Zac Kelcher-McConnell has earned the distinction of being named the Etobicoke Baseball Association’s Junior Umpire of the Year for 2010.
Zac is one of the most requested Level 1 Umpires within the ranks of Bloordale. It is an honour that he has earned both on and off field with the league’s coaches, executive and umpire-in-chief. During the 2010 season, Zac has demonstrated the following skills:
- shows up early for all of his assignments
- dresses in full umpire uniform (and in plate gear when necessary, worn under his uniform showing his professionalism)
- his strike zone is appropriate for the level he is working and is consistent from the first pitch to final out. (this is one point that coaches respect about Zac and why they request him to work the plate as often as possible. Incidentally, he has a penchant for the plate, unlike many of his Level 1 partners he works with.)
- his calls are always crisp, clear, loud and firm. (another point commented on by coaches. They always know what the call is and never find themselves asking if it was ball or strike, safe or out)
- he has knowledge of baseball rules (and local house league rules) beyond what is expected of a Level 1 umpire.
- he is always willing and able to explain and rationalize his calls and his application of baseball rules when questioned by a coach. When engaged in such conversation, he is confident, firm and polite, earning him the respect of coaches on both sides of the field.
- Likewise, he interacts well with players. He explains the rules of baseball when asked and helps pitchers, catchers and hitters with strike zone recognition by pointing out where close pitches ‘missed’.
- his mechanics and signals demonstrate a level of skill equal to that of an experienced level 2 umpire
- he is very rarely caught out of position to make a call
- his ultimate goal is to make the right call and he is not afraid to seek the assistance of his partner when necessary. And if appropriate, in the right situation, he is willing to reverse his call in order to make the right call. (I believe this shows maturity above his years)
- he works well with other umpires and they have commented they enjoy working with Zac.
His abovementioned skills have also earned him the respect of umpires in the Level 2 and Level 3 ranks. Zac has been called on to work the bases in AAA Ranger games when a last-minute fill-in was required. His performance did not disappoint and earned him future assignments at the Mosquito and PeeWee levels.
Acknowledgement of his skill came when he was called upon by the League to work the Championship house league game at the Mosquito level as part of the three-man system.
Zac is a model Level 1 umpire with the skills, attitude and professionalism worthy of recognition by his peers and the Etobicoke Baseball Association.