kstrunk

I might need to know more about this? Aftermarket home-made deal? Or something All Star sells?

So I switched from my beloved Schutt XV to the All Star System 7, for various reasons. And as usual when we have a new CP, I was eagerly anticipating a 'good shot' off of it, which I got Monday. Coaches and Catcher estimate 85-87 mph (it's where this kid normally sits) four seamer, barely knicked the bat and hit me hard, directly on the right clavicle. Only felt that something impacted the CP, sounded like a shot gun went off, but didn't feel ANYTHING underneath. I was impressed. I bought it for the clavicle protection, and it didn't disappoint! Catcher was sure I should be hurt, he asked me twice, but I literally didn't feel anything.

Watching an NCAA game yesterday (as a spectator), 2 man crew, R1, R2, no outs. Ground ball to F6, throws to F4 for the force at 2B, to F3 for a banger. 1BC screams 'he's off the bag!!!'. No call from BU who seemed to be in the appropriate position to make a call. Rather, BU looked at PU who was a step into foul territory about 20 ft up 1BL. Nothing from either brother for several seconds until BU finally calls him safe with no other signal, DC is out immediately. My question is this - I realize there was at one time a mechanic wherein the BU would instantly defer to PU on the line when F3's foot may have been pulled... but I thought those days were over and BU should make his call and then check with his partner if necessary, and I think the PU thought so as well. Am I wrong on that, or is this simply a mistake (which no one is above)? Is it something that guys pre-game? I for one will be pre-gaming it from now on because it obviously needs to be pre-gamed! Or am I overboard on this?

The video came out over the winter clinics, was of a CWS play that was handled in absolutely exemplary fashion. He didn't make a call other than 'time'! Then he inspected the batter's hand, then he asked U1, 'I want to know if he swung.', then he awarded 1B. His timing, control, and verbiage were simply inspiring.

I like 'em both! I was particularly interested in the plate jacket with the gray.

Hard for me to believe there isn't some advantage to 'sticky stuff' on that chest protector, as evidenced in this particular case, the ball didn't go far at all!!! I'll bet there'll be a rule sooner or later!

I guess the lack of suitable umpires makes it difficult for associations to DEMAND the professionalism of the PU standing on the respective foul line, counting pitches, and notifying the battery and the on deck batter when there are 2 left, then 1 left, then... 'here we go!'... Everything else that some guys do (i.e... social hour, small talk, etc.) only serves to provide more opportunities for him to hang himself with a coach or player. In my limited experience though, the job is easier when done right (PROFESSIONAL). Is it a bit lonelier? Maybe. Does it then address some guys' need for approval and friendship? Nope. But that's not what umpiring is about anyway. It's about making sure the game is played right so that the players have every opportunity to do what they've come to do.

Enhanced positioning, particularly for pick offs and DP's, as well as game management stuff, and preparing mentally for the increased intensity.

1st D3 game last night taught me many things, including how the intensity multiplies exponentially. It also re-affirmed how much I need to learn. Thankful for a veteran partner who was patient.

Thanks @grayhawk. I've extended this practice to include F2's warmup throw down to 2B, as it also helps me judge a throw in the 1st half of the flight of the ball, as well as using my eyes to ensure firm/secure possession and voluntary release of infielders. As the last warm up pitch is being thrown, I'll walk in toward 2B and when the catcher is about to throw, I'll get set and call it in my head. This has helped me immensely.

Great advice all. One more thing @stl_ump, the culture of the baseball fan/spectator, especially at the amateur level, is one that EXPECTS the umpire to be wrong whether he is or isn't. Peoples' emotions are wrapped up in the success of their kids/players/students, so whether you're right or wrong is often irrelevant, you're GOING to hear from people even when you're right. So evaluate your mechanics and focus on getting better, and tune out the rest of the 'umps' who are outside the lines.

While I agree with you in the spirit of your argument, I'm learning more and more myself that I should focus on what my job is, and what it isn't. I'm not there to train the coach to be a coach, or coach the players to play the game. While our job does, in part, do some of both, we're really there to enforce the rules and manage the game between 2 teams. So as I said previously, and as @grayhawk seemed to agree, eject the guy if he deserves to be ejected, but short of that, manage the game without perpetuating a problem, because ultimately, in his agitated state, it isn't likely you're going to win him to you're way of thinking anyway, and like we comment so often regarding certain MLB brothers who seem to bring heat upon themselves, you'll end up doing the same thing. We're the umpires, so we're already under the microscope, and we cost ourselves credibility with inappropriate and indecisive arguing.

While I certainly understand the temptation, I wouldn't advise following after or saying anything to a coach who is walking away. If he said something eject-able prior to walking away, by all means, take care of business, but otherwise, let him go. If he says something like that and doesn't walk away, something to the effect of - "Let's be done with this one and play ball", and then go back to business. If he doesn't leave, warn him, then.... syanara.

i.e... Joe West a couple years ago when he tossed A.J. Pyrzinkski - to the manager - 'you need another catcher...' manager 'why?' - JW '...because this one is done.' nuff said.

That's fun. No time to bask in the joy of a banger, because another one is on the way!!! Can't say I've experienced them that close at the same base.

I'm honored to have stimulated your 6000th post!!!! But please, teach on... Should I have cited 5.09 (a)(8) alone, WITHOUT the comment?

I wear 2. My college group requires 2; while I agree, I wouldn't be able to answer why they require it.

I'm afraid to ask!

Helpful. Thanks.

I'm going with the call on the field, in all codes, the runner is out. From my perspective, F2 did not block the plate illegally and moved into the line of the runner to field the throw. After the ball was loosened from his grip, he had a right to pick it up and tag the runner (both on the ground and tangled).

Rule 5.09(a)(8) comment (2nd paragraph) - If a whole bat is thrown into fair or foul territory and interferes with a defensive player attempting to make a play, interference shall be called whether intentional or not.

Had a guy last summer who made a move to first by jumping off the back of the rubber (not a direct and clear disengagement as everything moved simultaneously) and he did NOT throw to first... I balked him. HC was adamant that F1 'stepped off' so he doesn't need to throw. I know other guys have seen this as well, and it may become more prevalent, but it's a balk and it should be called. Thanks @maven for emphasizing it.

Agreed, as I stipulated in my previous post, but when he's outside the confines of the lane the last 10 ft, running (not stepping) in fair territory, and hinders the fielder in receiving a throw, that's RLI, that's all I'm saying. And... while I'm at it, I'm grateful for your wisdom, and grace.

While the video clearly has the BR's right foot in fair territory at the beginning of the cutout, we can agree to disagree on that... my only question then, is... Does it matter where the runner was between 10 & 80 ft, IF he's running in fair territory, outside the confines of the lane, from 80-90 ft? Even if he were in the lane for a time, in this case, isn't his running in fair territory, outside the confines of the lane in the last 6-10 feet is a violation of the rule (assuming he left the lane prior to the need to step on the bag)?

I've been tuned into this thread from the beginning, and I'm confused. Realizing I've got a lot to learn myself, and that I don't have the right to criticize much here, and wanting to be courteous in all things, especially understanding we're discussing this in hindsight, I still struggle to see how we can say this BR was EVER running legally to 1st base based on the video provided. When the camera left the BR he was clearly in fair territory (legally for the first 45 ft.), and when the camera returns to the BR at about 6:44, it's evident the runner was in fair territory for at least the entire length of the cut out (more than a reach or step). I'm teachable and coachable friends, but at present I don't see how this is NOT a violation of NCAA 7.11.p. I just want to understand if I'm missing something.