Making the Call

American League umpire Bill Kinnamon and one of the first instructors professional Umpire Development System put it simply:

"The most important thing in calling plays on the bases is angle, not distance. If you are thirty feet away with the right angle, you will get the play; if you are ten feet away with the improper angle, you will miss it. .... Sometimes you must move away from the ball to get the proper angle. That's why mechanics, position is so very important." (Gerlach, 1994, pp.253-254)

Based on Kinnamon's examples and experience, arranged in priority, here are the ingredients needed to make each call while minimizing errors:

1. Angle is of primary importance. At all times strive to attain a 90 degree angle to the play that is happening. Always move to arrive at the best possible viewing angle.
2. Distance is always secondary. 10 to 15 feet from every play would be perfect but often you can be too close to see the entire play. Beginning umpires often move directly towards the base where the play is about to take place. In doing so the limit both their angle and their distance, and increase their chances of error.
3. Timing must be consistent in a game. Proper timing is not an artificial creation. Proper timing is the result of umpiring the entire play, and making the signal only after you have ascertained the play has truly ended. That simple throw over to first is not an out until you have seen two things: 1. The foot of the runner arriving after the ball, and 2. The ball held firmly and securely in the glove. Now signal your decision as quickly as possible. If you umpire the complete play, you will never rush your calls.
4. Selling the call is a part of umpiring that brings the crowd on to your side. The woo'ers can't say you missed the tag if you signalled the tag was high after you gave the safe sign. They know you are claiming the fielder did not have possession when you are juggling with your hands after the safe call. That little bit of confidence and showmanship can go a long way towards you taking charge of the diamond.
5. But not too much. The umpire is not the game's color commentator. The umpire is the "arbiter" who must make delicate calls to assure the teams remain equals. A little style and show skills are welcome but excessive displays are often frowned upon. Substance, content and form: the same elements that make up a good essay also make a quality umpire.