Reflections of Me: The Hits Just Keep On Coming.
Yes, they do. Just, not for my Giants, but I have grown used to that over the years. Still, I am happy with this season's team so far; most of the games have been true, and good, baseball. Strong pitching, good defense. Some timely hitting--by our opponents. One of my biggest complaints about my game in recent years has been the disparity in the calling of balls and strikes. It may be just my memory playing tricks, but, I recall in the past a lot more consistency there. Perhaps modern technology used in broadcasting games has ruined that for me, a concession I am willing to make.
Last night, we lost a great game to Arizona by a score of 1-0, on a 1 hitter by Arizona's J. Corbin. He pitched a great game. So did J. Cueto for the Giants, as he and T. Watson combined to hold Arizona to 3 hits. There was good, solid defense on both sides, and only one really outstanding defensive play was really needed. This is a sign of a well pitched, well managed game.
But the most important thing was, to me: Home Plate Umpire calls of balls and strikes was outstandingly consistent. Not perfect, no; this is a game played by and officiated by human beings, and there is no such thing as a perfect human anything. Corbin had a great curve ball working for him, and he was able to hit his spots nearly every time he used it. It is one of the hardest pitches in baseball to hit, requiring the hitter's timing to be nearly perfect. It is also one of the hardest to throw for a strike consistently. Corbin was doing that last night, and the umpire was consistent in calling it properly. It's hard to beat that. Cueto was having the same success with his change up, slider, and fastball, and the umpire stayed consistent there. This combination set up a game I love to watch, and I was not disappointed.
A conjunction like that occurs all too rarely in modern baseball, but it is knowing it can still happen that keeps me a fan. I've made a mental note to watch for future games where Dan Bellino is the Home Plate Umpire, and if I could, I'd thank him personally for calling a professional, consistent game, one I thoroughly enjoyed despite the outcome. As fans, we rarely pay any attention to the work of these men other than to heap criticism and abuse on them. ( Okay, some deserve it...ahem . ) As a player, it is easier to appreciate the work they do, but also easier to show displeasure at what we may think is a blown call. I think the modern use of video review has shown that they get it right more often than not, in a job that is thankless beyond belief. These are people who love the game, and almost all take great pride in what they do. Yes, both pitchers last night were pitching great, but Mr. Bellino's work added that extra dimension that makes this still, for me, the only game in town.
As usual, if you've made it this far, thank you for reading. And, hey: not every thing I blog is going to be a rant. Sometimes I just like blabbing about stuff that makes me feel good. As always, comments welcome, here or at Facebook.
Last night, we lost a great game to Arizona by a score of 1-0, on a 1 hitter by Arizona's J. Corbin. He pitched a great game. So did J. Cueto for the Giants, as he and T. Watson combined to hold Arizona to 3 hits. There was good, solid defense on both sides, and only one really outstanding defensive play was really needed. This is a sign of a well pitched, well managed game.
But the most important thing was, to me: Home Plate Umpire calls of balls and strikes was outstandingly consistent. Not perfect, no; this is a game played by and officiated by human beings, and there is no such thing as a perfect human anything. Corbin had a great curve ball working for him, and he was able to hit his spots nearly every time he used it. It is one of the hardest pitches in baseball to hit, requiring the hitter's timing to be nearly perfect. It is also one of the hardest to throw for a strike consistently. Corbin was doing that last night, and the umpire was consistent in calling it properly. It's hard to beat that. Cueto was having the same success with his change up, slider, and fastball, and the umpire stayed consistent there. This combination set up a game I love to watch, and I was not disappointed.
A conjunction like that occurs all too rarely in modern baseball, but it is knowing it can still happen that keeps me a fan. I've made a mental note to watch for future games where Dan Bellino is the Home Plate Umpire, and if I could, I'd thank him personally for calling a professional, consistent game, one I thoroughly enjoyed despite the outcome. As fans, we rarely pay any attention to the work of these men other than to heap criticism and abuse on them. ( Okay, some deserve it...ahem . ) As a player, it is easier to appreciate the work they do, but also easier to show displeasure at what we may think is a blown call. I think the modern use of video review has shown that they get it right more often than not, in a job that is thankless beyond belief. These are people who love the game, and almost all take great pride in what they do. Yes, both pitchers last night were pitching great, but Mr. Bellino's work added that extra dimension that makes this still, for me, the only game in town.
As usual, if you've made it this far, thank you for reading. And, hey: not every thing I blog is going to be a rant. Sometimes I just like blabbing about stuff that makes me feel good. As always, comments welcome, here or at Facebook.
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