umpirelance
09-29-2008, 06:52 PM
Good afternoon fellow umpires. This is Lance Cokalinski, your umpire's umpire. Well, it is hard to believe that another season is over. As usual I worked over 400 games and had my share of "the big game." I'd like to share some information that I gathered throughout my season in hopes that it may help improve your umpiring.
1. I am real. Appearently there are a few of you out there who feel I do not exist. In fact, I do.
2. Positioning in 2 man. When I work the bases in 2 man (with R1) I like to position myself in what I call A-/B+. I square my schoulders to the third base dugout. This position in located in front of the second baseman, on the grass. This allows me to step, jump, step toward first base for the quick tag on the pickoff.
3. When working in C position and a R3 who is tagging, I like to yell "CATCH!" to alert my partner so he can tell if R3 left early.
4. Plate work. I like to take charge from the beginning and let me know that I am there to work and I mean business. I try (99%) of the time to call the first pitch a strike. This will set the tone of the game.
5. Plate meeting. Do not be afraid to inform the coaches about your "big game" the other night. In fact, I sometimes lie. For example, I may say something like this... "Hello coaches. Who did you guys play last night? I had the big game over at West high. I saw several scouts there. My partner was nervous so I worked the plate. That Jones kid must have been throwing 95mph. I wasn't giving him the corners either." This way you automatically impress the coaches.
6. Pre game. I like to call my partner at work the day before to see what time he is getting to the game. I like to get there 30 minutes before him to introduce myself to the coaches.
7. Fans. I like to keep the game moving but also have some fun. I try to talk to most fans between innings if they are behind the back stop. I ask if anyone has any questions that they would like answered. This way the fans leave me alone and they may have a conversation like this... "Hey Bob, my kid's team won last night. We had a really good umpire. I think his name was Lance." Bob, "Oh yes, Lance Cokalinski, one of the best."
8. Getting the big game. I am not sure where you all live but where I am from we have tons of umpires. It is hard for AD's and assignors to remember everyone. Therefore, I reccomend calling the AD or assignor at their work and their home. Send them out a resume every other week until you get the game YOU want!
Well, those are some inside pointers that I have developed over the years. I hope this helps. Good luck and see you next February or at the Cokalnski Combine.
Lance Cokalinski, #13
FACCAB Umpire of the year
1978,79,80,82,83,83,84,85,87,89,91,91,92,93,94,96, 98,99, 00,01
03,04,05,07,08
1. I am real. Appearently there are a few of you out there who feel I do not exist. In fact, I do.
2. Positioning in 2 man. When I work the bases in 2 man (with R1) I like to position myself in what I call A-/B+. I square my schoulders to the third base dugout. This position in located in front of the second baseman, on the grass. This allows me to step, jump, step toward first base for the quick tag on the pickoff.
3. When working in C position and a R3 who is tagging, I like to yell "CATCH!" to alert my partner so he can tell if R3 left early.
4. Plate work. I like to take charge from the beginning and let me know that I am there to work and I mean business. I try (99%) of the time to call the first pitch a strike. This will set the tone of the game.
5. Plate meeting. Do not be afraid to inform the coaches about your "big game" the other night. In fact, I sometimes lie. For example, I may say something like this... "Hello coaches. Who did you guys play last night? I had the big game over at West high. I saw several scouts there. My partner was nervous so I worked the plate. That Jones kid must have been throwing 95mph. I wasn't giving him the corners either." This way you automatically impress the coaches.
6. Pre game. I like to call my partner at work the day before to see what time he is getting to the game. I like to get there 30 minutes before him to introduce myself to the coaches.
7. Fans. I like to keep the game moving but also have some fun. I try to talk to most fans between innings if they are behind the back stop. I ask if anyone has any questions that they would like answered. This way the fans leave me alone and they may have a conversation like this... "Hey Bob, my kid's team won last night. We had a really good umpire. I think his name was Lance." Bob, "Oh yes, Lance Cokalinski, one of the best."
8. Getting the big game. I am not sure where you all live but where I am from we have tons of umpires. It is hard for AD's and assignors to remember everyone. Therefore, I reccomend calling the AD or assignor at their work and their home. Send them out a resume every other week until you get the game YOU want!
Well, those are some inside pointers that I have developed over the years. I hope this helps. Good luck and see you next February or at the Cokalnski Combine.
Lance Cokalinski, #13
FACCAB Umpire of the year
1978,79,80,82,83,83,84,85,87,89,91,91,92,93,94,96, 98,99, 00,01
03,04,05,07,08