As They See 'Em: A Fan's Travels In The Land Of Umpires (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
As a casual baseball fan, I am pretty sure there have been umpires at most of the games I have attended. Beyond that I had no knowledge of them. This book will fill you in! The tension in which the game is held is remarkable, and the umpire is central. Everyone wants a fair game---that said there is a lot of ambiguity and someone needs to control it. There are many different and cross purpose interests on the field and off that are managed visibly and not so visibly. The tv land spectacle, the sports personalities, the sportscasters, if you can read this and not feel stressed out, and realize there likely more than 1 way to call plays and almost all disenfranchise someone, then maybe umpire school is for you!!All that being so, the book itself was a tad confusing as it had a tendency to skip around a fair amount. I do commend the author for writing an in depth book that still allowed a casual fan to relate. If you've ever wondered what it's like being an umpire in professional baseball, this book will give you a good idea of the long hours and serious dedication required to make it to the major leagues. It's filled with lots of anecdotes from former and current umpires, so you definitely get an idea of the umpire mindset. They definitely are a determined lot (after reading what they have to go through to make it all the way, you'll understand this much better) who have an aura of "us v. them" when it comes to their dealings with various baseball authorities.Having played baseball and softball (not professionally, but competitively), I never really thought about the umpires much. I now have a much deeper appreciation for what they do and how their job is not just knowing the rulebook and calling balls and strikes. The physical wear and tear, the travel to all parts of the country, the constant abuse from fans, managers and players, the knowledge their every call is being scrutinized and judged by hundreds or thousands of armchair umpires and the feel for the game which allows them to be in the proper position to make the right call are all parts of the life of a baseball umpire.So, the next time you're at a ballgame and the umpire makes a call you don't agree with, perhaps you'll not yell "Kill the umpire!" if you've read this book.
What do You think about As They See 'Em: A Fan's Travels In The Land Of Umpires (2009)?
Not so much about major league umpires but what young umpires go through to get there.
—Bonita
Must read for baseball aficionados. Will definitely change the way you watch the game.
—Toph
A perspective on the game you almost never think of. That said, still hate umpires.
—Jessarj11
A very good look at becoming an umpire and what goes on as one.
—Dancer4life131
I watch baseball in a different way now. Good book.
—nibs
