April 25, 2005
Umps With Mikes
Lisa Gray makes a very good point today. If you're sitting in the stands and watching what looks like a triple play turn into a double play, you have no idea what's going on. Her solution: mike the umps just like in the NFL. Then, if a complicated play like that happens (or even the A-Rod play in the ALCS when the umps had to confer) they can turn the mike on and explain it to the fans in the stands (and the listening and view audience). Not a bad idea.
Posted by David Pinto at
03:56 PM
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Umpires
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Good idea, Lisa! :) that would help (the hockey officials are also miked up these days) and being able to hear the umps annouce the decision will help scorers-at-home like myself. I wonder if Czar Bud would be receptive to the idea?
During the play in question, Mike Shannon did a great job of explaining how the umpires blew that call, and how there was NO WAY that it could be a triple play and explained why that was so. Anyone who was listening to the Cardinals broadcast knew what was going on and they didn't need a miked ump.
Interesting notion, though...
re: miking the umps
while a good idea, 90% of watching baseball is the peace and quiet of a ballgame.
Our world is infested and infected by noise pollution. Ballgames are quiet and relaxed, whether on TV or in person, and that is what makes them so alpha wave inducing.
Miking the umps to hear the constant call of balls and strikes, while on the surface a brilliant idea, actually detracts from the primary reason for going to a game, which is to enjoy the peace and quiet of the ball park and the respite from the noise of the 21st century.
I would say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. baseball should stay the same.
--AJK
