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This was sad news to the umpire community. We wish his family and friends peace and comfort in this difficult time. Carl provided generations of umpires a guideline for fidelity to the rules using common sense and fair play approach, while mixing in his unique style of wit. His contribution will be missed by many umpires all over the world. The newest edition of Baseball Rules Differences was near its completion prior to Carl's hospitalization and death. The publication will continue through the Wendelstedt Umpire School Press in the coming years. There will be some stylistic and publication changes, as well as a revamp to ensure the most up-to-date interpretations are included annually. To be able to account for the changes at all levels of baseball, the print date will be moved to early February. We welcome any input for the best way to improve the style and ease of reference and reading. Please send suggestions to brd@umpireschool.com.

Some of the pictures include the last day's events. This was the last formation and also a student-played game. This was the morning of the banquet. All of our students are required to wear full uniforms when in attendance that we provide, including poly-wool pants.

Not sure what the issue was with your address and estimated shipping. It should not have been nearly that amount. Our web guys have been contacted to address the issue. I would estimate that your shipping should be somewhere around $7-$8.

This is standard with R3 and less than two outs. If the third base umpire goes out on a ball down the line, the second base umpire enters the infield near the cutout and assumes responsibilities on R3 at third base. This is often referred to as the "Shaded E" position.

We are now offering through our ONLINE STORE manuals for the Two-Umpire System, Three and Four-Umpire Systems, and Rules and Interpretations Manual all completely revised and updated for the 2015-2016 season and rule changes. We also offer bundle packages for those interested in purchasing combinations of the products.

We are now offering through our ONLINE STORE manuals for the Two-Umpire System, Three and Four-Umpire Systems, and Rules and Interpretations Manual all completely revised and updated for the 2015-2016 season and rule changes. We also offer bundle packages for those interested in purchasing combinations of the products.

We are now offering through our ONLINE STORE manuals for the Two-Umpire System, Three and Four-Umpire Systems, and Rules and Interpretations Manual all completely revised and updated for the 2015-2016 season and rule changes. We also offer bundle packages for those interested in purchasing combinations of the products.

Get your 9.01 (c) tees while they last! On clearance for a limited time. They read, "9.01 (c) It's good to be the king!" Check this and more out at the Wendelstedt Umpire School store.

If you made the argument that the coach assisted the runner in this situation, you would be entirely backed up by the rules. However, you would also be backed up by not calling it. It is entirely up to the judgment of the umpire whether the physical contact actually assisted the runner in advancing or returning. While contact is a prerequisite, contact, in itself, does not constitute interference. At umpire school we teach to use "In my judgment..." as often as possible before explaining your decision (of course, as long as it is a judgment decision).

You can look to see what the umpire school has to offer you regardless of your aspirations! We provide a number of training options for you to choose from. Check out our website at www.umpireschool.com. Look forward to seeing you in January.

The interpretation for how many times a batter may switch batter's boxes applies in any situation, ambidextrous pitcher or not. This interpretation has been around well before the ambidextrous pitcher rule, and is one that we argued did not have rulebook support. In fact, since the rule now limits the pitcher to how many times he may switch arms, we still believe that this interpretation is not necessary. It was put in place to prevent the back and forth action by the batter and the pitcher. That is no longer needed now that the batter has the last say in effect.

Hello all: We are hosting our annual SoCal Umpire Classic again -- this year in Pomona, CA. There are a few positions still remaining if you are interested. You can check out what this clinic has to offer by going to www.umpireschool.com/socal_clinic.htm. Hopefully you'll be able to join us.

This was an error that has since been corrected in the manual update. The answer was switched with another question. The answer to K6 should read: Ruling: The pitch to Abel legalized Irwin's time at bat. The next proper batter is Abel. Since he completed his time at bat in the proper position, there is no violation. Baker would be the next proper batter, but since he is on base, Charles is the next batter due up. Sorry about the confusion. This play was supposed to reference the casebook that instructs umpires how to proceed with the next proper batter already on base. This will be in the errata and update sheet coming out in December.

The change was for all leagues using OBR and only deals with teams playing for the last time. What I meant to say in the previous post is that if you are looking for the two loopholes created and a detailed explanation of the rule (along with several other changes), you can purchase the revised Wendelstedt Rules and Interpretations Manual at www.umpireschool.com. If you'd like a copy of the updated Flowchart for Regulation/Suspended Game, I would be happy to send you a complimentary one if you request at admin@umpireschool.com. I've also tried to attach it to this post. reg_susp_color.pdf

Some have stated that OBR never provides for reverting back. While this was they case prior to last year, it has recently changed. For years and years we would have to push back on the common misconception that games would ever revert back to the score of the previous inning, and now have to argue the exact opposite. You can email me at admin@umpireschool.com for a copy of our newly updated Regulation/Suspended Game Flowchart. It has been revised and edited for clarity and style. Email me at admin@umpireschool.com for a PDF copy. I think it is probably too big of a file to post here. This will be posted in professional locker rooms all over the country. You can find a comprehensive explanation of the change and two loopholes that were created as a result. Additionally, you can find an interactive electronic version at www.obr412.com. Not sure if we're allowed to post this product promotion any longer, but would like to make it available to help in anyway we can.

Tomorrow we will host a Twitter question and answer session from 3-4pm EST. Please feel free to ask any questions you would like about umpire school, rules, mechanics, or the umpire lifestyle through our account @hwumpireschool. You just need to fit it into 140 characters and hashtag #asktheump. We look forward to seeing you then.

Tomorrow we will host a Twitter question and answer session from 3-4pm EST. Please feel free to ask any questions you would like about umpire school, rules, mechanics, or the umpire lifestyle through our account @hwumpireschool. You just need to fit it into 140 characters and hashtag #asktheump. We look forward to seeing you then.

Now, back to something a little familiar. As you've already heard, the MLB Rules Committee has decided to return to the previous interpretation (effectively) of a catch and a tag. While those definitions, and even their interpretations, never really changed, the definition of voluntary release was clarified. This has now been retracted. No longer is the ball required to be taken out by the throwing hand when attempting to make the transfer. The definition of catch that is found exclusively in our manual will return to: Secure possession in hand or glove Momentum of the catch stopping An attempted, voluntary release For those of you who may have purchased the updated manual for 2014 that included the changes previously mentioned, I have authorized my staff to send you all an updated, updated copy with this change at absolutely no costs to you. Free manual, no tax, and free shipping. Hopefully there will not be anymore changes this season. This could get expensive. For those of you who have not purchased the 2014 manual, you may do so by going to www.umpireschool.com/manual_orderform.htm. Using the discount code FACEBOOK, you can receive 15% off until the end of the month.

Here is the added portion for this year: In determining whether a fielder drops the ball “while in the act of making a throw following the catch†in accordance with Rule 2.00, the umpires will determine whether the fielder obtained possession of a ball in flight but dropped the ball while in the act of making a throw during the momentum of the catch. For example, if the shortstop, in an effort to turn a double play, throws to the second baseman, who drops the ball while in the act of drawing back his arm to make a throw to first base, the second baseman shall be adjudged to have had secure control of the ball and thus the ball shall be adjudged to have been caught by the second baseman. However, it shall not be adjudged to be a catch if, while in the act of making a throw during the momentum of the catch, the fielder loses possession of the ball in the transfer (e.g., flip from the glove) before he secures the ball with his throwing hand. Our emphasis: The "flip" itself is not deemed a voluntary release, even though it may be a voluntary action. This is an update you will find in the 2014 Rules and Interpretations Manual. We have removed the exclusive interpretation offered for a number of year providing that it only be an attempted voluntary release. This is no longer the case. The release must be voluntary. Additionally, this interpretation has been merged with a tag of a base as well on the front end of a double play attempt. He must secure the ball in his throwing hand before it will be deemed secure possession was made.

We were directed to this post because our school mechanics for an uncaught third strike was discussed. Though our input here is requested less now, we would still like to provide you the how and why of this mechanic from our perspective. Hopefully you will find use of it if you choose to apply it to your games. The following is the mechanics preferred through our professional course: With two outs, or with first base unoccupied, the batter becomes a runner and may advance to first base if his third strike is uncaught. If he is not allowed to advance, the normal third strike mechanic is all that is necessary. However, if one of the conditions occurs that allow him to advance on the uncaught third strike, the umpire should indicate the third strike by pointing with his right hand and arm out to the side using no voice. This signal prevents confusion that a standard strike mechanic may cause if players believe you are instead calling the batter out. Then, depending on what occurs next, the following shall apply: If the pitch gets away from the catcher a considerable distance where it is obvious to everyone that the ball was not caught, there is no need for any further mechanic or voice. If the pitch is short-hopped by the catcher, and the batter-runner attempts to advance to first base without a tag attempt, use the voice and signal for your no catch mechanic. If the batter begins to advance and a tag attempt is misses, use the voice and signal for your no tag mechanic. If the batter is immediately tagged, use the voice and signal for your out mechanic. Using good timing is essential when utilizing these mechanics in order to avoid confusion. Do not signal “No catch!†or “No tag!†immediately, just to have the catcher apply a tag successfully. Instead of three or four rushed mechanics, allow the play to develop and only make the mechanics necessary.

We want to say thank you to thank you to all of those veterans out there who so heroically served our country with honor. Starting Monday, November 11, 2013, we will be providing select former and current members of the military forces an opportunity to qualify for reduced or free tuition funding for our professional umpire course in January! If you're interested in attending, please check with me on Monday to see if you might qualify by emailing admin@umpireschool.com. Please pass this along to your friends and family. Positions will be limited, and individuals must meet certain discharge requirements. Thank you again for your service, and hopefully we'll see you in January.

The Wendelstedt Umpire School Caribbean Umpire Classic is now accepting general public registrations. We will cruise through the Bahamas for a four-day weekend, December 5-9, 2013, and will include classroom and plate work instruction. Invite guests, whether participating or non-participating. Significant others welcomed! It's a fun and relaxing way to brush up on your umpire skills and score a tax deduction in the process!* Positions are limited and registrations will close August 1, 2013, or when capacity has been met. Tuition will increase June 30. We hope that you will be able to join us as Eddie Hickox heads up the training team made up of some of your favorite Wendelstedt instructors! Check out www.umpireschool.com/caribbean_classic.htm for further details. *Check with your tax professional for deductibility

The rulebook requires that the catcher remain directly behind home, but not necessarily within the lines of the catcher's box (except with an intentional base on balls). There is no penalty whatsoever for a catcher being outside of the box during a pitch. If, in the umpire's judgment, the catcher leaves his position from directly behind home plate, he may instruct him to return. If he refuses to comply, he can be ejected for ignoring your warning.

If i may chime in: The position of the ball when it is picked up does not matter, regardless of the circumstances. If an player is an infielder when the pitch is thrown, he is an infielder for the entire play. Same if he is an outfielder to start the play. A second point is that the grass/dirt lines have no bearing on whether a fielder is an infielder or an outfielder. This is a judgment decision on the part of the umpires. Take the following, far-fetched play: R2, one out. Fly ball to left field. The LF and CF collide while chasing the ball and both are knocked out cold as the ball drops in. The shortstop was also moving out to the outfield to possibly field the ball. R2, who held up believing the ball may have been caught, now takes off for third. The shortstop retrieves the ball and then throws the ball out of play in attempt to retire R2 at third base. At the time of the throw, the BR was past first base and R2 had not yet reached third. Ruling: This is the first play by an infielder. The award is two bases from the time of the pitch. R2 scores, and the BR is awarded second base. Had the SS and LF collided and the CF the one who picked up the ball, the award would have been two bases time of the throw. R2 scores, and the BR is awarded third base.

If we're still talking about the same thing (and I'm not sure we are), in the OP, R3 is the "previous" runner that the rule speaks about. R1 is a following runner to R3 and a preceding runner to the BR.