Major League Baseball has an image it likes to promote and it goes something like this: their Umpires are Wise and Fair Men just trying to get each and every call right, their Players are Hard-Working, Clean-Living Athletes who just love to compete and their Owners are Stewards of the Game doing their best to promote and protect our National Pastime.
"Throwback" is the best baseball book I've read. In fact, I have 2 copies, one for reference and another to (hopefully) get signed one day. It should be mandatory reading before you can call yourself a fan.
Most batters take a pitch when the count is 3-0, but why does it seem like umpires are reluctant to call the following pitch a ball? Point of emphasis from the league office to cut down on walks (pace of play) or to encourage batters to put the ball in play (action)? The umpire is biased towards the underdog (pitcher behind in the count), especially if he has tenure? The umpire is trying to speed up the game (perhaps he is very tired, has a flight to catch or dinner reservations)?
I just found your column a few months ago, through CSotD, and I've especially enjoyed your baseball columns -- so many things I wish I had known before! But today's really caught me by surprise. I have been disappointed that I could no longer watch games on TV (I'm not willing to pay so much extra!), but maybe I don't care anymore if that's really the way the game is played. Umpires really are that thin-skinned? I do have an overly strong sense of fairness, but this seems so totally uncalled-for.
Who would have thought a guy from El Dorado Hills would have become such a gifted authority on the "Game-within the Game". I respect and appreciate your knowledge. Custer
"Throwback" is the best baseball book I've read. In fact, I have 2 copies, one for reference and another to (hopefully) get signed one day. It should be mandatory reading before you can call yourself a fan.
I just ordered a copy from Amazon.
Oh man… GOLD. I actually gasped and laughed out loud.
If I’d known this game was going on within the game, I could’ve had so much more fun!
And who knew umpires were such delicate flowers.
Bumgarner forever.
Maybe Bellino was secretly a Royals fan and just waiting…waiting to stick it to Bumgarner.
Love your "inside baseball" stuff.
Most batters take a pitch when the count is 3-0, but why does it seem like umpires are reluctant to call the following pitch a ball? Point of emphasis from the league office to cut down on walks (pace of play) or to encourage batters to put the ball in play (action)? The umpire is biased towards the underdog (pitcher behind in the count), especially if he has tenure? The umpire is trying to speed up the game (perhaps he is very tired, has a flight to catch or dinner reservations)?
I just found your column a few months ago, through CSotD, and I've especially enjoyed your baseball columns -- so many things I wish I had known before! But today's really caught me by surprise. I have been disappointed that I could no longer watch games on TV (I'm not willing to pay so much extra!), but maybe I don't care anymore if that's really the way the game is played. Umpires really are that thin-skinned? I do have an overly strong sense of fairness, but this seems so totally uncalled-for.
I always enjoy your perspective on baseball. Well done.
Who would have thought a guy from El Dorado Hills would have become such a gifted authority on the "Game-within the Game". I respect and appreciate your knowledge. Custer