Alan Sopczak - Jim Evans Desert Classic Report
Page 2

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Day 2 - 8:00 AM

The day starts out with breakfast in the hotel and then at 8:00 AM we move to the bar. A good early start. However, instead of drinks and bar food we are introduced to the first day of rules.

The night before we had been read the riot act as to what was expected. How we were to dress, proper decorum etc. It was made plain that this was not a laugh and giggle sesson but a chance to learn if you were willing to learn.

This is presented by Dick using the same kind of format as at the WUS. Read the rules, present some examples and move on from there. The usual type of banter started with situations presented by the students which could not actually happen.

Dick was quick to kill this by stating, very loudly to not ask things which everyone knew would never happen. This format was the same every morning and there is not really any need to get into anymore details than that.

Days 2 to 4 were much more organized then Day 5 in the AM. The rest of those days we had rules in the AM and then field session in the afternoon. (See comments on field sessions below).

On a couple of the days they had visiting speakers, one a priest and one a major league umpire. Each day, Dick started out the sessions in the bar with Jim finishing up before lunch.

Field Sessions

The field sessions were conducted at a very nice diamond. Here are some photos. As you can see it is a very nice diamond, good grass, nice edges etc.

(Dennis and I went to look at it on the Monday).

Diamond 1
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Diamond 2
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Diamond 3
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Diamond 4
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Diamond 5
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Diamond 6
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I found being able to practice on a full size diamond made all the difference. The reason being able to get the perspective right, bust out at speed and get to the right position without having to pull up. It was a nice change from gym sessions. It is unfortunate we are unable, in Calgary, due to weather etc have mechanics being practiced on the diamond.

The field session consisted of a rehash of the AM rules session, and in my opinion too much time was spent on the rehash and demonstrations. About 1/3 of the time was doing just that.

It would have been nice to have, in the outfield, the practice of each move in slow motion with the instructors watching to see if we were getting it right. The problem with being thrown out onto the diamond right away was that you were under pressure to get it right each time and maybe your footwork is a little off. With the nice open field it would have given the chance to spread out and go through the motions a few times before being thrown onto the diamond. Establish in your mind the actions then do the actions real time.

When we did hit the field and were split onto other diamonds the sessions, overall, went well with one not being able to get away with being lazy.

One funny incident was when, on the first day of field session, the sprinklers came on just as the demonstrations ended. Needless to say everyone got out of the way quickly.

We then went and used a couple of other diamonds.

A lot of good tips did come out of the field sessions. For example, things like being told to not say too many things and the less you say is better. Of course the Winter umpire school also covers very similar points. One way it was pointed out to and discussion on whether or not a runner tag was to state, "I got him tagging". This does not mean that you saw him tag but that you got him.

Summary

Overall, for anyone wanting to attend one of these sessions I would recommend a couple of things. First, find some way to make yourself stand out which will make the instructors remember you in a positive light, and secondly make sure all the instructors know exactly what you are there for. They do ask you to write it down on the sheet but that is not the same as personally interacting with each instructor so they know who you are.

The Banquet

The banquet was a chance to talk to all the classmates there. It was held at the stadium right next to the diamonds we are practicing on. Very nice place to hold a banquet and the weather cooperated.

Here are some pictures from the banquet and of the diamond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you wish to see all the pictures I took in Tucson click on this link: Tucson Pictures