Scott Tittrington

No matter what umpiring mechanics are being used in a particular game — whether it’s a single umpire working a youth baseball game or six umpires taking the field for an MLB playoff game — the numbers are not in our favor when it comes to the need to see all possible action on the playing field. Think about it: There are nine possible players who can be involved in any particular play on defense. There could be anywhere between one and four baserunners.

Last summer, I was working the bases as part of a two-person crew when it became apparent the defensive team was thinking about making an appeal involving a runner and a touch at second base. I had gleaned that much from overhearing the second baseman and shortstop chatting as a throw came back into the infield from one of the outfielders about how they thought the runner had missed the base.

J.D. Collins has heard plenty of colorful descriptions of his work during his time as an oncourt college basketball official and more recently in his role as the NCAA’s national coordinator of men’s basketball officiating. However, he likely never saw the day when he would be compared to a prison warden. He has the unique environment of the 2021 NCAA Tournament to thank for it.