking outside with my head and eyes on pitches off the outside corner and toward the inside on the inside pitches. All part of the selling process, in my book.
To look at the other side of the coin, I've witnessed many instances in which an umpire did not announce the location and someone said, "Where was it?" The umpire then gave some subtle indication by motioning or pointing down, up, in, etc., only to have the questioner say, "No way." Then the only realistic response from the umpire is, "If you're not going to believe me, why ask?" My point is that either way, whether you announce the pitch location or not, there may be some comeback, so neither method is foolproof. That being the case, I'll stay with the method that I think helps me more than it hurts.
I've always thought there are a lot of areas in officiating in which there is no necessarily right or wrong approach, just differences of opinion about how things should be done. My good friend Randy Christal, for example, has taken every single play at first base in foul territory for the 38 years that I've worked with him — in two-man crews up to six — just like the longtime AL umpire Bill Haller did for more than 20 years. Not textbook, to be sure, but I don't remember the last time I saw Christal miss one.
Same thing here.
Some umpires like, "Ball," "Strike," and that's it. Others, like me, like to announce the location. As I noted, I never thought it hurt me in any way, and I thought that many times it helped keep people off my back.
Jon Bible, Austin, Texas, is a veteran umpire who has worked six NCAA Division I College World Series.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2012 Referee Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
For reprint permission, please contact editor@referee.com.
Announcing Pitch Location Has Proponents, Detractors
By Jon Bible
Last season, I was watching an MLB game and the plate umpire — I forget who it was — was giving the location on pitches he balled. Now, as most everyone knows, plate umpires are often put on microphones so the public can hear what's being said. He was saying, "Ball inside," "Ball up," etc. The reason it caught my attention was that is what I always had done but I know a lot of people oppose the concept and the only major league umpire I ever remember doing it was the late Lee Weyer.
There is one school of thought that says if we verbally announce the location of a ball, we're inviting challenges. For me to say, "Ball, low" — or, in my case, "No, it's down" — is, in other words, calculated to draw from the defensive dugout a, "What do you mean, low? That was right there!" or some such blather. And I do see the merit of that argument.
But I always figured that I can deal with retorts like that one just as I can any other kind of challenge on a pitch call — by putting my hand up, as if to say, "I heard you; no more," and, if need be, going to the next step and issuing a ball-strike warning (as allowed by NCAA rules). To me, in other words, there was never really any downside to making a verbal announcement, and I always thought there was an upside.
On the pitches that are up and down, when the dugout has a pretty good idea of whether the height of the pitch is good, your announcement at least lets them know what you thought. They may not agree with the fact that you said the pitch was low, but at least there is no need for them to yell, "Where was it?" And on the pitches that are in and out, when the dugout has no clue if the pitch is over the plate except by trying to read the catcher's motion and how he frames the pitch, I think that many, many times in my career I staved off challenges by saying, "No, it's inside," or, "That's outside."
They may have thought, "That looked good," but when they heard me they said, "Oh, OK." I never did it on the real obvious misses, just the close ones. Sometimes I reinforced my call by looking outside with my head and eyes on pitches off the outside corner and toward the inside on the inside pitches. All part of the selling process, in my book.
To look at the other side of the coin, I've witnessed many instances in which an umpire did not announce the location and someone said, "Where was it?" The umpire then gave some subtle indication by motioning or pointing down, up, in, etc., only to have the questioner say, "No way." Then the only realistic response from the umpire is, "If you're not going to believe me, why ask?" My point is that either way, whether you announce the pitch location or not, there may be some comeback, so neither method is foolproof. That being the case, I'll stay with the method that I think helps me more than it hurts.
I've always thought there are a lot of areas in officiating in which there is no necessarily right or wrong approach, just differences of opinion about how things should be done. My good friend Randy Christal, for example, has taken every single play at first base in foul territory for the 38 years that I've worked with him — in two-man crews up to six — just like the longtime AL umpire Bill Haller did for more than 20 years. Not textbook, to be sure, but I don't remember the last time I saw Christal miss one.
Same thing here.
Some umpires like, "Ball," "Strike," and that's it. Others, like me, like to announce the location. As I noted, I never thought it hurt me in any way, and I thought that many times it helped keep people off my back.
Jon Bible, Austin, Texas, is a veteran umpire who has worked six NCAA Division I College World Series.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2012 Referee Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
For reprint permission, please contact editor@referee.com.
Dr. Sacco's Anger Management
Anger Management
Released on MyReferee: March 2011
Copyright© Referee Enterprises, Inc.
By Dr. Peter Sacco
Zero to 60 in less than a second! Unsportsmanlike conduct! Dead red! Unnecessary roughness! You’re probably familiar with those terms when it comes to seeing them used within the context of sports. Did you know those terms might also best describe the way you use your own anger?
Anger comes in many varieties. Anger is a healthy and normal emotion. When and how you use your anger determines whether or not it is problematic. In my book What’s Your Anger Type? I offer up a selfadministered test to determine what type of anger you might possess as well as what your triggers for that particular anger might be. There are 12 types of anger mentioned for which most people possess a couple to several. Three types of anger, which are often seen on playing fields and courts, that officials may possess are compressive anger, conflictual anger and moralistic anger.
What’s Your Anger Type?
Everyone possesses anger. Anger is inevitable in almost any situation. Identifying your anger type is half the battle in avoiding future confrontation and possible officiating disasters. Do you possess any of the following types of anger?
Compressive anger. Compressive anger is the “zero to 60 in less than a second” type. As the name implies, it’s anger sitting on a keg of dynamite holding a match, waiting to ignite itself. It is the type of anger that often causes its owner to get in trouble. If you possess that type of anger, you own a very sensitive trigger capable of setting you off. Often the individuals possessing that type of anger don’t know what their triggers are.
Furthermore, if they are aware of them, they don’t know how to shut them down. Unfortunately, those who get to know you also get to know your triggers, thus learning which buttons to push to set you off. In a roundabout way, they learn how to control you through your own anger because you don’t know how to turn your triggers off, or haven’t identified them.
Have you ever been in trouble because your anger got the better of you? Have you ever found yourself yelling at athletes, coaches and fans? Do you find the aforementioned individuals goad and taunt you? Do you feel out of control and hot-headed when you get mad? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of those questions, you might have compressive anger.
Conflictual anger. Conflictual anger is rooted in conflict. It is an argumentative type of anger. The owner of that type of anger thrives on arguments, conflict and confrontation. At the surface of the conscious mind exists the need for disagreement and discord. When you possess that anger, you are always on the lookout for a partner or situation in which you can flex your muscles. Individuals possessing that type of anger need controversy and mayhem in their lives because it gives them a sense of mastery over others as well as themselves. Deep down they may consciously or unconsciously feel inadequate or insignificant, and arguing with others offers them a perceived state of control over self and others. The need to be heard, feel right and powerful is at the root of their internal conflict. That was learned as a child watching parents arguing.
Do you get satisfaction from putting players and coaches in their places? Do you feel like a dictator, or has anyone ever referred to you as one while going about your officiating? Bottom line: Do you seek out arguments? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you may possess conflictual anger.
Moralistic anger. Moralistic anger in some ways resembles conflictual anger minus the “intended” arguments and disagreements. Moralistic anger is created from the perception of doing what’s right even though it might not be right. Furthermore, the use of anger becomes justified based on one’s moral principles. Have you ever heard the expression, “two wrongs don’t make a right”? If you have moralistic anger, all bets are off with that proverb. For some, that anger turns the person into a vigilante. They start to believe they have the right to dish out justice — extreme justice! Often the sentence is more intense than the crime. Individuals possessing that type of anger go looking for “wrong” and “unfairness” to bring justice and create a sense of self-righteousness for themselves. The only thing missing from that individual’s wardrobe is a red cape!
Do you go out of your way to dish out penalties? Do you believe you are the law of the land and it’s your duty to referee your match like a sheriff running a town? Do you ever believe you are bigger than the players, coaches and game itself? If you can answer “yes” to any of those questions, then you might have moralistic anger.
Anger Management 101
The key thing to always remember about anger is “control.” You are always in control at all times. And how you control your thoughts determines what kind of control you have over emotions, namely anger. Anger is not hard to control once you identify it. Here are some ways to control your anger.
The big adios. It’s never a good thing to get caught up in a heated discussion with players and coaches. Let them say their piece and be heard. To prevent yourself from losing it, it is always best to walk away. The less said the better.
Reminders. When others try to get on your last nerve, remember what you are there to do: facilitate! You are not there to argue and win battles. You are there to maintain order and call a good game. Whenever you feel you might lose it, ground yourself in a frame of reference. Look at your whistle or a card with a mantra. Don’t allow yourself to become a part of the problem.
Perspective taking. As unnerving as it may appear, put yourself in the shoes of the coach or player who is venting. Remember they are emotional beings like yourself and possess anger. If they don’t cross the line, try to understand why they are angry. Let them know you are listening.
Stay in the present. Many coaches and players like to vent emotions over previous perceived wrongdoings. When they sound off on you, the worst thing you can do is allow them to rehash the past and get caught up in the tangled web. Keep things focused on what is going on now.
Dr. Peter Andrew Sacco, Niagra Falls, Ontario, is the author of the new book What’s Your Anger Type? He is a regular resident expert on television talk shows.
Copyright© Referee Enterprises, Inc.
This article is copyrighted by Referee Enterprises, Inc. (REI), and may not be republished in whole or in part online, in print or in any capacity without expressed written permission from REI. It is available online via REI’s archive and/or its MyReferee web portal as an educational tool for individuals. Visit us at www.referee.com.
Copyright © 2006 Referee Magazine. All rights reserved.
Released on MyReferee: March 2011
Copyright© Referee Enterprises, Inc.
By Dr. Peter Sacco
Zero to 60 in less than a second! Unsportsmanlike conduct! Dead red! Unnecessary roughness! You’re probably familiar with those terms when it comes to seeing them used within the context of sports. Did you know those terms might also best describe the way you use your own anger?
Anger comes in many varieties. Anger is a healthy and normal emotion. When and how you use your anger determines whether or not it is problematic. In my book What’s Your Anger Type? I offer up a selfadministered test to determine what type of anger you might possess as well as what your triggers for that particular anger might be. There are 12 types of anger mentioned for which most people possess a couple to several. Three types of anger, which are often seen on playing fields and courts, that officials may possess are compressive anger, conflictual anger and moralistic anger.
What’s Your Anger Type?
Everyone possesses anger. Anger is inevitable in almost any situation. Identifying your anger type is half the battle in avoiding future confrontation and possible officiating disasters. Do you possess any of the following types of anger?
Compressive anger. Compressive anger is the “zero to 60 in less than a second” type. As the name implies, it’s anger sitting on a keg of dynamite holding a match, waiting to ignite itself. It is the type of anger that often causes its owner to get in trouble. If you possess that type of anger, you own a very sensitive trigger capable of setting you off. Often the individuals possessing that type of anger don’t know what their triggers are.
Furthermore, if they are aware of them, they don’t know how to shut them down. Unfortunately, those who get to know you also get to know your triggers, thus learning which buttons to push to set you off. In a roundabout way, they learn how to control you through your own anger because you don’t know how to turn your triggers off, or haven’t identified them.
Have you ever been in trouble because your anger got the better of you? Have you ever found yourself yelling at athletes, coaches and fans? Do you find the aforementioned individuals goad and taunt you? Do you feel out of control and hot-headed when you get mad? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of those questions, you might have compressive anger.
Conflictual anger. Conflictual anger is rooted in conflict. It is an argumentative type of anger. The owner of that type of anger thrives on arguments, conflict and confrontation. At the surface of the conscious mind exists the need for disagreement and discord. When you possess that anger, you are always on the lookout for a partner or situation in which you can flex your muscles. Individuals possessing that type of anger need controversy and mayhem in their lives because it gives them a sense of mastery over others as well as themselves. Deep down they may consciously or unconsciously feel inadequate or insignificant, and arguing with others offers them a perceived state of control over self and others. The need to be heard, feel right and powerful is at the root of their internal conflict. That was learned as a child watching parents arguing.
Do you get satisfaction from putting players and coaches in their places? Do you feel like a dictator, or has anyone ever referred to you as one while going about your officiating? Bottom line: Do you seek out arguments? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you may possess conflictual anger.
Moralistic anger. Moralistic anger in some ways resembles conflictual anger minus the “intended” arguments and disagreements. Moralistic anger is created from the perception of doing what’s right even though it might not be right. Furthermore, the use of anger becomes justified based on one’s moral principles. Have you ever heard the expression, “two wrongs don’t make a right”? If you have moralistic anger, all bets are off with that proverb. For some, that anger turns the person into a vigilante. They start to believe they have the right to dish out justice — extreme justice! Often the sentence is more intense than the crime. Individuals possessing that type of anger go looking for “wrong” and “unfairness” to bring justice and create a sense of self-righteousness for themselves. The only thing missing from that individual’s wardrobe is a red cape!
Do you go out of your way to dish out penalties? Do you believe you are the law of the land and it’s your duty to referee your match like a sheriff running a town? Do you ever believe you are bigger than the players, coaches and game itself? If you can answer “yes” to any of those questions, then you might have moralistic anger.
Anger Management 101
The key thing to always remember about anger is “control.” You are always in control at all times. And how you control your thoughts determines what kind of control you have over emotions, namely anger. Anger is not hard to control once you identify it. Here are some ways to control your anger.
The big adios. It’s never a good thing to get caught up in a heated discussion with players and coaches. Let them say their piece and be heard. To prevent yourself from losing it, it is always best to walk away. The less said the better.
Reminders. When others try to get on your last nerve, remember what you are there to do: facilitate! You are not there to argue and win battles. You are there to maintain order and call a good game. Whenever you feel you might lose it, ground yourself in a frame of reference. Look at your whistle or a card with a mantra. Don’t allow yourself to become a part of the problem.
Perspective taking. As unnerving as it may appear, put yourself in the shoes of the coach or player who is venting. Remember they are emotional beings like yourself and possess anger. If they don’t cross the line, try to understand why they are angry. Let them know you are listening.
Stay in the present. Many coaches and players like to vent emotions over previous perceived wrongdoings. When they sound off on you, the worst thing you can do is allow them to rehash the past and get caught up in the tangled web. Keep things focused on what is going on now.
Dr. Peter Andrew Sacco, Niagra Falls, Ontario, is the author of the new book What’s Your Anger Type? He is a regular resident expert on television talk shows.
Copyright© Referee Enterprises, Inc.
This article is copyrighted by Referee Enterprises, Inc. (REI), and may not be republished in whole or in part online, in print or in any capacity without expressed written permission from REI. It is available online via REI’s archive and/or its MyReferee web portal as an educational tool for individuals. Visit us at www.referee.com.
Copyright © 2006 Referee Magazine. All rights reserved.
