"Square to the Bag
Hands-on-Knees Set
Good Academy Mechanic"

The Jim Evans' Florida Classic 2000
A Review
by Brent McLaren

Getting There

The past few seasons had seen me grow restless with parts of my umpiring: so many well meaning "Charlies" had tinkered with this or that mechanic, modified this coverage, added this requirement, played with the way we were to perform even the most fundamental strike call. Do not misunderstand, the past few seasons had been some of my most enjoyable, but after a decade on the field I felt the pressing need to get back to the basic understandings and techniques of officiating.

Sooner or later umpires begin to look for something more than the one or two meeting/story sessions that proceeded the start of another season. My son was also emerging as a competent official and there was a pressing need to get him started on the right foot. In the summer of 1998 we started our research and set our sights on the Jim Evans' Desert Classic, held annually in Phoenix, Arizona. We hoped to save up and attend in November of 2000. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down and talk with Jim Evans, American League crew chief, after he had umpired a game in Toronto that summer and our meeting cemented our feelings that this was the right move.

In May of 1999, Ray Leuty, the Executive Director of "The Academy" sent me an email outlining a new camp that was being planned for Florida. A convergence happened: due to concerns over Year 2000 computer problems my job was closed for holidays until January 10th and with the Classic taking place in one of the largest tourist destinations in the world we could tie into discount express air flights. By early June we had confirmed our attendance and began the search for the airline ticket. In August, we attended an onfield workshop with AAA International League umpires Mike Fichter and Tim Timmons. Mike mentioned that he would be at the Florida Classic and at the five week school that follows. More than anything, the quality of the instruction and care which was shown in those few hours convinced us that we had made the right choice.

Jim Evans and The Academy of Professional Umpiring

These week-long "Classic" clinics offer much more than any traditional weekend camps could hope to without being prohibitive in cost or duration. Everyone I spoke to about the Desert Classic had nothing but compliments for the staff and training level, now the start up of a new Classic on the east coast opened another avenue for umpires to attend an exceptional week of training.

The camp brochure stated that "Jim knows WHAT is takes to train umpires and HOW to train them. Jim is one of the most dynamic teachers you will ever encounter ... certainly the leader in umpire education. He doesn't just tell you how, he tells you why, and makes learning fun." And that just about states this participant's experience.

The Instructors

Among the instructors assisting Jim at the Classic were:

• Scott Higgins, AAA, Pacific Coast League
• Mike Fichter, AAA, International League
• Steve Mattingly, AA, Texas League
• Adam Dowdy, AA Eastern League
• Adonis Hill, Carolina League
• John Woods,Northwest League

During the week participants at the Classic would also have a chance to meet and speak with AL umpire Larry Barnett and Dick Nelson, a legendary name in umpire development.

I think I can speak for everyone who attended when I say we were honored to be in their presence and to have them care so much for our success and enjoyment of the camp.

The Florida Training Facility

The grass was green and the weather warm, a far cry from the cold and snow we had just flown out of. We would use make use of two of the diamonds, four of the batting cages with a fifth cage area turned into a mirror and training area.

The facility is kept in near perfect condition with a full grounds crew working all day long tending to the diamonds. The classroom was also tended to with great care, clean and ready for each day's use.

"Don't Be A Three-Legged Chair"

We would watch the sun rise each morning as we ate breakfast at the hotel restaurant. The day got underway in the classroom at 8:00 AM and ended, not at 5:00 PM, but when the work for the day was done. There would be a one hour break each day for lunch, but even that would be filled with the opportunity to talk with the instructors, talk with Jim, or get a little more work done in front of the mirrors.

The format of the day was straightforward: the information discussed during the morning classroom session would be developed during skills/drills sessions throughout the day. This would be followed by on-field applications and then extensions of what we were being taught. Each day had subtle twists worked into it, keeping it interesting. Jim and the instructors provided individual attention for each student: someone was always watching, taking you aside, and helping you with every aspect of your mechanics. Also during the program there were two rap sessions: an opportunity for the instructors to be asked any question and for us to hear honest and often candid answers.

The day would come to an end with a series of drills surrounding basic plate stance and signals as well as the concentration drill. It took focus and dedication to make it through each day. It was said many times that they were looking for umpires who could go the distance not just three or four innings but ten, twelve or whatever it took to bring the whole game in. Every pitch is important to someone in professional baseball, and the umpire is taught to keep it that way.

Back to the hotel, a quick shower, supper and then off to the video room to review the day's cage work, usually with one of the instructors or Jim himself providing more comments about what we should be seeing. Finally a study session with our team, an impromptu rap session with the instructors and other umpires and finally, an early night.

"We'll Ride You Hard, But We Won't Put You Up Wet."

As I review the videos from the nine times we worked in the batting cages I can see the improvement in my stance. The tension in the arms and shoulder is gone, the drop into the stance is solid and smooth, with no bounce. The head movement, so obvious in the first sessions is either gone or very minimal. I am well out in the slot, not tucked in close to the catcher as I used to be. Clearly I was more aware of the location of the ball throughout its entire flight during our last sessions.

The last two times we worked in the cage we were given the freedom to vary from the Academy strike mechanic and take the call to the side, something not permitted at the professional school. Our instructors worked with each umpire to ensure that even though we adjusted our mechanic, we never lost track of where the ball was.

More than this, as a plate umpire, I was now acutely aware of my onfield responsibilities and coverage options. My communication and ability to read the play, the runners and my partner was enhanced considerably. The "happy feet" from the first day were a thing of the past by the end of the week.

Am I better at first base? Tough question ... I am certainly going to be different ... and that difference will be a positive change for myself and my partner. It will take me several months of daily review and diligent practice to put all the items we were shown together. Jim and the instructors were absolutely right when they said there would simply not be enough time to run, train and reinforce all they wished they could teach us about being an effective base umpire. The Florida Classic has affected how I will approach umpiring all the bases. I now understand not just where I am to be positioned, but have a clear idea of why and how I am to be there and the adjustments that I might make along the way. With study, preparation and practice this will happen.

So, I am going to be better, much better, as I work not just first base, but second, third and the entire diamond coverage.

The Classic approached the rules of baseball from the basis of fundamental diamond coverage. Time in the classroom was not spent discussing the theory of "Type A" or "Type B" Obstruction, instead the rule was put into motion on the field and explained in the context of demonstrated plays, on-field mechanics and the variations on the call that could occur. When Jim takes a rule apart, he takes it apart down to the punctuation marks. Participants learn how detailed the rules of baseball can actually be, and their interpretations both at the professional level, college and amateur levels were detailed through the discussions and demonstrations.

I want to add that the Classic was not a place to trade the war stories. The stories we heard had direct relation to the lessons being taught. I also must commend Jim and each of the instructors for their lack of the "colorful language" anyone who has spent a few minutes around a baseball diamond has heard. Everyone at the Florida Classic went out of their way to maintain a positive learning environment which would not offend anyone involved in the program.

My Recommendation

Our class contained everything from beginning umpires arriving for the most essential training possible to umpires with national experience. The class included umpires who work at the youth level, the college level, and even semi-professional baseball. It included an umpire whose native language was not English .... and yet each of us took things from the Classic that will be of value every time we set foot on a diamond for seasons to come.

I came home with over forty pages of notes and numerous diagrams written over the course of the six days. These will ensure I can review the concepts and philosophies taught at the Classic until I have the opportunity to return.

- a Classic five plate rating! (5+/5)

Things you should know

The Classic looked after breakfast and lunch each day. Breakfast was a buffet served in the hotel's restaurant and lunch was served at the Complex. Let me tell you about lunch ... after four hours of significant brain and physical work we were ready to gobble down just about anything ... but these lunches were plentiful, nutritious and filling. There was no skimping or cutting corners anywhere at the Classic, and lunch was no exception.

There were several restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel. If you did not wish to eat at the hotel restaurant at night you had your choice of Chinese, Spanish, or other fast foods just across the street. Some of the Classic attenders had vehicles so there was plenty of opportunity to dash out for a pizza or other refreshment before retiring early!

The Howard-Johnson Kissimmee Hotel was clean and spacious and the hotel staff was courteous and helpful. The weather was warm and despite cool evenings several people actually made use of the pool. There were laundry facilities at the hotel and our room featured several mirrors into which we check our plate and set stance as well as signals many times each night. The television was rarely turned on, and then only to check the Weather Channel.

Suggestions

• an indicator
• a brush
• a quality pair of black "umpiring" running shoes
• grey umpiring pants. If you have two pairs (and a proper width belt) pack them.
• three or four pairs of black athletic socks
• a wind breaker, umpire coat or pull-over dark blue sweatshirt
• a cup protector
• a thick pad of paper, pens and pencils (you might want several colors)
• a rule book
• a VHS videotape with your name on it

• your umpiring mask (Even though the camp had quality equipment available, having your own mask will make a difference for you.)
• two dark blue undershirts (one for the day your camp shirt is in the wash and the other just in case)

• your complete plate equipment
• a baseball glove
• a camera
• a baseball to get autographs on

.... written January 12, 2000