I recently watched a Minor League Baseball crew work a Triple-A game at Coolray Field in Gwinnett, Ga. At that level, you expect professionalism, sharp mechanics and a commitment to detail. And sure enough, something subtle but powerful stood out.
With runners on base, the second-base umpire, Ray Valero, was in a hands-on-knees set every single time the pitcher engaged the rubber. No drifting, no distractions — just consistent, focused engagement pitch after pitch.
This might sound small, but it’s something many high school and small-college umpires still miss.
Too often, umpires on the bases fall into a passive rhythm between pitches. Standing tall. Arms crossed. Waiting for action. But the best umpires don’t wait for something to happen — they stay fully engaged, every pitch, every moment. And that starts with the stance and focus between pitches.
When we get lazy between pitches, we miss balks. We miss subtle illegal actions. We miss opportunities to anticipate what’s coming. And it’s not because we don’t know what to look for — it’s because we’re not actively looking.
Good umpiring isn’t just reacting to what happens. It’s being in the right mindset and position before it happens. That begins with treating every pitch like it might lead to something important — because it often does.
The same goes for rotations. As the plate umpire, don’t rotate because R1 is going to third. Rotate because you know that if the play develops, your crew needs you there (see MechaniGram). You’re not chasing the play. You’re anticipating the possibility — and positioning yourself accordingly.
This proactive mindset is what sets apart the professionals. It’s what allows crews to get plays right under pressure. And it starts with being present from pitch one, not just when the ball is batted.
We talk a lot about mechanics and rules — and those things matter. But don’t overlook the mental and physical discipline it takes to be locked in between pitches. Next time you’re working, challenge yourself: Stay set with runners on. Watch the pitcher closely. Rotate with purpose. Stay ahead of the game.
Don’t wait for the ball to be hit to care about the game. Be engaged. Be ready. Be in it.
Patrick Faerber, Alpharetta, Ga., is a former professional umpire who now works high school baseball and football. He is Referee’s baseball coordinator.
