By Robert Holloway

As we are now two weeks into the 2023 season, as umpires, let’s use the acronym “BSGTCIY,” Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You. Often we hear from other umpires, I can’t get an opportunity, they won’t give me a shot, I’m better than him, you name it. We hear it all.

What if you decided to become so good at your craft that they couldn’t help but notice you? Do you think coordinators keep you off their staff roster because you are the best? No way, we, like coaches, want to put the absolute best product on the field in order to win. Our goal is to put the best crew on the field, so we don’t have issues to deal with later.

If you decide to Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You—you will eventually get an opportunity. Coordinators won’t keep you off their staff if you are that good. You have to treat every game as the big game so when you get to the big game it’s just another game. Treat every game as a championship game.

So how do we get to BSGTCIY?

1. Professionalism. That’s both on and off the field. We’ve been in the dressing room with guys that will say, “I’ll work with him any day,” and we’ve also been in the dressing room with guys that will say, “I hope I don’t get assigned with him again.” Sometimes it has nothing to do with your on-field performance but how you carry yourself off the field. Trust me, umpires talk to each other, and we talk to coordinators. Crew chiefs report back everything to coordinators, and we have to rely on their information. As such, always be professional in how you conduct yourself on and off the field. How you dress and how you speak is important in you getting the next opportunity. Become a great crew member.

2. Knowledge of the Game. Knowing the rules of the game is imperative in getting the next opportunity. I had the opportunity to play college baseball and coach high school baseball which made me a perfect candidate to become a baseball umpire. I thought I was really good at umpiring but wasn’t getting the better games and I wondered why. As I looked at guys who were advancing, I asked myself how they were moving up and I wasn’t. It became clear to
me that they knew the rules and I didn’t. They studied the rule book, and I didn’t. In order to BSGTCIY, you have to study the rule book and the CCA Baseball Umpires Manual daily. Don’t be the guy that kicks a rule. Stay in the rule book.

3. Physical Appearance. Look the Part. Coaches make a determination on you before the game starts. Are you physically fit? Are you wearing your uniform properly? Can you get to the correct position to make a call on the play?

Tony Dungy, Super Bowl winning coach said it this way when talking to his players and it should be the same way for umpires:

1. No Excuses.
2. No Explanation.
3. Just do what you do better than anyone else.

The 2023 season is now upon us so always be professional, know the game, look the part and BE SO GOOD THEY CAN’T IGNORE YOU (BSGTCIY)