What is an Umpire?
An umpire is like a judge: We examine a body of facts—the evidence—and reach a decision. The difference is, umpires can’t “sleep on it.” We must render a decision in about a second (as opposed to a split-second). Clearly, instinct is more important than intellectualizing.
Baseball instinct is something we’re born with to one degree or another. Still, we can refine those instincts, our feeling for the “inner game.” Start by studying the Men in Blue. Analyze and, when appropriate, imitate. Unfortunately, most people notice umpires only when we get in trouble. Kids grow up watching the game from the viewpoint of a fan or player. They may develop the instincts of a great shortstop but rarely those of a great umpire.
