Clipping:A proposal for two umpires 2

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Date Friday, August 13, 1886
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Assuming that the umpire does his best in an impartial manner (and in the absence of any evidence to the contrary we ought to take that view), it seems clear to me, from the many mistakes which are made, that the umpire has more duties to perform than he can accomplish. The game is played with such rapidity and skill that questions requiring the decision of the umpire are constantly arising, and these the umpire (who has had to have his eye on the pitcher, batsman, ball, and the three bases at one and the same time) is expected to decide without a moment’s hesitation. To me it seems remarkable that he performs his duties so well, but if better results can be obtained they certainly ought to be, and to that end I would suggest that two umpires be employed and the duties divided between them. Even in cricket, which is played in a much more deliberate manner, two umpires are necessary. Their duties are well defined and cannot clash, and a man is not placed in a position to judge of something which it is often impossible for him to see. The result is that such scenes as are witnessed on our base ball grounds are utterly unknown up a cricket field. I do not pretend to say in what positions in the field two umpires should be placed, but a very little consideration by the managers of our leading nines would decide that point; but if the suggestion offers any clew to the present difficulty the base ball fraternity are welcome to it. St.

Source St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

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