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Online now: 3 members: Giantsfever, TABLE SETTER 11, txnighttrain; 55 anonymousDiscussion: Little League World Series
| Posted | Discussion |
| Aug. 24, 2016 Dbax Men's 65 2100 posts | Little League World Series We love watching these games. My question is.....Are the umpires instructed to expand the strike zone, or are they just incredibly bad at balls and strikes? |
| Aug. 25, 2016 AJC Men's 60 218 posts | I enjoy watching the games as well Dbax. Agreed on the calls, the strike zone seems huge at times. What gets me more is the strike zone in the majors. How is it some umpires have a low strike zone and some give the high strike while others expand the strike zone on the corners. My question is if these guys are the best at their profession, why don't they call balls and strikes as it is written in the rule book ? |
| Aug. 25, 2016 bkb555 301 posts | when I coached little league 10 yrs ago, the strike zone was 1 fist on each side of the plate....this prevented tons of walks and encouraged kids to swing the bat....BUT after seeing some of the calls the last 2 days it seemed like 6 inches |
| Aug. 25, 2016 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | It's too bad the coaches can't appeal balls and strikes. |
| Aug. 25, 2016 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | Things may have changed since my kids played, but then the LL World Series umpires worked for free and solely for the honor of being allowed to do so. Thus lending support to the truth of the old adage: You get what you pay for. |
| Aug. 25, 2016 gott2play Men's 60 212 posts | This is what you get, LoL. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tfqq48OEDdo Tony Baltazar Demolition - 60 Major Plus So Cal 55 - 55 Major |
| Aug. 25, 2016 southernson 280 posts | Well guys, let's call it was it is....most of the home plate umpiring has been terrible and inconsistent. Who I feel bad for is the coaches and kids who have put in hours of practice and preparation, only to have a kid strike out on a ball 4-6 inches out of the zone, routinely. These umps are better than that, they have been directed to call it that way and especially for the kids, it's very frustrating. I'd be telling my players hey, we are getting inconsistency by the home plate umpire who obviously can't find the strike zone. Don't be picky, aggressively hit the first good pitch you see. It's probably the worst umpiring behind the plate I ever recall... |
| Aug. 25, 2016 doubleplay2 Men's 55 22 posts | These kids as 12 and 13 year olds have so much talent, it is fun to watch. That game last night between NY and Kentucky was great. The sad part is the umpiring as previously stated, you just keep waiting for the bad call that is going to stop a rally. I can't remember when there were so many overturned calls after the review was used. Do the umpires ever get together after a game and review how the game was called, if not then they should. My thought, NY is going to be hard to beat. |
| Aug. 25, 2016 DaveDowell Men's 70 4312 posts | Especially if they happen to have another of those awesome 15-year old pitchers like Danny Almonte |
| Aug. 25, 2016 DieselDan Men's 75 600 posts | The umpires at the LLWS are volunteers. As for the strike zone, go here. http://www.littleleagueumpiring101.com/home-plate-umpiring/strike-zone/ As for the Major League strike zone. Rule 2.00: The Strike Zone The STRIKE ZONE is that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the hollow beneath the kneecap. The Strike Zone shall be determined from the batter's stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball. The problem for me is I feel the plate umpire calls the catchers glove, not when the ball crosses "over home plate". The plate umpire is supposed to picture the batters strike zone at the plate, especially when many batters are deep in the box. That puts the catcher probably 5-6' behind the plate. So a pitcher might have a pitch go through the batters strike zone but caught by the catcher 6" off the plate or a few inches off the ground. I believe the low point is moving up to the knees next year (?). |
| Aug. 25, 2016 doubleplay2 Men's 55 22 posts | They do Dave (maybe not 15), their second best pitcher throwing 74 to 75 (for strikes) will go on Saturday and if they win they will have their best pitcher rested for Sunday. They could play Kentucky again on Saturday. I don't have a problem with the strike zone most of the time, its only when the catcher lunges for an outside pitch and the umpire calls it a strike. |
| Aug. 25, 2016 garyheifner 649 posts | I don't know who is worse. Is it the Little League umps or the Women's NCAA softball championship umps? Don't know how the players can remain calm. Often seems like if the catcher catches the pitch it is a strike. Pathetic!!! |
| Aug. 25, 2016 Dbax Men's 65 2100 posts | Tony, that's exactly what I'm talking about. Sometimes it's in the box the batter is in. Just because you are a volunteer doesn't mean you have to be inept. |
| Aug. 25, 2016 crusher Men's 75 524 posts | 1st. I agree balls and strikes could be better. 2nd. The Umps only get to go to the LLWC one time in their life and they pay all their own expenses and I am sure do their very best. They get invited based on how they were rated all year long. 3rd. I doubt there are few available that could do a perfect job in the universe. Especially people that knock them down. AND MOST OF ALL. The Ball Players do not SAY A WORD about a good or bad call. That is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. Incredible great young men. JMO, James |
| Aug. 25, 2016 Player 86 posts | Crusher, I concur completely. Since I'm, intently I might add, following one of the players on Kentucky's team (so you can imagine where my allegiances lie), I believe all those involved are doing their best to make it a memorable and rewarding event. Many, many volunteers and sponsors put tremendous effort into giving most of these young players a once in a lifetime experience. To be playing in the final eight is exciting enough. But, to win, WOW! It would be tremendous to have perfection in every aspect of the game, but then, we know that won't happen. We've all been there. So, relax and enjoy the athleticism and sportsmanship these young gentlemen are exhibiting. |
| Aug. 25, 2016 Wayne 37 Men's 65 773 posts | The umpires at the LLWS are volunteers in the league they work in. They do pay their own travel expenses to Williamsport. Everything else is free as to meals, lodging, transportation, and uniforms. At some levels, it is expected that the plate umpire expand the strike zone. Usually a full ball to either side of the plate. I umpired high school enough to know if that umpire has any real experience. I've seen some that look like they've done it often enough or attended an umpiring clinic out there. Umpiring is one of the oldest good ole boy clubs around. Most qualified umpires don't work Little League or any youth league period. The parents and coaches are nightmares. I've worked select ball tournaments for the smaller kids. I've had send to Coach Dad to the parking lot on a couple occasions, but the tournament director let them come back when they should have been suspended for the next game. That's when I took off the mask and left myself. If they can't play without a coach, try playing without the umpire. |
| Aug. 26, 2016 Benji4 Men's 55 289 posts | My son and my nephew were on the Chandler, Arizona team in 2001 that played at the LLWS. That team was essentially my travel team and was coached by my brother who was on the Pittsburgh Pirates DL that year and my travel team assistant coach. The umpiring then was bad too. I get that the umpires are volunteers but most of them are caught up in the hype of television or some want their 15 mins. of fame and think the game is all about them. Coaches and players don't complain because they are threatened by Little League management because of little league reputation and television. My complaint is if you suck at umpiring then why volunteer? I suck at snow skiing so I don't ski. If you are going to umpire at the LLWS at least be good at it. The games are pretty important. When a catcher catches a ball in the opposite batters box it's not a strike.... So I will agree with Dave LLWS gets what they pay for....... |
| Aug. 26, 2016 doubleplay2 Men's 55 22 posts | In my opinion the LLWS is about the kids and what they have accomplished to get there. I don't know what the umpiring is like before they get to this point but to watch these games and see the stunned look on the kids faces when an outside pitch is called a strike and they go back to the dugout upset or crying because they feel they let there team down is cruel. |
| Aug. 26, 2016 joel 1975 131 posts | should move it to California that would fix everything!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Aug. 26, 2016 DieselDan Men's 75 600 posts | I imagine over the decades of the LLWS, just about every state has had LL umpires take part. Probably not a year that the umpiring hasn't had questionable calls at the plate and bases. |
| Aug. 26, 2016 bkb555 301 posts | the link above to the ump punching out the kid on a pitch that was easily a FOOT outside was ridiculous.....at least sold the call.....except to the batter.....we are so used to calls on TV where strike boxes are used and play in games where a ball hits a mat or it doesn't, so when I watch these umps banging out a kid on a 8 inch inside pitch,, it is disappointing.....I doubt these guys are volunteers totally too.....our league used to pay kids 10-15 bucks to get abused by coaches and especially parents.....at this level, Little League should find the best and use them.....good luck to NY, just an hour down the road from me |
| Aug. 26, 2016 bkb555 301 posts | maybe it is the angle the ump uses...why don't they sit right behind the catcher and see both sides of the plate...seems pretty simple.....watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGWXx4_auuM |
| Aug. 26, 2016 bkb555 301 posts | there seems to be a pattern here....the side of the plate that the ump is opposite is the side where the ball is 6 inches inside or outside ....do we see a pattern here??? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlIoliH8NRM |
| Aug. 27, 2016 Wayne 37 Men's 65 773 posts | bkb555, the plate umpire works in what is call the "slot". That is the area between the batter and catcher. You can't see anything right behind the catcher. They have to pay kids, because sensible coaches and parents don't exist when it comes to their babies. Don't knock it until you've tried it.......umpire associations are always looking for good umpires. |
| Aug. 27, 2016 DoubleL10 Men's 70 907 posts | So, if South Korea beats Panama they will each have one loss and be 1 and 1 against each other. When would the "if" game be played or do they skip that for some reason? |
| Aug. 27, 2016 DoubleL10 Men's 70 907 posts | I see they actually do not play an "if" game. I prefer the way we do it in slow pitch much better. We have a true champion since all other teams have (at least) 2 losses. |
| Aug. 27, 2016 Dbax Men's 65 2100 posts | Rick Seifman must be running it! |
| Aug. 27, 2016 bkb555 301 posts | wayne....the "slot" misses a lot of the opposite side pitches thus leading to bad/missed calls on balls and strikes.....if that is how they are taught then there are going to be many upset hitters and coaches |
| Aug. 27, 2016 bkb555 301 posts | today's US Final was umpired very very well.....I think they had a conference amongst the umps about the strike zone |
| Aug. 27, 2016 DieselDan Men's 75 600 posts | This late in the LLWS, they probably are using the best umpires they evaluated during the series. Yes, the plate ump had a very fair and consistent strike zone. |
| Aug. 28, 2016 Panther Men's 70 32 posts | Congratulations to players, coaches, & parents of Maine-Endwell. You guys had a very talented team. We were rooting for you. |
| Aug. 28, 2016 Dbax Men's 65 2100 posts | Congrats! It was a great game! |
| Aug. 29, 2016 southernson 280 posts | Excellent umpiring, especially with the overturned calls. Congrats USA! |
| Aug. 29, 2016 bkb555 301 posts | way to go NY and USA......great job |
| Aug. 29, 2016 Wayne 37 Men's 65 773 posts | Dear bkb55, I have worked several high-level playoff games in the state of Texas behind the plate. Sometimes you do have to look over the catcher if he takes that slot away..........but standing up almost straight over the catchers as those umpires did, it is understandable why they missed so many pitches. You have to get down low and stick your nose in there so to speak. You keep your head still and track the balls with your eyes. If I was working those games, I would have had to get down on one knee to have an effective strike zone. Another thing I noticed was they all used the same lame girls' softball mechanic to signify a strike. I'm sure they were instructed to do this. Let them use a little variety back there for Pete's sake. |
| Aug. 29, 2016 DieselDan Men's 75 600 posts | Calling Ron Luciano. |
