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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1978-08-31, Page 43Ingersoll umpires make it go Wanted immediately: persons to umpire softball game in big weekend tournament. Must have good eyesight, know rules of softball thoroughly, ignore irate fans and coaches that insult reffib'3�ait the best of ability but above all stand by the decision regardless of the reaction some people will have to it. him calmly to sit down or he will be out of the game. If the . coach persists much longer he will invariably find himself watching the contest from the bleachers. "We'ULtell him why, we made - ne ellrb rfr6"mirat"f '"r 'fri irr argument is, whether we believe him or not, we will never change our -minds," said Harold. - Position on the field is vital in calling a game. Base umpires follow' the base runner around the bags staying on the side of the man the ball is on. On first base they watch the runner's foot and listen for the sound of the - ball hitting the glove. Whichever is first governs their call. On a close sliding play they never take their eyes off the ball, watching the runner's position when the tag is made. The greatest thrill for Harold is a post game congratulations from the losing team. He says he realizes his 'greatest per- sonal satisfaction when one of the losing players goes up to him and shakes his hand, telling him he did a great umping job. Quite a few of -the players losing in this year's tournament did just that, making Harold and his fellow umps confident they dida good job over the three days. A good umpire is like a good player.. He must prove himself. Candidates for an umpire's card must work several games with'a . enior,.man before they are recommended for duties on their oWn. Depending on their ability they may take up to threc'years getting recognition from a veteran umpire. . The Ingersoll umpires take their job very seriously. They handle about 600 games bet- ween them, working from 50. to GO games each a season. The only thing they are not con- sistent in is their style. Some have a personal flair they have picked up such as calling strikes. Harold drawls The above fictional ad- vertisement may serve to describe the people needed to umpire Goderich's annual three,day fastball tournament. The pedple; applying for the job must be able to handle it or the tournament will enjoy no success despite the quality of teams involved in it. The umpires without a doubt make or break the tourney. The 1975 edition of the three day event was once again, handled by the members of the Ingersoll Umpires Association. The association, 18 umpires strong, handled the chores last year and the --quality of their work inspired the tournament executive to ask them 'back. For the second consecutive year they did an exceptional job. Only about a dozen of the Ingersoll men are required to' handle the weekend games but they split up the task in such a manner that the fans usually don't recognize them from one game to the next. On Saturday eight of, them ap- peared to handle the action at two diamonds,_ six returned for Sunday's games and five for Monday's contests. The Ingersoll umpires throw the same desire into their job that the players do to win a game. As they don the spikes, masks and chest protectors to, go out and do a game, they check and recheck rules, signals and position they will take up, on the field to make the calls. As they step ,out onto the field they shake each other's hands, offering support and advising their counterparts to have a good game. The plate umpire dusts off home plate, raises His handand shouts "play ball". With --that signal he and his base umpires try to wipe their minds clear of everything but baseball and devote their entire concentration powers to of- ficiating. They make every effort possible to stay on top of the play to make the right calls and leave as little as possible to their judgement. "iVe're only human," says veteran umpTlarold Fishleigh,. "We may be wrong on occasion - but we stick by our decision and never let anyone think we know we'•re wrong. If we do•we've lost control of the s game." '.. Control of the gam' is +the most important function of the official according to Harold. After he makes a close call he. will accept the questions of a concerned coach if -they are done in a calm manner. He will explain why he made the call and usually, if he has control and has proved his abi;:ty, the coach will accept the decision. He and the rest of the Ingersoll umps will not tolerate abuse. If a coach runs out onto the field shouting dissatisfaction, Harold will stand face to face with him and tell him why the call was made. If the coach persists he will tell Page 9 his strike calls out for fans and arm down across their chest -to plate man saw the play arid players alike.to hear. i their opposite hip as they -spin made the call himself. "Heeriiiike," he bawls when, away from the play crying . The devotion the Ingersoll a pitch -comes over. "pupppt umpires have towards their job If one misses, a simple "bol" adds a professionalism to an' that sounds more like he is amateur,game that , greatly clearing his throat gets the job • The umpires work it pairs improves. the—..quality of the - - riv,;=, . t� 1 !itehe and=eate ni a s,-- ; ..... . ._ 'she'y�"''"`BY:�'iitC�"tt@�iates�fi�e Some of his base umps have a have signals between each flair that adds a special ex- other so that the base men and citement to the game. On a safe the plate ump are informed on play they bend over until their plays. If a batter attempts to chin is nearly on the ground, bunt and checks his swing the stretching their arms to their plate ump will glance to the sides, palms down crying base man for a signal to see if "okay" , the swing carried enough to call When the runner is out, they a strike. The time interval is so clench a fist and bring their short the batter .thinks that the energy to the game that the - players do and after a tough game they also follow the players in congratulations. While the. players are on the infield congratulating one another the umpires are at home plate shaking each others hands and advising one another of a good game. The Ingersol Umpires Association handles all games Welcome Fans, Teams, and Visitors of the 10th annual Fastball Tournament While in Goderich, Come Visit: Huron County Pioneer Museum Open Daily Mots. thru Sat. Ticuildketing Office B Ticket Office Sunday Building 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Phone 524-9610 110 North St Goderich Huron, Historic Gaol .. Open Daily Monday thru Sunday 10 a.m.-S:30 p.m. Phone: 524-6971 or 524-2845 Come see this National Historic 181 Victoria St. Site Godarich Group Tours by Arrangement "This is a Golden Opportuhity to Visit these two Unique Attractions"