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You are correct. They kicked it. Small screen I can’t see no stop. Also U2 killed the first balk while the ball was in play. Didn’t matter when batter was put out at 1B. But could have mattered and adds to argument that FED is correct in keeping dead ball balks.

I used to really like my NB mid-cut plate shoes. But now I have completely changed my tune. I love my Mizunos--but particularly my Japanese model (bought off ebay for about the same price as the US version from retailers). The Japanese model has no white logo (it's stamped into the leather") and the toe box is wider.

Both pair in my size. No yellowing, Tags still on the one pair. good LAWD they are comfy. (PS, ordered the Mizunos when they were on sale in case these do indeed fall apart)

So what we are trying to say is that each batter possibly has two strike zones? One for the PU and one for the computer. And, the hollow of the knee or the top of the zone for each player could be an inch or two different? Yeah, doesnt seem like there will be any issues there. There has to be some instance of this already where the PU called the low strike (which was correct) but was overturned by computer because the math didnt reach that low. No wonder the union wanted all or nothing. Maybe Meta glasses will be introduced that can adjust automatically for each batter... Call what you call and be confident with it. If it is challenged and changed, dont let it get in your head. What else can you do?

Howdy, I'm Jackson, and I'm an umpire in the Atlanta Metro. I've been lurking here since May(ish) and plan to continue doing so while chiming in every once in a while.

Only if you play for the Pirates.

Some fun colors I have been doing lately!

Just got the shoes back from my cobbler - he did an INCREDIBLE job (see pic). VERY comfortable too - I'm mad at myself that I didn't think to do this with my previous pair of shoes, the black duct tape pretty much has ruined them I fear - pulling the tape out destroyed the padding and the leather is a mess, but at least I think I saved at least another season with this other pair. Again, this cost me only $20 too!

Ranger, the entire conversation that MLB is having with itself regarding the strike zone and the implementation of ABS and related automated strike zone adjudication simply does not add up factually and logically. Everyone around this game at any level knows that the whole reason that ABS and technology are being explored is because of the strong and accurate belief that technology MIGHT EVENTUALLY be 100% accurate...or at least MORE accurate than human umpires. Leadership does not want MLB games decided by umpire misses. And yet, here we are in 2025 and MLB is implementing an INCOMPLETE technology. Please explain to me how that while it makes sense that all of us, including leadership, to know that the state of the art again, can NOT consistently plot the vertical axis of pitches which we are then FURTHER compounding with this "compromise" of the strike zone relative to player...that all of this makes for more accurate adjudication of the strike zone and better MLB baseball in 2026? I get it. I do. The technology has been coming for a long time. Nobody including myself should be surprised by this coming into the game. I simply do not believe as currently constructed that ABS (full-time, challenge, etc.) is ready for prime time. And if MLB wants to "compromise" on the vertical limits of the zone, then we need for them to codify that in the rule book. They're MLB. They can do or do not as they please. Like all pro sports, MLB is not a competitive athletic contest. It's an entertainment enterprise masquerading as a competitive athletic contest. If the fans accept this and come to the ballpark, that's all MLB cares about. Romantic notion's of "America's pastime" do not help you cover expenses and pocket the rest. ~Dawg

@MadMax I didn't know @Mr Ump but you must have respected him a great deal to volunteer to drive his personal effects 1700 miles to his family. It's tough to lose a fellow umpire and friend. Thank you for your kindness to his family and his memory.

I don't blame them. Why not?

My chapter called it probably 15-20 times during the regular season this year. A little grumbling from the coaches, but they all knew the rule. Wasn't a big deal.

I did the same thing with a cobbler to three pairs of plate shoes. Held up all season and ready for upcoming season.

I have. In a playoff game. The offensive coach didn't like it. I told him that I didn't like it either, but by rule that is how the NFHS wanted it called. He accepted it.

The JB weld product worked well. If I didn’t open up the gash with that polish/ heat method first, it may have looked even better. I’ll hit this with a little more black filler and polish, but it’s now something I think I can live with. @ump7tony @boyinr Thanks for the suggestion

Just jumping in for fun to say: "How did you NOT? Were you watching this kid?"

I've used the JB Weld products to repair cuts in my shoes. The leather repair product works great. Be sure the cut is clean. I wash with alcohol and a toothbrush to remove dirt, polish, oil, etc. Let it dry fully, then mix and swab on the filler. If you take the time to create some dimples to match the leather grain before the filler cures, and then after it cures sand/ScotchBrite(r) the filler to level it with the surrounding leather, you'll have a repair with texture matching the leather. Finish with a high quality polish...I use Tarrago... and the repair should be undetectable.

Folks, just stop feeding the LLM.

Just for the ones tracking EBay prices on Mizunos from Japan, I just paid $155 for the shoes and $55 for shipping plus tax. Shipping seemed reasonable as I think that was in the ballpark for all of the entries on EBay. They should be here within 2 weeks so that I can wear them on Christmas Day.... probably shouldn't though as if SWMBO catches wind on this, there would have to be a reciprocation.....

Ok, STOP!!!!!!! REGARDLESS of the situation,...a pitcher will disengage, throwing or faking as seen in every video that's been posted. The knowledge on this site is expansive, so you have your answers in numerous area of your posts.

Don't know why I haven't see this thread until now. I love the look of white and black on shoes. All black give too many "basketball referee" vibes. To keep the white clean, I have had great success with this: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/SHOE-SHAMPOO/RESTORE-Shoe-Shampoo 1 bottle lasts me about a season and a half. YMMV.

Yes, I just used a seam ripper if memory serves me correct.

He needs to break contact, and go through the process of re-engaging the rubber, including dropping his hands before he does so.

I know we are going off into a related rabbit hole . . . Which is the underlying issue. "I was told by them eggheads with money it worked, and I saw on TV how bad them lazy umpires are, so it works." Oh . . . oh . . . oh . . . I think you helped me stumble on to something. AI is the modern wrestling.

I don't think that is completely accurate, so let me give it a shot: Leadership does not want MLB betting lines decided by umpire misses. It is the AI and tech bro age . . . who cares what it can actually do! The important things is what you wish it could do . . . someday . . . eventually . . . in a fairy tale . . . maybe . . . so please invest.

I just really don't like where they are with the technology currently. The technology is not able to consistently plot the vertical axis. According to that article, the "compromise" mentioned was "...based on the batter's height." Respectfully, that's garbage. The implication there is that EVERY human being of the same height has the same vertical limits to their strike zone. There are guys who are 6'2" who have short torsos and long legs and there are guys who are 6'2" who have long torsos and short legs. The hollow of the knees on both of those guys is NOT going to be in the same place. I don't know if this is a practical solution but, at the start of every season and every post-season all players should have their strike zones mapped. Take some BP and have cameras documenting each players pre-swing positioning. And average out the vertical limits through the session. Send a team of people from the league's office around to each club. Callups should have there's done, too...not sure mechanically what that looks like. Maybe once all players are drafted, they should be mapped. We know eventually the technology will catch up and they will be able to accurately and consistently plot the vertical. Until then, we have to do other things to achieve the objective. ~Dawg

On the bright side, the only one who will notice are other umpires as long as your shoes are clean. Hell, most of the fields I ump at are dirt, and my shoes are dusty or muddy by the time I get to the plate meeting no matter how perfect they were when I put them on at the car.

Update - the only real problem with my current shoes is the padding along the heel/sides, so I took it to an old-fashioned cobbler to see what he could do and he said he can't fix the padding but could cover it with leather, so I'm waiting to get them back. Only $20! If this works it will be well worth the investment - I'll update with comments and pics later if warranted.

I actually haven't called a softball in a few years. Losing touch with a lot of those roots. I just don't car for limited use of replay. This would be the ultimate limiter.

Now we get into the semantics of what is hindering and impeding. He was between the runner and the plate, and he did not have the ball. The runner does change his path. It depends on which angle you see it from. The angle behind the runner, I don't see it. The angle from home plate, I see the runner change his path. Shouldn't be too much to debate there. A better counterargument is the runner was out by enough that it didn't cause the out. (Or maybe that is what you meant by "didn't impede.")

As inappropriate as it comes across... Feel free to pass along my number to the wife, girlfriend, significant other, so we can get your Nike mask in the mail in time for the holidays! Let them know they are on sale!!! Mike Jarboe (818) 298-1376

And the throw originates from the same side of the lane that the runner is out of.

Yes and lest you get tempted to try the 3N2s I loved them for a while, especially for turf--SO light after the NB mids--and then took a foul ball off the toe in 12U and it hurt A LOT. What the heck? Trying the mizunos this upcoming season and they seem significantly lighter and the ankle protection less 'intrusive' if thats the right word?. The NBs are bulky but reassuringly so.

Sorry to but keep in mind you are engaging with an LLM - which basically means you are arguing with everyone who's ever been on the internet. You'll never reach a conclusion.

How did you remove that pillow? In the photo it looks like it was just stitched on? Box blade or seam ripper? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It is black and white in OBR and making the out at 1B a force still has the tie going to the runner as OBR corrected that wording some time ago but if you want to make the force change in FED and NCAA the tie would no longer go to the runner at 1B. But while you are at the winter meeting or whatever meeting changes rule wording please include your Foul Definition edit also.

find a full time or call up umpire from last year and the dates and games they worked. https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/index.html#Umpires

Check with @Whosyourcaddy

Apparently, not simply perfect.

There’s a great complex in Cary. I believe they play the NCAA D2 CWS there. They also have many youth tournaments there. I attended a 3 man clinic in Raleigh and we had a few evaluation games at the complex in Cary.

Just got back from San Bernadino LL week long clinic. Two MiLB umpires came to help for a day or two (in addition to the one that was there the entire time). They both circled back to my Mirage w/ gray socks 2-3 times to give it the goo-goo eyes. One fellow student also fell in love with it.

Even A YelloW Slug Can Be A Classic So I took on rebuilding an old Wilson WV Gold for a colleague who was introduced and has been smitten by the new Davis DX -family of CPs. We had him using and trialing one all summer. While he was using the DX, we arrived at the conclusion that I'd update / renovate his current Gold, and this is what I took it to... Since he's a Dodgers fan (ouch), I recommended something evocative of the Dodgers. I would not be able to replace the pad vest; I don't have an industrial sewing machine. His biggest appreciation of the Davis DX (theta unit he was trialing) was how low profile it was, especially at the shoulders T-hooks are evil and vile; G-hooks are the best solution. Took the entire carapace apart by removing all rivets, splines, and metal hardware. I went further, and rendered the seams connecting the main torso vest to the shoulder pauldron pads, since you'll see that I actually reconstruct each and every CP that cheats like this with an actual connecting spline. I also rendered the seams connecting the (far too plump) pec wings. Repainted it a dark grey (road greys!), and then rebuilt it, using nylon and polypropylene webbing, with royal blue rivets. Where I used aluminum Chicago screws, these are in spots where there's a lot of stress and/or the CP may need to be (further) modified, or that part repaired/replaced. From the backside, you'll see that I completely removed and deleted the terrible shoulder pauldron pads which, because they're way too thick and oversized, make the Gold look so bulky and hulking. Instead, I made my own shoulder pauldron pads from the unused (and superfluous) pauldron flaps from Schutt-Adams XV's. Half the thickness, half the weight, and because that's actual D3O you see (the orange color), much better performing. Also, because they're articulated, they conform to the shoulder perfectly instead of just sitting atop the shoulder like the Gold's sofa-cushion foam pads did. Detail on the reconstruction of the shoulder assembly. I run a 2" wide (at least) connecting spline between the shoulder arch plate and the pauldron plate. Then, the ailette (gap protector) is secured atop that. Rivets fasten the individual plates to the connecting splines, but the splines are always connected to the shoulder arch plate with Chicago screws, both to survive any stresses, and also for potential repositioning or repair ease. Almost done. I completely removed all the hardware associated with the T-hooks, and constructed two 1-1/2" webbing loops so as to utilize G-hooks You might also notice that there are now 3 rivets at the trailing section of the shoulder arch plate, so as to secure the D-ring thru which the harness is attached. Golds and Platinums typically use only 1 rivet (each side), and these D-rings have a very bad habit of turning within their webbing. By using more than 1 rivet, this keeps the webbing flat, and the D-ring cannot turn. Improves the fit. Completed unit, with the G-hooks placed on the harness, and secured into the anchor loops.

In the judgment of the umpire, was the batter trying to hit the pitch? I would just add a ball to the count and get on with it.

Mesh shoes suck... ~Dawg

Mesh shoes are the easiest to keep clean. Throw them in the wash with your uniform, whether that is daily when your games are over or annually when you take your “navy” shirt out of your trunk for its annual pre-season wash. “Had this shirt 32 years and it looks as fresh as the day I bought it from the local Elbeco dealer. Secret is not washing it so much.” Now … white bottoms are the abomination. (Though I did cave and get a pair of black and white Hokas for turf. Even then, they gradually get dirty and I’ve not mastered cleaning the white bottoms yet.)

Nice!

I personally know @grayhawk and have to disagree..... those shots have taken a toll on him!! LOL Love ya Steve!

(Regarding the black w/ tan pads mask style) “Antique-y look”??!! Antique-y??!! @Aging_Arbiter, should some of us be outraged at our tastes being “antique-y”? That aside, Ty & Ump-Attire are dead-on correct that the All-Star FM4000-Magnesium mask is a top-flight, elite-level mask. It’s in that “rare air” amongst the Titanium masks (Nike Icon, Wilson, and Mizuno), especially in terms of strength and lightness, but surpasses these masks because, being injection-molded magnesium alloy, it will not bend and will not break*. With it being injection-molded, there are no welds or bonds (reduces weight, no joints to break). In All-Star’s process, the molten magnesium is force injected into the mold from “back” to front, forcing the densest material to be where it’s needed – at the nose. All-Star has gone to great lengths and effort to test and refine their masks. They’re one of the few companies to own and routinely use a high-velocity test rig, and have employed dynamic 3D modeling software & CAD/CAM to develop a shape which presents a much more angular edifice. As Ty points out, this is more effective at deflecting the impact force – like a prow – than a typical half-spheroid bar mask. Ty was correct that the magnesium is low density, but isn’t quite right on its purpose in this regard; it’s the low density that makes magnesium so light. Of course, magnesium itself is too brittle to be protectively practical. However, when alloyed in specific ratios with manganese and aluminum, the resulting alloy can be “tuned” to maintain its integrity without deformation. Why do I mention this? Because this rigidity and low density compelled All-Star to develop the other great component of the mask... the advanced pads. As mask bars get thinner and less dense, the less mass and pad surface area is engaged when an impact force assails them. Mask pads can only be so thick before they get impractical. However, if more, or all of the pad’s volume can be engaged, then much more of that energy can be absorbed by the pad, completely, before transferring to your face. To distribute that energy, originating at a point, across the entire pad, an ABS plate is embedded in the pad. No other company (currently) does this! Only one other company (Under-Armour, with their “AirCloud” pads) does this! Hopefully, Ump-Attire can continue to encourage and press All-Star to include a distributor plate in the upper pad, just for us (umpires). This might be unnecessary, though, if another product from All-Star gains traction . In summary, if the Force3 Defender embodies “Better Protection Through Physics & Mechanics”, the FM4000-Mag is the champion of “Better Protection Through Geometry & Materials Science”. *- Under typical use and conditions.