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Good question. We don't have BI, we have a member of the team at bat failing to vacate and hindering the pitcher. R3 out other runners return. 6.01(b) What's the distinction you're using to invoke 6.01(b) vs 5.09(b)(8) / 6.01(a)(3)?

Good question. We don't have BI, we have a member of the team at bat failing to vacate and hindering the pitcher. R3 out other runners return. 6.01(b)"...............................................If a member of the team at bat (other than a runner) hinders a fielder’s attempt to field a thrown ball, the ball is dead, the runner on whom the play is being made shall be declared out and all runners return to the last legally occupied base at the time of the interference."

Ok, I'm a softball guy where we would call the batter out on INT and send the runner(s) back. Is this called differently in the little ball/big field game?

Right, but are we calling the Batter out (and R3 back to 3B)? Or R3 (and Batter continues)?

Well, welcome back Kotter! Hey! Our buddy @wolfe_man can relate! Whichever mask you're after, might I recommend investing in a set of "our" Davis Cores-&-Socks pads? From a technical standpoint, the Force3 Ultimates are demonstrably better than the Douglas PDS's, simply because Force3 employs a Kevlar-skinned EVA (closed cell) foam, while Douglas (stubbornly) uses Qualux upholstery foam. The two are virtually equitable in their hard shell designs, but the Douglas has a better ankle buttress and an additional thigh (above the knee) plate. Metal clips & rings are barbaric and arcane (Douglas), but plastic side-release buckles (Force3) aren't perfect, despite being quieter and corrosion-free. Both the Douglas and Force3s keep their shape much, much better than any of the Wilson units, which suffer not only from the use of cheap open-cell upholstery foam, but also from weakly-molded ABS, which has this stupid habit of flattening out. With that said, Douglas shins are highly valued by the pro and amateur umpires that own them. Davis is working on several new models. Please understand... it's not just "two new ones" – it's an entire new family of chest protectors, all sharing the same DNA, just configured in different ways for different contexts. All DX units consist of shaped and contoured HDPE plates, which are thinner, lighter, just as durable as ABS, and hold their shape better. The DX units join the +POS Cobra and All-Star Cobalt in this. They all feature a very effective flex-style harness, and their fastening hardware is the enigmatic G-hook. The key component, though, that sets the DX family apart from the rest of the market is the pad vest. Instead of using open-cell upholstery foam (Wilson, Douglas, etc.), Davis combines EVA (closed-cell) foam and a now-named crosslink mesomorphic (meaning, it changes shape and thickness in accordance to pressure or impact energy) foam called Covalta. In the DX family, Covalta is employed on the Mk2 and the Kuta. The Enduro received D3O AeroMax, which is a unique, advanced foam that remains pliant and flexible, like silly putty, until struck with an impact energy, wherein it stiffens like plywood. This characteristic allows these foams to occupy a volume one-third that of open-cell foam (the upholstery foam Wilson uses). Then, the decisive characteristic is that both Covalta and D3O are hydrophobic, shedding water / moisture near-instantly. The vaunted Riddell Power never had it so good. Granted, it was the quintessential CP, and achieved legendary status, primarily because it: A) fit really well, B) was rare (a limited quantity were made before Wilson slapped the C&D Injunction on it), and C) was thinner than the Wilson units, despite using open-cell upholstery foam. Again, granted, it was all they had in the 80s and 90s... but that's even more indicting and damning for Wilson, because they haven't updated or modernized their CPs in 30 years, yet still charge us premium prices for them!!! In defense of the All-Star Cobalt, it's a very good CP; in my professional-technical opinion, it's the best rival to the Davis DX family. However, there are features on the Cobalt that are, frankly, downright maddening (SRBs and their placement, extension, ailettes, etc.) that Davis learned to address and remedy. By contrast, the Force3 UnEqual designed and progressed itself into a "design cul-de-sac" (ie. dead end) that it can't extricate out of without starting all over. It's good, and does what it's supposed to and billed to be (ie. lower profile than the Wilson Gold), but its performance shortcomings don't warrant the premium cost. They're being bought because of supply saturation and pervasiveness. Smitty uniform pieces (shirts, jackets, pants) are everywhere. And, every association head / assigner / coordinator who directs or influences his charges to purchase these pieces gets two things very valuable to him: A) a cut of dividends (a kickback), and B) all* of his umpires compliant to his expectations of "uniform code". Smitty pants ain't perfect. Far from. How do I know this? Because many of the colleagues I encounter are pursuing SSKs. Yes, it's that similar "novelty" factor that fuels the Riddell Power's aura, but that's gotta be some aura – or some significant shortcomings on those Smittys – to drive these umpires to seek out and purchase pants that are easily $100+ per unit, and that's not even factoring in tariffs, shipping, and importation! I have the same ones – Pro7131s. Expander waist band, belt tunnel in the back (instead of 2-3 loops), flat fronts... but skinny. Slim. Built for the twentysomething that I certainly am not any longer (but try desperately to cling to). I also have the Davis DCP711s (Base) and DCP721s (Plate). Flat front, super thin, static waistband. The plate pants have not only a saddle-stitched reinforced seat, but reinforced knees that reduce the hang-ups on shinguards. The leg cut, though again, is Slim. Makes ya kinda conscious of being 50 and trying to look like you belong amongst college athletes. So! Like 'em, and they're better than my ol' Smittys, but I'm taking them down to Phoenix to work this Fall and leaving them in my gear cache there. Davis did recently equip me with the brand-new BFXPros, in both Plate and Base, and I can honestly say, these are the best pants I've owned and worn to date. These are in the "NCAA Charcoal" colorway, and I trust they'll be able to endure my use of them up here in the Midwest. They look the most like the ol' best polywools, but are easily the best domestic rival to the SSKs.

Yes, I have INT on the batter.

That might influence one's decision! 😂

INT

Reportedly all 7 were bought out. "According to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale, seven MLB umpires have informed the league they will be accepting a buyout offer and retiring after the 2026 season. Among them are CB Bucknor and Laz Diaz, alongside Brian O’Nora, Lance Barksdale, Marvin Hudson, Tony Randazzo and Andy Fletcher." https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2026/07/05/cb-bucknor-laz-diaz-retire-mlb-umpires-buyout-2026-season/90814368007/

Wow, there will be 7 openings in MLB next year? I guess it's a good time to be a AAA umpire and a call up. I don't know if MLB gave him any help, of course I'm sure they're not sad to see him go. I'm sure it is a number of reasons. I'm thinking it might also have something to do with ABS. One thing about ABS is that it gives umpires real time feedback, and sometimes that feedback can be real glaring. I'm sure some of them are thinking they need to tighten things up. At the pro level, If you miss a pitch by less than an inch, I'm sure most umpires won't feel bad about that. But if you miss big and the whole stadium knows it and comes down on you, I'm sure that's not a great feeling. And when Jomboy is doing a video like this about you, that's gotta mess with your game. I'm not being critical of CB as I couldn't carry his jockstrap as an umpire. I do think social media can be unfair many times and wrongly vilify people. Unfortunately, good or bad SM is imbedded in our culture. I'm just wondering if all the glaring criticism played a part in his retirement decision.

selling my TW chest protector with no harness. It’s covered in stickers which can be removed and perhaps redone. $350 free shipping in the US.

I've lost 50+ pounds and have decided to celebrate by getting rid of things that no longer fit and gear I no longer use. Some of it is faded or has discoloration but might still be good for a newer umpire so check link at bottom for pictures of all gear. All prices include shipping. Smitty umpire shirts and jackets all 3XL $20 each, discounts for volume Traditional Black--has some markings on front Traditional Grey--has some marking on front Navy--has some marking on front Powder Blue--has sunscreen stains around collar Red--like new Pink--like new GHSA Navy LS--like new Navy with red stripe jacket Ball Bags $20 for each set or both sets if bought together Force 3 Navy--is faded from use Force 3 Black--has some sunscreen stains Mask Harness--2 UL V2 harnesses $20 each Umplife Shoe Bag set $20 Umplife UBag $20 All-Star Cobalt skull cap sand finish $30 https://imgur.com/a/umpire-gear-oIceY6u

MLB: Controversial umpire CB Bucknor hangs up his mask and calls it quits for good I wonder how much "help" MLB gave him to make this decision?

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2026/07/05/cb-bucknor-laz-diaz-retire-mlb-umpires-buyout-2026-season/90814368007/ in more recent times the fewest amount of call up games before being hired full time was Dan Bellino, who had 1 game in 2008, 31 games in 2009, and 112 games in 2010, or 144 call up games before a 2011 full time hire.

I have the Davis straight fit, flat front base pants and the tag inside says "Pro-7131" so not sure which version I have. I like them overall, but the fabric on the inside kind of sticks to my Stance MLB socks. I also don't like the expander waistband, but I don't like those on any pants.

The Force 3 shin guards seem to be the default that I see in my crews. I've had them for the last two seasons and they're pretty solid. It does feel like this is the next area to see some innovation if a new product can maintain the protection, reduce the profile and likelihood that your pants will catch above the knee. I'm betting on the market will figure that out before I need to purchase my next set. Run, don't walk. You won't regret it. This is the only area where I wish I had a brick and mortar store to shop in. I'm confused by all of the available options. The Smitty pants are being bought by most folks and its not because they're the best.

It’s pretty love or hate fit. Not for everyone, but a regular fit is coming.

Really really like the BFX Pro (have the base pants) in terms of material, stretch, and color but think they are cut too thin and skinny. Just my $.02.

We actually have three different pant series now. The 94X is what most people reference as it is our oldest line and does use a heavier fabric. Our two newer lines, are both lighter. The Core Lightweight will probably overtake the 94X in popularity next year and is about 30% lighter then the 94X and slightly lighter then the Smitty Poly/Spandex line. This line doesn't use Spandex in the primary fabric like the rest of our line, but does have a Lycra crotch gusset for good flex in the right spots. The BFX Pro has been discussed here before and that is the most expensive pant in our line up, again newer models have the Lycra crotch gusset, its weight is between the 94X and Core Lightweight and has the best colorfastness to UV exposure. The 94X and BFX Pro are both getting refreshes in terms of cuts, features, etc. for 2027 as well.

Hey everyone, I finally got my left knee replace a week ago (and will get my right one done in September). Thus, my season ended early but I had some success by getting picked to do the State Quarterfinals this year. Still got the goal of getting the plate on the championship game but that will have to wait a year or so. So since I am laid up and bored and achy, I started thinking about getting a tattoo on my scar (not really going to go get one, just thinking about it). I came up with one and asked AI to produce the picture. The description first base umpire down in a stance straddling the first base line looking at the foul pole and we only see his back and butt -- with my scar being the foul pole. Hey! my balls would always be fair! AI still has a ways to go. What I got was: Anyone got a thought on what their scar tattoo would be on a knee replacement scar? lol

Does anyone have an update on the 2027 NFHS baseball rules?

you remember that old drivers ed test of pulling 2 objects together by strings until they were exactly even that i heard about from the old days to check depth perception. sounds like depth perception may have been off. if that is your first and only time with that issue you are living amongst the baseball gods and out of most peoples leagues. instead of moving straight up in the exact same path the ball is taking, you might want to go more towards the side to get more of some type of "angle" on the ball hit to right center if possible, and not get straightlined so to speak, like on a play at first with the foot. many times fielders dont like that ball straight at them, they want it a little on one side or the other. and sometimes crapola just happens and you kick the crap out of the play as jim joyce said. at least your miss was a 1-0 game and not a possible historical making call like Joyce's was, as he so aptly described it himself, with humility. and joyce was a pitcher himself collegiately in the same conference at the same time with Orel Hershiser.

In this particular situation, I knew he was in no position to give help. If I appease the coach, and come back with the same conclusion, two things can happen....A, the coach knows my partner had no look and it throws more gas on the fire, or B, now he believes BOTH umpires got the call wrong. I chose to own my calls. This does not mean I'll never go for help but not this time.