Gentlemen, I couldn't agree with Grit any more.  I was very frustrated
at times last year when umpires made terrible ball and strike calls
because they were at an angle where they simply couldn't see the
location of the pitch.  This year we have had the Umpire behind the
pitcher and it has worked out very well.  I just can't believe that
the Umpire was regularly behind the striker and off to the side like
that.  It is impossible to call a good match from that angle.  It
basically causes Hurlers to have to throw tons of pitches to get guys
out, because the zone is so inaccurate.  This will cause unnecessary
injuries and wear and tear...not to mention shattered arms...oh, that
was just me, never mind...
-Blue

--- In newenglandvintagebaseball@yahoogroups.com, "Chris Moran"
<cmoranbaseball@...> wrote:
>
> Gentlemen,
>
> This is one area ov VBB that really needs some help. At least in our
> neck of the woods..(New England)
>
> There's nothing worse in VBB than an umpire who doesn't know the
> rules.
> I don't mind telling an umpire what's what but not every game and not
> to the point where it detracts from it. Especially if he's being paid
> for his services.
>
> The Hartford Senators will mainly play by the late/mid 1880s..mostly
> 1886...For some reason the umpire sets up to the opposite side of the
> batter and back a ways. I haven't seen any documentation to support
> this. I've seen images from this era where he is either directly
> behind the catcher or behind the pitcher.
>
> How the heck can he call a decent strike zone from the side?
>
> The umpire is a vital part to the vintage game's charm, speed of play
> and re-creation. Tapping into you local areas umpires can offer you a
> pool of resources but it can also create some problems. They need to
> be educated thuroughly. Not just on the key points/differences in the
> game. Too many times have I had run-ins with an umpire when I try to
> educate him during the middle of play. Some of them think I'm trying
> to take advantage of their ignorance and accuse me of being
> dishonest. Nothing Insults me more than be accused of being dishonest
> or a cheat on the field of play. If I take pride in anything it's my
> honesty to the game and the men who participate.
>
> I would like to see a push to have the umpires move to the
> historically correct positions on the field and have educated umpires
> used.
>
> I apologize for my ramblings but I needed to get it off my chest.
>
> Thanks for your patience.
>
> Grit Moran
> Hartford Senators VBBC
>