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  1. I'm actually down roughly 105lbs since I got back into umpiring in 2016. From this to this
    9 points
  2. And it is usually the pitching coach. LOL This is one of the reasons I had to learn to stop listening or taking offense when I heard it. The coaches feel a constant need to try to encourage F1 to keep him from falling apart when he isn't given free strike calls when he wants them. I've noted that F1's are getting rattled easier than they used to, and I blame society with it's 'everyone gets a trophy' mentality. If you don't give these kids every close pitch, in their mind, then they fall apart and get wild quickly. You have to learn to just call your game and ignore the comments (unless they're definitely directed at you and argumentative). It probably took me about three seasons of HS baseball before I realized that they're not questioning me every time a statement is made. Some encourage the batter, some do the pitcher - and some are just saying what they've heard others say - and most have no clue at all where the pitch was, so don't let them get in your head and keep calling your game. Remember, it's nothing until you call it, so don't rush. Focus, keep your head still, see it all the way, call it in your head and then you're ready to call it out loud. It is amazing how much proper timing and positioning will do to improve your game and then you'll normally hear less as a result, but no guarantees. But don't let them live in your head, forget what you can and ignore what you can - but if it crosses a line (coach, not fan) you need to address it and stop it using the tools you're given (Identify - Acknowledge - Warn - Restrict - Eject). If you try to be the nice guy or let them intimidate you, you're in for a long day. Stop it early on and set the tone and it'll be an easier day for you and hopefully with less chirping you'll be able to zero in and call a great game. Have fun out there!
    7 points
  3. You can also use the coupon code CHRISNEEDTOPAYHISMORTGAGE Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    7 points
  4. And be aware that it takes a lot of time to get a new product off of the ground. Most umpires are not wealthy and will not buy a new piece of gear that's unproven - unless a friend/peer/contact, etc. has personally recommended it to them. I suppose they might splurge if it was endorsed by MLB guys too (see Wilson and MLB logo for example). Umpires are a notoriously hard market to influence and make money in. How many new shoe companies are jumping in to try and take over for Reebok and Nike who don't make plate shoes anymore? None. Even NB has slowed it way down which is why so many are turning to Mizuno in hopes that they'll fill the need that's been created. Why? Because umpires are not paid a lot of money. Some (LL) even work as volunteers. This means if they buy anything, it comes straight out of their own wallet and they're losing money on their hobby... which is why navy is still around for HS ball. Umpires are cheap and will wear a shirt until it's faded purple and worn out. I've seen hats that have so many sweat stains it looks like it's 20 years old - and I've seen umpires wearing gear I wouldn't be caught dead in - all because they won't break down and buy a new CP for $200+ until the one they have falls apart! A lot of umpire gear makers have stepped out, or backed off, from working to innovate and produce better or newer gear. So, we get the left-overs and hand-me-down's from whatever time/gear is left after they get done selling to their truly profitable market (catchers!). Even F3, founded and run by a former professional umpire, is a catchers-first business... and you can't blame them. Catchers spending and buying make it possible for them to create umpire gear too - not the other way around. I sincerely wish you the very best of luck, but I won't be shelling out $150+ on an unproven pad jacket. You can say that it is "top of the line" and "just like Team Wendy" - but until several well-respected and knowledgeable umpires have bought it and their reviews start saying that it's just as good as the sought-after products like TW, AA or Power padding, then unfortunately I won't be investing that kind of cash in hopes of getting a good product. And I truly believe the vast majority of umpires think and believe a lot of what I just stated. In all likelihood, you're going to have to approach this as a labor of love and just hope to make some fun money on the side. Ray Brownlie started small and you will have to also, unless you have deep pockets to fund a startup business. My recommendation is to focus on one thing and excel at it, like Ray did (CP harness and folder were his first items I believe) and build up a following. Once you can do that, then your name is out there and people will trust you more, and then you can start growing the business and truly making some money. But if you're hoping to get rich (or even make a few thousand a year) from this 'CP pad-jacket' opportunity, then I don't think this is the goose that lays the golden nugget for you. Perhaps I'm wrong, and I hope I am for your sake, because I love seeing a young guy take initiative and get-after-it like you've done! I truly wish you the very best reward for your labor and I hope that it takes off and you get rich from your new venture!
    7 points
  5. My least favorite instantiation of this is LL All-Stars, and ace pitchers messing around with the #8-10 hitters. Save that curve, and those pitches, to upset the timing of the top five hitters who can take you deep! This kid has just shown he can't catch your heat. [Mortal Kombat Voice]Finish him![/Mortal Kombat Voice]
    6 points
  6. One tip an MiLB ump gave me that may help: roll your indicator before making your call. That extra beat helped slow me down to the point I no longer have to do it.
    6 points
  7. Sometimes, not just youth league. Went to an ASU game yesterday, about 8 or so umpires behind the screen who questioned the HP umpire on every close one that didn't go the way they wanted. Finally, I just had to speak up. On an obvious ball, I called out "looked good from here, blue....45' away from the plate, with an impossible angle, 18' up in the stands." 😄 At least the other 8 stayed quiet the rest of the way. I think HP chuckled at that one.
    6 points
  8. Hey everyone - I've discussed this with you before, yet it wasn't very successful. This forum here is not about DISCUSSING all things chest protectors. CP Porn was set up for photos of your rigs, and maybe a quick description of what you have (just like the 'mask porn' thread). Conversations about chest protectors that live within this thread will be harder to find than if you start a conversation about a specific CP topic on the equipment forum. Please, let's try to keep this in mind.
    6 points
  9. As described in the OP, I have a quick pitch. A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Under OBR/NCAA rules an illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball--with no runners on base the penalty is a ball added to the count and with runners an illegal pitch is a balk. Under FED rules an illegal pitch can occur with or without a runner(s). FED case play 6.2.4 COMMENT B tells us a quick pitch is an illegal pitch and is called a ball whether or not it goes through the strike zone. If there is a runner, a quick pitch is a balk. The ball is dead immediately when an illegal pitch is called. Nowhere does it say that an umpire has to try to stop the pitch or it becomes a legal pitch.
    6 points
  10. "Honey, I need to buy some sunblock for my ball bags!" "Are you going to the nude beach again?"
    5 points
  11. The umpire needs to decide quickly how he wants the game to proceed during a dead ball situation. Allow the players to come outside the dugout, staying away from home plate and let them cheer and high five as the batter scores and heads to the dugout, you know, like players who are celebrating a HR, or... Be an over officious umpire who is going to introduce friction where it did not need to be introduced, thus making the crews task of game management that much more difficult. Provided that the offensive players were not gathering around the home plate area, are being respectful of the other team (no taunting or other action), are not bringing props out and immediately go back into the dugout area with the batter, there should not be anything for the umpire to address. If he thinks it getting close to or on the line, a quick word with the HC should suffice. If after that the celebrations continue to be over the top, then that opens the door to addressing the matter more 'officially'. My preference is to address what needs to be addressed and not escalate situations when there is nothing to actually address.
    5 points
  12. ie. spiked at 58 feet, changes direction to somehow miss the catcher and blast against the Plate Umpire’s ________________. Forearm Hand Abdomen Thigh (hello @concertman1971 !) Shins
    5 points
  13. Youth league? Did it hit the ground before being caught? If not, it wasn't too low. Youth leagues are the worst for having parents that expect their batters to have a postage stamp for the strike zone, and "nose-to-toes, chalk-to-chalk" for their pitchers. You can safely ignore those bozos.
    5 points
  14. "sits here and chuckles in LL" It all starts at the 8-10 level with us pushing these kids to keep moving, and thankfully LL now allowing coaches to catch to warm up a pitcher. Ty to all the LL umpires who push kids to keep the games moving.
    5 points
  15. I really think it's more a loophole in the wording of these rules.....Like I said, these rules are almost exclusively for fixing baserunning errors during dead ball base awards more than fixing baserunning errors after the play is over. It's not in the spirit of the rule, and I don't think it's intended to be interpreted this way.
    5 points
  16. No offense to anyone. But this has got to be one of the more asinine discussions Ive ever seen here. Every one of you arguing that the BR can miss first, pull onto 2B, call time, then go back and touch 1b and return to 2B are using rules, interps and case plays where the ball is dead because of the throw or batted ball going out of play and base running awards need to be awarded. The OP is a dead ball because playing action has ended. cmon guys…… are you seriously arguing that a guy can hit an in play double, cut the corner at 1b, slide into second, call time, then go back and touch 1b. C’mon….this isn’t Calvin Ball.
    5 points
  17. I think this is the most polite thing I have ever heard about the DaviShield. The product was significantly flawed, a fact I will openly acknowledge. We've learned our lessons from it and can assure you that we will not replicate the shortcomings of DaviShield.
    5 points
  18. As always, no hindrance = no INT. As always, benefit of any doubt to the defense. And as always, make 'em big—we need to be able to point to the hindrance if the OC asks what he did, and to explain how that hindered the play of F2 on the runner.
    5 points
  19. Bit of a tease... currently rare although not as highly coveted as the DaviShield 🫠, and comes in just over 2 lbs with maximum pad thickness of about 15mm.
    5 points
  20. Opening day is Monday and this showed up just in time from halfway around the world. Thanks FedEx.
    5 points
  21. When I encounter rain during games, I wear a nice, warm Ford F250.😃
    5 points
  22. The fielder's protection from OBS lasts from the time he starts fielding the ball until he makes (or is prevented from making) his throw. The contact in this video happens in that window, so it would qualify for INT. The tangle/untangle exception lapses once the BR stops his advance. When he restarts and makes contact, he's liable for INT here. I'd have runner INT on the BR: the ball is dead, BR is out, R1 returns. Same ruling for OBR and FED.
    5 points
  23. Ive seen the argument on social media that this could be tangle/untangle. I don’t buy it, but I guess you could interpret it as such. My opinion, the tangle/ untangle ship sailed after the batter stutter steps and allows F2 access to the ball.
    5 points
  24. Coaching tip - coach your players to run in these scenarios. Yes there is an (asinine) argument that this will convince the ump you did swing. So what? Nothing bad can come from this. 1. If the ball got far enough away for R3 to score it got far enough away for B/R to reach first, and the run counts. 2. If this somehow convinces the ump you swung, you get a free base, and the run counts. 3. If the ump was going to call the swing anyway, you get a free base, and the run counts. 4. If the ump calls no-swing you get another crack, and the run counts. You notice a theme there? Coach your team properly and this kind of situation/argument doesn't happen. Yes, more advanced umpires will proactively ensure this swing/no-swing is announced, but that's out of your control.
    5 points
  25. Need? No. I write questions for a living and there are many times when I am asked about the evidence that supports the answers I am looking for when questions appears on a test, quiz, or other assignment. Having that support offers understanding for learners and validation that I know what I am teaching. Those who write umpire tests in this neck of the woods aren't always the best question writers and it vexes me. Over the years I have established a fairly good reputation for being a good on-field umpire as well as someone with a good understanding of the rules. While I cannot cite chapter and verse on every rule and every situation, I like to be able to cite the source(s) of information used to support my understanding of why certain situations should be adjudicated in certain ways. This probably has something to do with my schooling in research and the defense of historical arguments. That's why I am looking for additional details to support the proper answer.
    5 points
  26. Since we have our state’s Rules Interpreter on the NFHS Rules Committee, he has volunteered Arizona to be the Guinea pig 🐹 (more like lab rat 🐀) on trying out potential Rules adjustments (enhancements). Last year, we applied the 20-sec Action Clock, similar to the NCAA Action Clock, only lacking the charged Offensive conference if a Batter requests Time; likewise, there wasn’t a charged reset to the pitcher for stepping off. Instead, the BU was to tell the pitcher “Clock’s still running”. More often than not, the pitcher would still have adequate time to re-engage, come set, and pitch. Conversely, if his act of stepping off and faking (as to 2B) was judged to be sufficient play to cause the runner to return to the base, then the BU would reset the clock. Yes, it sounds a bit half-baked. But, we didn’t have the NCAA version codified into NFHS for us, and it worked satisfactorily for us for the entire season, including playoffs. Where we really “got after it” was the between-innings clock, which we set at 90 seconds. What’s (annoyingly) curious, is NFHS has had it codified at 60 seconds for several years, but never had enforced it! The vast majority of the coaches acquiesced to it, and we only penalized the most blatant of transgressors. It really sped up our games, definitively. Now this year, we’ve added two whoppers. The first is mound visits (Defensive Conferences), wherein we allow 6 total, with 3 of them involving a/the coach. This is just like NCAA. The second one? … 🥁 🥁 🥁… Balks are (or can be) Live. Balk is called, pitch is hit for a 2-run HR, the HR stands. With R1, and 3-X count, Balk is called on Ball 4, then the pitch stands as called. With R2 (only), and 3-X count, Balk is called on Ball 4, then the Balk penalty is imposed; R2 is awarded 3B, and Batter continues with count at TOP. Fun! Yes, we are the first through the wall. We are confidently and eagerly anticipating results that will hopefully inspire the Fed to change this millstone of a rule.
    4 points
  27. These are the preferred bags for Spring Training. I can hold 18-20 baseballs with relative ease. 16 is about maximum so as to bust out from behind the plate without the risk of one popping out. But even then, having 8 in each is very appreciated by the MLB/MiLB staffs who typically do NOT relish trotting out to resupply you with baseballs during an inning. They especially dislike the “Captain Cool” one-baggers. MLB/MiLB pitchers go through a lot of baseballs. With these bags, not only can I carry a significant quantity, but I can put two different baseball types – one in each bag – and switch between them fluidly in accordance to which pitcher requires them. Two seasons ago, I did Team Korea visiting the Rangers. I had to switch between three different balls. Man, I wish I could (truly) juggle! But alas, mine have faded; this Arizona sun is merciless.
    4 points
  28. If an umpire won’t share what they miss or could improve on, don’t take anything from that umpire. I worked a series over the Summer with an umpire who had done the NCAA d1 college World Series TWICE and when we got done, he asked me “what do you got for me?” I was befuddled, I said “____, you’re a 2x World Series umpire, I’m mostly a d2/d3 umpire” and he said “That’s bullSH*#, I can always do something better”. The best umpires I know are always working on something, refining something, looking for nuances to make them even better. One asked me once “what are you going to work on today?” we can give you 20 things to improve on, focus on one at a time or you’ll be swimming in your head. As noted above, I’d start with timing. When you think you’re fine, you’re fast, when you think you’re slow, you’re “normal”. Be even slower and be confident in each call. And remember that umpires are the only ones in attendance who don’t have a vested interest in the outcome of each play. Every close call, every close pitch, one team will like and the other won’t, so don’t listen. If everyone in attendance all oooohs at the exact same time , it may have been too low, but a couple fans? Pffft, you’re screwing their kid out of that d1 scholarship , didn’t you know that?
    4 points
  29. If the fences are not talking to you when their kids are up to bat then you are calling too small a strike zone. 8-10 I go top of shoulders to bottoms of the knees and all the way to the opposite batters box line ( which in LL is an extra ball width) 8-10 you want those kids swinging at everything that they can reach. No walk fests! 10 -12 I bring it back down to what LL tells me to call, top of knees to armpits over a part of the plate. Here I get complaints about my low strike calls that I see at the knee while its over the front edge of the plate. By the time it gets to the catcher he can be digging it out of the dirt at his crotch but what I saw when it crossed the plate was it hit the top of his knee.. Sorry thats in the strike zone even though your standing a foot behind the plate at the back of the box. Its not where you are standing its while its over the plate. let em chirp... strikes = outs = innings
    4 points
  30. I’ve had my vest in hand for about a week or two now so I wanted to give a review to Mr. @Umpiresrock74. First off, this was my first time interacting with him and can tell he geeks out over everything umpiring. I saw that he was a special guest at one of my assigner’s camps. He texted me probably everyday he had my Power, if not almost everyday. He was very excited to work on it and I appreciated his enthusiasm. He sent me a bunch of progress pictures and I was able to talk with him about any tweeks I wanted or any improvements like the fidlocks, removing the excess wings, etc. The materials used were closed cell foam on the outer most layer, unequal Kevlar in the middle layer, and a thin layer of closed cell foam on the inner most part of the protector. It totals half an inch thick. To compare this, I have a number of chest protectors: Force 3, an original Douglas West Vest (1996), All Star Cobalt (Main vest for last year), and recently started using a Team Wendy West Vest. The feel and responsiveness of the materials reminds me very much of the team wendy. The appearance is also very similar. One of the most important things to me with this project is that the materials would contour to my body and form, Mike really did accomplish that. The profile when I tried it on, was very good and maybe even a little better than the other chest protectors I use. Mike did a good job of putting this all together for me. He used a professional seamstress and cut all the materials himself with love. I am super happy with how this turned out and he gave my Power a new life. Thanks a bunch, Mike!
    4 points
  31. It would be curbing catchers jumping out to the mound 12-15 times a game. It’s rampant here. This would limit non coach visits.
    4 points
  32. This is accurate in FED but not in NCAA or OBR.
    4 points
  33. This approach also emphasizes the proper use of your eyes before making a call. As @JSam21 mentioned, our focus is on the bag and the fielder's feet rather than tracking the ball across the diamond. The pop of the ball in the glove is the signal to find the ball before making any call. That process slows everything down after several reps and takes almost all the guess work out of any whacker. With time, the proper use of eyes becomes routine and easily transferrable to all aspects of umpiring. The 2SF mechanic has been taught in camps in this area for a while and I find it helps keep me in better positions for out of the ordinary plays, slows my calls down, and puts the focus on the play rather than selling a call.
    4 points
  34. After several weeks of reading @Umpiresrock74 posts and looking at his photos, I reached out to him via text and communicated about possibly having my Power retrofitted. Being a little hesitant about shipping it off to a complete stranger, I picked up the phone (the old fashion way) and spoke with Michael for about 20 minutes about what I was wanting done. Immediately all my concerns were alleviated. He was completely understanding and also gave me a few references to confirm for myself. The references assured me that Michael will send daily updates on the process and they said they couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome. As I type this I’m over the moon excited about getting this thing in the mail to him!!! Give this kid (my man Mike) a shot if you’re even on the fence about it!!!
    4 points
  35. 4 points
  36. Makes a case for having a first base coach who knows what they're doing.
    4 points
  37. I've been utilizing and teaching 2 steps fair (2SF) for a number of years now, and find it superior to the old 90 degree method. This is at the HS and LL levels I work and teach at. I believe that it was more of a college mechanic originally, but don't quote me on that. The problem with the 90 degree is not so much the technique, but the tendency to over-rotate and now create a straight-line situation which impedes your view of the runners touch of the bag. Another problem with using 90 degrees, especially at the higher levels, is the time it takes to get set up, watch the play, the throw to the fielder, and the touch of the bag. 90 degrees can get you in position a little later and the play can blow up on you, or the umpire isn't able to watch and process all aspects of the play. I love the extra time it gives me to observe the play. Since I've been using the 2SF technique, plays at first have seemed to slow down for me. 2SF gives you more time to set up and watch the play, plus I find it gives you a much better view, as well. You also get a better view of a pulled foot. Plus, IMO, you're in a better position to adjust for swipe tags and other irregularities. If you try it out, I'm willing to bet you'll be a fan. It's worked great for me, and also for everyone I know that has adopted it. I've had trouble with plays at 1B in the past, that was probably the weakest part of my game for a while. Practice, a lot of training, and 2SF has definitely improved my game immensely with plays at 1B.
    4 points
  38. The baseball gods be willing, NONE of us will EVER see this again! 😋
    4 points
  39. Well, I can tell you after reading the continuing discussion here, I consider myself and my crew very fortunate that the coach either decided not to "open the chute on us" or we did such a good job of selling this that he was satisfied with our final decision despite the fact that it went against him, right...yeah...unlikely... I don't mean to mince words. All three of us agreed we heard the call of IFF and all three of us agree that none of the umpires made that call. Logic dictates then that it was a coach or fan or an adult male within shouting distance of the field. Unlikely that it was a player although admittedly I don't have the resources to hear audio samples of all the players' voices... I agree there is absolutely an element of the team at-bat being disadvantaged by the call of IFF and the b/r thinking he was out because of that. There were two circumstances pre-pitch that made that NOT an IFF situation. I will continue to keep an open mind on this play and how it went down versus the alternatives. I may not see it again ever again, but this is why this forum exists. We are all so fortunate to have this place to enable us to learn and share from each other. Maybe one of you will see this and share how you handled it...good times. ~Dawg
    4 points
  40. With inflation I am 100% a Quarter Store floozy. As for what I did, being consistent. Log what I eat. Get to the gym. Don't intake so many empty calories (i.e. booze). The biggest thing is, when it is time to enjoy yourself, do so without worrying about it. When it is time to work, work. No matter how much you work out, you will never outwork a fork.
    4 points
  41. In the OP the runner is out. Here are the applicable rules: OBR 5.06(b)(1): In advancing, a runner shall touch first, second, third and home base in order. If forced to return, he shall retouch all bases in reverse order, unless the ball is dead under any provision of Rule 5.06(c)... Rule 5.06(c): ...While the ball is dead no player may be put out, no bases may be run and no runs may be scored, except that runners may advance one or more bases as the result of acts which occurred while the ball was alive (such as, but not limited to a balk, an overthrow, interference, or a home run or other fair ball hit out of the playing field). None of the 8 listed exceptions in 5.06(c) allow a runner to return to fix a base running error.
    4 points
  42. The 5:33 one . . . don't look at his upper body at all. If you are trying to watch the upper body you won't see it. Right about when the commentator says the runner takes off, there is a twitch/flinch in his legs (not the step off). Yes, I do think it was ticky-tack, but I do (think I) see it. Since the runner was taking off, trying to force the balk, I can see the umpire thinking he was starting to pitch and stopped.
    4 points
  43. Umpires should use the proper term: it's a 'time play'. Would you call the alternative a 'forcing play'? No, it's a force play.
    4 points
  44. One of my favorite speakers addressed this very topic: What you’re trying to embark on is not easy. And, we (collectively) acknowledge you have passion for this, and we don’t want to necessarily squash your efforts… but please take this from guys who are or have been in design & engineering… you must define the problem first, and weigh whether or not a solution is warranted. If it is, there’s an entire process of trial and error before an effective, comprehensive solution is reached.
    4 points
  45. Close Call Sports analyzed an MLB play about a continuous action play that got a third and a fourth out--the question was when does a half-inning end? The article was written in July 2018 and the title is: False Fourth Out- Ball Stays Alive After Third Out One of the conclusions was, "A half-inning cannot categorically end until the potential for a fourth out or similar appeal has ended." The article contains two links to other articles about inning-ending plays. Perhaps some of the analysis there can help us understand more about game-ending procedures?
    4 points
  46. I'm with @Jimurray. The batter stops and allows the catcher to pass, which, IMO, gives him opportunity to decide if he is going in front or behind. He chose to go in front. An opportunity to decide = intent.
    4 points
  47. Don’t it, though? We can’t seem to get rid of the damn color. … in fairness, navy’s not a bad color. My entire crusade is to purge the compulsory aspect (“it shall be”) from the NFHS Rulebook, and make it marginally optional.
    4 points
  48. I like to have evidence when presenting an argument @Senor Azul. That's all I was looking for and it has been offered. The play is one that may be addressed tangentially by the rule book but not specifically, at least in my mind. The casebook scenario presented deals with the play specifically, which is how the questions on these tests often snag inattentive test takers. I appreciate all the information that the crew here has offered. The combined knowledge, the willingness to share, and the camaraderie at U-E is why I read this board almost every day.
    4 points
  49. Oldish thread, but I'm sorta just catching up as the season is restarting. I actually do basically this in my local 'league' play. They are assigned by 1 of 2 people, and I always ask them to forward me the coach's contact info if there is a rules disagreement, so that I can explain the ruling with cites (often as far as quotes from multiple rulebooks depending on the consistency of the rule, case books youtube videos from CCS/others, and links to this forum!). My one assigner tells me that she really enjoys reading what I write up as she learns every time! After about 2 years of this, I was doing a 'district tournament' this year. We had a bit of a goofy play that I don't really recall, so my partner and I got together. Partner wasn't really rules knowledgeable, but I used the chance to talk it out to him and make sure I had the ruling down perfectly. I walk out of our conference and do whatever assignments, and am walking back to the plate where both coaches were waiting for the result. HTC: Why would you do that, thats not the rule! (or some other such complaints) VTC: Don't do it <HTC>, or he'll give you homework! HTC: Wait, thats him? VTC: *Nods* HTC: Yeah, nevermind blue, good call.
    4 points
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