rossiter@cornell.UUCP (David Rossiter) (10/17/84)
In response to Bob Switzer's comments about umpires: the issue wasn't a particular ball or strike, it was the CONSISTENCY of the call. Officiating is very difficult in any sport, but the main thing is always consistency. Get a consistent referee in basketball, and the game flows well (whether they're calling the fouls or letting them play); if the same infraction is called differently (and unpredictably) the result is a frustrating game to play in or watch. It's the same with balls and strikes. I felt that the amateurs were quite inconsistent with their calls. I know we can't see too well from center field, and the announcers can't be trusted, but you could see the reaction of pitchers, catchers, and batters: truly baffled by the calls (not necessarily angry, just baffled). A good control pitcher is really bothered by an inconsistent strike zone, the same for a hitter with a good eye. It's not so bad for a free swinger or a power pitcher. The difference in the 5th game of the LCS was noticable. Hitters walked up to the plate with a different look, confident of how to watch for their pitch, and the pitchers were able to 'work' the batter. I'm very pleased that Uberroth gave the umps a big settlement in arbitration. They are tops and deserve it. (Of course, you get jerks like Luciano every once in a while, but after all he was AL, which isn't real baseball).