What is Timing?

Letting everyone know what you alone know ....

We were discussing plate mechanics when the instructor asked what sounded like a basic question, "What is proper timing?" Around the room many umpires who had attended other clinics, even those who had worked as instructors, offered their definition of effective timing for the plate umpire.

When, however, the question is asked by master umpire instructor Jim Evans you have to be prepared to justify your answer. And that's what we did ... all around the room.

• Wait two seconds then call it
• Say "That's a strike" in your head then call it
• Take two steps back then call it
• Wait the same length of time it took the pitch to come in
• Thud --- pause --- call it silently then call it out loud
• Don't call it till the instructor taps you on the back

etc.   .... etc. ....   etc.

Jim's answer is forever emblazoned in my memory "Timing is proper use of the eyes." and the next sentence he said was, "I want you to call the pitch as fast as you can" ... (and now for the kicker) .... "after you see it."

As I listened to his explanation it occurred to me that so much of what I had been taught (and what I was guilty of passing on through my instruction) were actually crutches designed to compensate for poor plate technique. What many clinics were creating were umpires who looked like they had proper timing, but in effect they were only mimicking the actions of those who truly did. Teaching a technique that propped up poor timing, making it look good, was in actuality giving the umpire a set of phony skills, the baseball umpire equivalent to a singer lip-syncing to a recording in concert.

We talk about those who call pitches before they have even reached the glove (like the called strike three that goes for a home run!). We watch batters get half way to first before the umpire calls a strike, or watch both catcher and batter turn and look at the umpire waiting for an announcement of his decision. We see scoreboards being reset after the "ball" becomes a "strike" several agonizing seconds later. We talk about umpires who have tunnel vision and then provide the umpire with a tool the supports it.

"Timing is proper use of the eyes." The answer is so profoundly simple. If I truly follow the pitch all the way from the pitcher's hand to the catcher's glove can I announce my call quick enough? The approach taught by Jim was direct, honest and the essence of quality officiating. Why should I wait to let everyone know something I alone know?

• "Timing is proper use of the eyes."
• "I want you to call the pitch as fast as you can after you see it."

On the rubber ... get set ... see it ... call it

... in my personal opinion only

The opinions expressed above are solely those of the author and do not reflect the policy, practice, teaching or instruction of any individual, organization, association or group.