Siobhan 5 week Umpire School Report

The Start

It has begun!   99 students in total, from all parts of the world - Australia, Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Japan and of course all parts of the US, and 3 Canadians. There are only two females:

Fiona from Australia and myself, as well as about 25 instructors, plus Sarg and Jim.

Introduction included what to expect, the structure of the day (theory in the morning, drills and practice in the afternoon - unless affected by rain). There was 4 hours of scene setting - the stages of learning - the 7 laws - Professional Principles - basic mechanics etc. They let us know that there will be 14 exams with the first being on Wednesday.

Monday - day one started as will every day.  Wake up about 6, breakfast at 6:30, in the class room no later than 8. Being day one we were all placed in our classroom seats - Alpha order (me - room 3 at the very end), we were then numbered off, this is our student number, which must appear on all paper work (#24). Then came the cage group (E), and then allocated a Group (Red, White and Blue) - I am Red - this will be used for field work (and dinner times).

With all the formalities out of the way it was time to do some real work. Sarg took the stage for a run through of Plate and Base umpire responsibilities with no runners on, including trouble balls, Pause Read React, priorities and much much more. After a quick break, Jim took over and gave an insight into Professional umpiring and what to expect.

After lunch it was off to the field and put all we had learnt into practice, the process was very familiar (I must have been absorbing something at the winter umpire school). At times even feeling very adequate, removal of the mask, how to hold it and my indicator, but at other times reminding myself that this is stuff that Tom, Bryce, Lyle, Mike, etc have told me before - get your head into this. Anyway I didn't do too badly for the day, and of course we finished off with the good old concentration drill...this was my favourite activity of each day.

Week 1 Summary

So what have I learned in week one? Well where do I start, whilst when I came here I understood and knew a lot of the basics, there has been a lot of learning in the foot work, so ensure that you get the most out of your movements around the field and ensuring that you have the right angle on a play. One major difference to Baseball Canada is that with R1 and R3, the starting position is on the 1st base side of the field. 

Other new things I’ve learned include rundowns; run down 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd, where the PU takes one end of the rundown, it is now taught "I’ve got this half" and the PU is responsible for half of the run down not just the end.  One of the good things is the chance to do things over again, to build what they term as muscle memory.

We have done 6 cage sessions this week, these have been very good, with all being taped and comments from the instructors recorded. Areas for me to work on: having head height consistency, squaring up to the pitcher, and staying the proper distance behind the catcher. We are encouraged to practice in our rooms at night. One of the very first things we did this week was removal of our masks without the cap coming off, if this happens now on the field it is frowned upon. "Hand to Mask" not mask to hand as you drop your head.

We have undertaken 3 tests so far, so just 11 to go, but position reports and worksheets are also handed out most days to re-enforce the learning's in the classroom. There is a lot of emphasis on the requirements of professional umpiring - keeping in mind that many of them attending are looking to be selected to go to the PBUC camp in March for jobs in minor league and hopefully beyond. Some of the things that need to be taught for this will never be used in amateur ball, for example dealing with the media, but it is still good to understand how the system works.

There are 68 major league umpires and 250 in the minor league system, considering many of these will have a full career out of this, hence the employee turnover rate is very low, but because it is very competitive, screw up and you are out.

The Typical Day

I think I have done more pivot drills in the past week and half and called more calls and strikes through drills and cage work than I would in a season, but that is just a small portion of the day.

This is a rundown of a typical day in the first couple of weeks at the Academy:

6:00am - Alarm goes off

6:15am - Get up, shower etc

6:30am - Go to breakfast

7:00am - Return from breakfast and get ready for the day

7:30am - Head to the grounds (have hooked up with 4 others to get a ride each day from one of the guys with a car)

8:00am - Class commences - during morning class, we would hand in the position report and any homework. Questions about homework or the test we are about to take are dealt with. We would then undertake the test for that day. Then it is time to go through the plays and positions etc.

10:00am (Approx) - Break time - 10 to 15 minutes

10:15am - get the results of our tests (got to stop second guessing myself - but doing ok)

10:30 or so - Go through the position report from yesterday and get new one for tonight.

10:40 or so - Jim turn to go over the section of the rule book that we are studying - which will be the next test

12:00 noon or so (if Jim has not gone over) - Lunch

1pm - Out on the field, but the routine is:
Instructors go over the positions plays we discussed in the morning session.
It is then RIGHT FIELD - Stretching matrix, Jimmy Wings and Jimmy Jacks. These exercises are followed by calling balls and strikes, then safes and outs.
Then it is off to the fields - 100 of us spread over three fields. During these session we run through situation plays - mostly those that have been discussed in the morning, but we can do free for all too.

3pm or so - Left field to do cone Pivot drill, and then pivot drills on the field.

3:20 or so - break for about 15

3:35 or so - more drills on the fields.
But during the course of the afternoon you can be called to the cages to undertake cage work - have done 2 cages in one day a couple of times.

5pm or so - all on field 2 for position and angle challenge

5:15 or so - RIGHT FIELD - call balls and strikes, then it is time for Concentration drill.

5:30 or so - we are dismissed

6:00 - to 7:30 - dinner. Each group is allocated a time to attend.

After dinner - Position report and any worksheets, plus study for tests.
Then if there is any time left relax and bed.

Cage Work - we are all put in a group of 5 and given a letter - mine E - or now known as Easy Outs. We must leave the field together, get our protective gear on, and enter the cage together. Each umpire will be a batter, a feeder of the balls, a catcher and an umpire in turn. When you are the umpire the drill is (keeping in mind that this is being taped) - Your name, the date, your cage group name, call one more pitch, brush the plate, chest to pitcher, head into place, right side. On the rubber, call play, set - call strike 1, 2 then 3 then time. Call 4 balls and time; repeat this on the left side. Instructor is watching you during this time to ensure all the key points are covered - A to B, Head Height, Voice, Tracking, although we have not started with any judgement of balls and strikes.

Week 2 Summary

Well we have now finished running through all plays for the 2 umpire system. We are also in Section 7 of the book and should be finished that this week. We have also completed 7 of the 14 exams.

This week has included check swing calls, batters and catcher’s interference, oh and lots of pivot drills. But we also started the Angle and Distance competition, a few people have scored a point - but they are the exception.

We also covered awarding of bases, time of pitch, time of the throw, detached equipment - they all run through your head, must ensure we take our time and think before we award.
We were also introduced to Jim wheel, which selects a player to take the class for a particular review of work or the like - No number 54's please!!

Yesterday we were entertained by the instructors and Jim with the act of an ejection - for which we had to write up the report for. Great quote from Jim - "why don't you turn the plate over you might find some directions".

This week will see the introduction of camp games - we were given the rundown of procedure. Basically you are teamed up (two umpire system), fielding side, you umpire real situations, while the red short evaluate. This will now continue for the next 3 weeks.

Halfway Point
Well, finished day 14, near enough to half way! We have now finished all the drill work on the field and commence Camp Games tomorrow. We still have a bit more theory work to cover - section 8 and batting out of order and a couple of other things assume, as we have 6 more tests to go.

Interesting situation this afternoon! We were all dragged of the fields and told to head straight back to the classroom, where an immediate roll call was undertaken. It was clear that a number (about 10 or so) had decided to disappear either at lunch time or afternoon break. Only one person had notified that they were not going to be there. Jim gave is his opinion of this type of behaviour, as well as the dedication and sacrifices that this job requires. But, as I sat back and listened to Jim, I asked myself, what are these people doing, what are they thinking! So many people would give their right arms in Canada for such an opportunity.

Surely they made a concise decisions and a commitment (to someone, and hopefully themselves) to attend this course, some obviously to try and make a career out of what most of us deem as a hobby. It is a tough process to get into this line of work, and just as tough to stay in it. Yes the course is hard work (physically and mentally), but did they come into this with their eyes closed, did their families force them to be there (I doubt it) - it is just 5 weeks and the memories to last a lifetime. Obviously some have no interest in or just will never be capable of making the professional level, but come on they will/should have goals for the amateur ball, don't bail now!. Maybe some people need to think about this quote: Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them. But do not let them master you, for "A champion is someone who gets up, even when he can't."

Now an explanation of Camp Games - There is a roster for the students to be umpires, you are a plate umpire for the top of an inning, then a base umpire for the bottom of the next (2 sets of umpires). Other students are runners and players. There is a table of instructors with their red pens ready to mark-up all the things you do wrong. They debrief you of the good and bad after your turn. These evaluations continue for the next couple of weeks and form a large portion of the overall evaluation and ultimate selection of those that will be chosen to attend the PBUC evaluations. I am sure they will start out with the simple plays and no manager questions and get a hell of a lot harder.

Week 3 Summary

We have covered nearly all the book the book now, with just section 4 remaining. We commenced Camp games on Wednesday and I have done 3 so far, first one not too bad considering we were just the second group up. Thursdays well let just not talk about it....the balk call with no one on base, not scoring a run with just 2 outs!! Just a bad day....Fridays not so bad, maybe it is finally coming together. Cage work has also stepped up a little with judgement calling, and yesterday we commenced mapping our calls to enable us to review them on when we attend the video review room. We have now completed 11 of the 14 tests.

This week also saw the departure of our French student - having to return home for family and work purposes. Alexis was given a good send off, given the privilege of running some of the instructors through concentration drill. It was also very amusing to see Alexis (all of 5ft 2) tossing Lance Barrett (6ft 10) during a camp game.

I also got a chance to toss Lance and it was the best moment that I had at camp I went nose to nose with our lead instructor. He came out arguing a check swing strike. I warned him, "Lance, don't come out here. Don't leave your position." He kept walking and I dumped him. He got right pissed off and got in my face.

He goes "What??? Why are you ejecting me?" I responded "you left your position to argue balls and strikes." He got right in my face yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he said “You don't intimidate me" I yelled back "you don't intimidate me either!" He got right in my face yelling and accused me of making calls for the other team. I kept saying "Lance I wouldn't do that. You've been in this league a loooong time and you should know better" he kept yelling and I wouldn't back down and then he bumped me. I said "that's a bump!"

At this point my base umpire came in to play the rodeo clown. I was kind of disappointed that the ejection was over!  It was awesome! I was awesome! All of the instructors were impressed (and surprised too!) MLB umpire Ted Barrett is helping out this week and he called me over after. He goes that was awesome! Let me tell you what you did right. All of the instructors told me how awesome I was and one of them said "I talked to the lunch ladies, I didn't realize that Lance Barrett was on the menu" I definitely showed them that I can be aggressive when I need to be.

Saturday we also had Laz Diaz - MLB umpire drop in for the day to say hello.

As we all know our American friends are very patriotic, with us studying section 4 - starting and ending a game, we have covered what the requirements whilst the national anthem is being played. We also watched a video about WWII and the sacrifices that were made for the country and the flag.

My focus for the next two weeks will certainly to work on the little things, ensure I get the right angles, bust out of the box so I get that extra step closer, ensure that I read the play and get to the right position, work on the drop step to get to the point of the plate. Sounds a lot, but I am sure that I will be able to iron some of these out with the 5 or so Camp games I will be doing this week. We also have Larry Barnett helping out for a few weeks. 


Michael one of the guys here from Puerto Rico who is in my cage group, and who speaks very little English has been impersonating the instructors. It is so funny...the instructors got wind of it and confronted him during stretching matrix on Saturday - had to be there, but it was funny. They just need to wait until graduation night - he had more up his sleeve.


To finish off a couple of Jimmisms for you!!!
An umpires worst enemy - surprise
Understand - Wokaroo
If you only have a hammer in your toolbox - everything will look like a nail!
Preparation meets Opportunity = Luck
Riiiiiiiiiiiiight field
We’re not looking for good 6 inning umpires
It's always better when you do it right the first time!

Week 4 Summary

Well just one week to go...We have finished all theory aspects, which was topped off with the final test - 200 question and just 2 hours to complete. The results...well I can say that I am happy with my result which was 92.5%. Class average was 86%.
 
So what else happened this week? We had weather from the 80f down to the 30f. It is just weird how the mornings can be so cold and then by mid afternoon it is not so bad. This week we did however have a day of complete rain - which meant no field work. I can tell you it was not fun spending the day in the class room, might have been a little better had this happened early on in the course, but we did manage to get cage work in as this is indoors.

So what did we do....well they conducted interviews with everyone, the purpose to understand the individuals a little more, understand their aspirations, their thoughts on how the school has gone, suggestions on improvements etc...I have to say that mine may have been a little different from the guys going for professional jobs. It was made clear that this was the time to uncover any past run ins with police or the like, as background checks was part of the process to get a pro job. Whilst this was all happening we were also entertained by some MLB footage of umpire bloopers, ejections and close calls etc. But after lunch it we were handed a review sheet - no multi choice this time, 50 questions - was not really sure of the purpose, but I think it would be something that could be referred to as part of the process for selection for PBUC.

But once this review sheet was finished, we were able to leave - early finish - wow it is only 2pm on a Friday. Well considering we were to sit the final test the next day...common sense prevailed and I studied.

Saturday after we had all sat our test, it was time for class photo. We all went over to the Gateway high school across the road and in the stands of the school’s football/running track.

Ted Barrett - current MLB umpire has joined us for a few days, he was even out on the fields as an instructor. He and the instructors setup some plays to really test some of these guys and push their buttons to see how they handle situations. At time I think I get just as much out of sitting on the side watching these plays, as I would if I was on the field, we discuss the play amongst the students and how each of us would handle situations.

We have also been visited by Bruce Webber a New York time journalist, which attended the school, and spent some time with minor and major league umpires to get and insight. He read some extracts out of his new book "As They See 'Em: A Fan's Travels in the Land of Umpires"

 

The Bottom of the Ninth

Well it a case of been there done that! Yes I have finished the 5 week Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring.

The five weeks of hard work was celebrated by all last night at the graduation dinner. Many students brought along family and friends to celebrate their achievements. Special guest for the evening was Joe West (MLB Umpire) and Jim's daughter Lindsay.

The celebrations may have been last night, but the real tension for many was this morning when evaluation were undertaken, and those told that are being given the opportunity to go to Coco Beach for the PBUC evaluation process and the chance at a professional career.  In the end, 25 guys from each school went to PBUC.  There were 9 jobs open and 6 went to Jim Evans students.  Then the next 14 guys got sent to the coastal plains league.  8 of these guys were Jim Evans students. 

For me I was pleased with my evaluation, I did well with theory tests, I built on my field work over the duration of the course - which is what my expectations were before I came here. It was never going to be about getting a job in Professional baseball for me, but to make myself a better umpire and obtain the information I need to be able to assist to promote and train umpires at home.

Thank you very much to CABUA for sponsoring me and for all the support that you guys have given me over the years.  I can only hope to make you proud on the diamond.