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Crease for sure on my base caps. Far more difficult to crease my skull though.

Assuming the SB rule is the same as the BB rule: 1) This isn't "tangle / untangle" -- that can only happen in the immediate vicinity of home plate and nearly immediately after B becomes BR. 2) It appears to me that F5 was the protected fielder. So, BR would be out for INT.

Like it says, I am just getting started in SE Michigan. My youngest daughter is starting her HS year, and just committed to play Softball in college. As I saw our time on the field starting to go away, I wanted to find a way to give back, so I thought I would give this a try. I got lucky and have a good friend who has been doing this for a while, and has offered to mentor me! I also found out about Battlefields to Ballfields from this forum, I was accepted this week, and placed the order for all of my gear today. If you are a Vet, definitely check this resource out (I served 23 years in the Army before retiring). The plan is to do some LL games this fall to get my feet wet, and my mentor said he could get me on a crew with him for some fall tournaments, so that will be nice. Hopefully by spring I will be ready for HS ball. Anyway, looks like a great forum, and I have a lot to learn!!

Hey everyone, Figured it was finally time to stop lurking and make an account. I’ve been reading Umpire-Empire since around 2016 when I started umpiring at 13 years old, and I’ve learned a lot from the discussions here over the years. I’m from southeast Michigan and currently umpire both baseball and softball, from 8U all the way through high school. I’m always looking to improve and enjoy working games at every level. Umpiring definitely runs in my blood. My dad has been an umpire for over 40 years and has served as a USSSA UIC/assigner in southeast Michigan for more than 20 years. I grew up around ballfields and have been fortunate to learn a lot from him. Looking forward to learning even more, contributing where I can, and getting to know everyone here! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Im sure when the State org Heads and assignors are not 60+ and stop using the "back in my day" phrase like its a Biblical quote, creased hats, patent shoes, all black ONLY requirements, and (sorry @MadMax) NAVY shirts will all but disappear. Look at any younger (below 35) umpire out on a field. They are not creasing hats (unless pressured by those 55+ guys) and they certainly aint wearing patent leather shoes. Sh&*t, even softball is coming around on the pant color! I am at an age and a space in my career that I wear what is comfortable. Nike Golf shoes with the FORBIDDEN white logo on the bases, and whatever plate shoes I have in the car on game day. Just look at the 50th anniversary of Referee Magazine. The advertisements in that thing CATERED to the 55+ crowd, but articles were written about the "aging out of officials" and the "lack of officials". Im guessing the marketing departments at these places are the same Old Heads (for you Old guys, thats what the young generations calls you, and they most definitely mean it with all of the respect you think it carries) that run the state orgs.

Tonight's Wilmington vs. Frederick game will feature a fill-in umpire who came up through our local Little League Junior Umpire program. He's still in college, but has been doing high school and wood bat summer league for a couple of years. Apparently one of the regular guys got hurt in a DH yesterday, and the development guy for MLB knew him and called him up to be a fill in. (I don't know if he knows him from the local high-level work, or the MLB camp I encouraged him to attend). Anyway, as a mentor of sorts (he surpassed me, very early on), I'm stoked as hell and sorry I can't swing up there.

Based on all the glowing feedback on the UA FB page, I think the demographic that loves the patent leather monstrosities exclusively belong to states and groups that still mandate navy shirts and plate/base pay differential. I will die on this hil lol

Need to add Belt- Pioneer Belt, patent or regular, gold or silver buckle. They make their belts with the holes in 1/2" increments so those hot days you can tighten it in the later innings, and if you are bundled up with multiple garments tucked in you can let it out a half. lifetime warranty (and we KNOW umpires like wearing the same thing for a lifetime!! 😄). Family owned company. USA made. Get one, you wont be disappointed.

My skull cap. I use the AS Skully--and it is by and large sufficient for the task--but I think it could be improved in a few ways (looks, padding location).

If money was truly irrelevant, then why are we thinking so small, friends? An “oversized” indicator? Psshawh, I got your oversized indicator right here… Every field would have a working scoreboard, and an attentive scorekeeper or, absent that, a remote that I (as PU) or my partner can control during the game. Heck yeah, make the BU pay attention to the game! Every college field would have a clock, too, with again, at least a remote that the BU can manipulate. Heck (again!), these should be on HS fields too! If money was truly irrelevant, every Varsity -rated and college-used ballfield would have lights, too.

These two gentlemen have solid opinions, and I tend to agree with them. I do diverge slightly on the accoutrements. Plate shoes - Mizunos. The Japanese model if you don't mind hitting up eBay. I actually find the standard width NB toebox too narrow, and the Mizunos are a huge improvement (YMMV). Indicator - AS 4-dial cast metal. It's a bit heavier, but it's bulletproof, and with the notches I don't need to look at my indicator during a game. Ever. Plate Brush - Japanese style. Once you've tried it, you won't go back. Base shoes - I've tried lots of options, but my NB are my favorite dry field shoe (though I'm going to get the Mizuno shoes that come out this fall). The adidas shoes are for wet fields, but the toe box is too narrow for every game use. Shirts and Pants - I won't go back to Smitty after wearing GD. Personal - OG Thighpro with a Nutty Buddy in the pouch.

Got basically 3 things coming to our offerings. The shoe furthest to the left is what I am guessing is what UA shows. 1. Plate shoes in all black 2. Shoe 2nd from left 3. And below

I am using the AS UMP with a FM4000 MAG and a Nike TI Icon with TW pads. Both have standard harnesses on them. I have used this set up now for about 8-10 games. I actually like it more than I thought I would. I feel it’s better vented than a hat, the mask seems to sit better on the helmet, I like the short visor and I really don’t notice it once the game starts. I think I am sold. YMMV

I think even in FED the OP would be an out since the ball first hit the glove.. That said, it's not yet an out if the ball is trapped in the crook of the elbow. It become an out when it's controlled in the hand or glove.

Just please only promote those worthy of true MLB umpire material. It should be based scores and game-keeping ability, not anything else. I don't want to bring politics in here, but let it be merit-based... please.

Same tightness, just have to grab your helmet and frame at the same time, kind of right at the top corner of your mask and it’ll just come right off

Thanks for noticing… @DerekGDS and I (and others) have been keeping track of it since Charlie debuted it in late March. @wolfe_man and @concertman1971 and @834k3r have heard from me enough that, “All we need is one, just one MLBU to wear it, and everything will take off from there”, and Derek hauls off and drops on me that Ramos broke camp with it, my heart nearly stopped. Unless my eyes deceive me, I think I spotted Rob Drake using Davis Cores&Socks pads on his Wilson DynaTite mask. I’m especially hopeful of seeing more Davis C&S pads out there, since not only is Team Wendy no longer producing any pads, but Davis cores are available in 3 different levels, and the socks (casings) are devoid of any branding that would have to be otherwise obscured. Of course, if sand-tan or sky blue was in circulation, that’d really draw eyeballs. 👀

I'm travelling so I can't get the specific rule and language, but, in FED, the batter stepping out of the box is a penalty strike. Batter steps out (penalty strike), ball stays live, pitch is a strike. You have two strikes added to the count.

It allows them to work 2nd base the full 360 degrees... just like the plate. It is required even more so since the runners can't slide through the base and not be in jeopardy to be put out. 2nd base has some of the most dynamic play types because of the various angles at which throws can originate from.

I was in the Navy for 20 years and never saw a single ball cap with a crease. I like to crease my umpire hats and it has nothing to do with my Navy service. Just think it looks sharp. And I don't shine any of my shoes. Maybe the soles on the plate shoes. I like white on my base shoes. I saw a comment on this site by somebody claiming that military personnel only like all black shoes. Not true. You do you.

Added some notes in your text but as regards this: "I keep hearing umpires say , yes its live here, and we offense chooses. I have had umpires stop me from calling time and taking care of the situation saying "they get to choose". but I do not see there is any scenerio ... where there is a choice? please correct me if im wrong." There is an esoteric scenario regarding the doctoring the ball penalty where you can find the word "choice". Otherwise there is no choice in the OBR/NCAA balk rule. There are guys who dress as umpires who find it hard to understand what you understand correctly and revert to using "coach choice."

Rule book (paraphrased) : if any part of the ball crosses over any part of the plate, it’s a strike. better for most of us (assuming the boxes are marked correctly): if any part of the ball crosses over any part of the batters box line, it’s a ball.

Sir, the next time you come into the U.S., we're going to need you to bring MacIntosh toffee and Old Dutch All Dressed chips for everyone. Keep the ketchup chips though--they're a war crime.

I'm shocked @Richvee didn't catch this before me. Neil Peart wrote those words of wisdom.

Agreed. How often do we see 1bc / 3bc "filed" a foul ball? That's never called INT. I know NCAA used to have a rule that if the BR contacted a foul ball, he was out. They then changed it mabe 15 years a go to "the ball must have a chance to become fair." I don't think there's anything directly on this, but if there's no play, there's no interference.

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice

Easy. Plate shoes. This is the one piece of equipment that should, and needs, to completely alter its convention. They are a – pardon the obvious pun – walking contradiction. As a company, you can only put so many resources into these shoes, make 'em like tanks (which they do), only for them to invariably wear out in some way. Whether that be internally, the sole / traction diminishes, or they get stepped on and damaged. Then you have the wildly broad range of size combinations – from as small as 5 (I'll never forget ya @Tksjewelry !) all the way to 16-17, and then from D to 4E in width! ... and then there's preferences on low, mid, or hi-top!! ... and then there are those cantankerous, stodgy users who want demand all-black! (How in the heck are you supposed to promote athleticism and advertise your company on an all-black shoe??!!) It is a daunting design challenge. Certainly, with the latitude of "money no object or barrier", something may one day emerge as a solution. If I was to undertake this one, I'd separate the protective components from the shoe itself. Let shoe manufacturers (continue to) make shoes in the variety of sizes, widths, and styles – and white embellishments!! – like they're fully capable of doing, and then develop a toe cap and tarsal plate that is durable, protective, (relatively) easy to install, and secure enough to be used by a variety of umpires, at a variety of levels, for both baseball and softball. Surely, with all of the resources we now have available to us, we can come up with something more refined and adaptable than heavy leather shoe-boots, in a restrictive array of sizes, at an exorbitant price point.

Rich can speak for himself obviously but I find the Incrediware comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time. They are fabric and not neoprene so breath and they aren't overly tight. Just comfortable to wear all day. They won't limit motion or provide as much support as neoprene sleeves (of which there are varying levels of braces and weight). I think they are good for lingering knee issues in a non-high activity level setting.

This is one of those "ick" plays where we have to hold our nose and make the call. It feels wrong because, as Max pointed out, the fielder is literally running up the BR's backside. How is the BR supposed to avoid a fielder that she cannot even see? It is not something that the batter had any real control over. Should we instruct fast catchers to simply run up the slow BR's ass when going out for a bunt? This will cause more (and more severe) injuries than throwing during RLI. It also feels wrong because of inconsistencies (across codes and within codes) in language and application when it comes to intent. If Manny Machado can intentionally run into the most likely throwing lane that is behind him, how can we penalize a batter who is being run over from behind? Nonetheless, I do agree, the rules support the interference call. I just don't like it.

I am not harshing on your mellow, but, for me, no. Just no.

Fun post. I feel like I’m a gear junkie and operate this way anyways 😂 CP - very happy with the 13 inch Douglas. If I was starting from scratch, prob the Davis D30 Enduro or the limited edition orange one. If I could go back in time, I’d have a Carlucci made for me and buy 5 Riddell Powers Mask - Probably would have tried to grab a Nike Titanium somehow when they were hot 15 or so years ago on TV. I’m happy with the All Star FM4000 and the Davis Mirage. Shin Guards - Probably would have had a Carlucci set made but right now would be the gray Douglas shins which I have and like. I’m curious what Davis comes out with in the future. Belts - Not a big patent leather guy although I do have the typical Boston Leather belts in patent and regular leather. I’ve looked at the custom Nokona belts but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Plate Shoes - I am still partial to the first generation NB plate shoes with the steel toe - I loved those. I don’t care about a few ounces. Happy with the US Mizunos maybe I’d get a pair from Japan if I could try. Brooks Glycerin or Ghosts work good for my knees on the bases. Who remembers Tim C’s Nike plate shoe prototypes? Shirts and Pants - Love the Davis stuff, waiting for a looser fit in their BFX pro pants coming next year. I would have stocked up on the Majestic stuff (black jacket with polo blue trim, black jacket with white trim, and the Majestic zip off sleeve windbreaker). Not a Smitty fan. Would have gotten a Hardwick made Honig’s black plate coat years ago. If I wanted a black one today, I’d go with the Fechheimer at Purchase Officials. Would also like to try SSK pants. Ball Bags - Although I have sets, I’m not a huge fan of the Ump Life bags. I would have gone back to try and pick up some of the ball bags made by the original owner of Ump Attire before Jim Kirk bought them. Misc - The discontinued McDavid short sleeve mocks and tights. I did stock up on these about 20 years ago when Davis was having a close out sale and they are still in the rotation.

Discharged from PT today. Look out players, this blue is coming back

It will be three years this fall I couldn’t walk on the left knee. Torn MCL, got a cortisone shot. I stared strengthening exercises and, like you say, everything from back, core, to ankles, and bought the incrediware sleeves. They are my go to braces. I don’t do a game without them. They’re not cumbersome, and don’t ask my why or how, buy they work. sometimes the MCL feels it’s worse trying to to sleep. I can wear these overnight, and it provides relief and lets me sleep pain free when it acts up.

My go-tos are below. Keep strengthening the entire chain (lower back all the way down to your ankles). Even without a right ACL and after meniscus surgery on that knee last year, strengthening has enabled me to no longer wear them. Lighter duty that can be worn as much as you like https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055QNLR8?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_15&th=1 Heavier for activity (including games) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00598YBJY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

FED used to allow a foul tip to be caught by a fielder but that's changed to the catcher only. OBR has an interp that only allowsthe catcher to catch it.

This is a really prevealant assumption. It never had to be "caught cleanly". It never had to go "into the glove". As said previously, OBR/NCAA it just needs to go sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher and then be legally caught by the catcher. NFHS, it needs to go sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher's hand/glove and then be legally caught. NFHS, If it touches the catcher's hand/glove first, it can be juggled, kicked, stuck in their elbow, hip... as long as it doesn't become lodged in their equipment, touch the batter or umpire... it can be legally caught by the catcher and would be a foul tip

Ah, he’s one of those type-of-coaches. These ex-pros (and recently, too) who are part of, or form their own academy/travel-ball team. Occasionally, they’re control-freaks, and have their players (trying to) do(ing) all these complex things in situations so as to exert “pressure” on the opposing team. They count on having local umpires who either kowtow to their having been a pro, or are old (or “way too young”), and they can “outfox”. While I like @Velho’s and @Coach Carl’s interpretation and imposing a penalty reflective of the “crime”, I can also see @Richvee’s point. What if the pitch had been a ball? What if the pitch had hit the batter? With runners aboard, what if the pitch had been wild, and allowed the Runners to advance? The offense should, in no way, benefit from this shenanigan. So, with this being amateur baseball (< college), it’s best practice to call No-Pitch, with the penalty of a strike because the batter left the box during the pitch. Then, just lay into that “coach”. I’m not going to let him even get that far. Whether I’m on PU or BU, I’m going to verbally chastise him, starting with he can’t just “call Time” (coaches request Time; Umpires grant / call Time), he can’t just walk in the field during Live ball, he can’t interrupt a pitch like that… need I keep going? I’m going to throw it all on him, right up front, and there won’t be any “wriggle room” for him to even argue anything. The only reason I wouldn’t outright dump him, is in that environment, he might be the only “coach”, and if dumped, his team likely forfeits; I wouldn’t want to affect his players so drastically due to his attempted antics. It’s bad enough when a coach makes a mistake and leaves his pitcher in longer than (limited) pitch/inning count, and we’ve got to forfeit the game.

Charlie is wearing a pretty unique combo. The lower pad is our Tango2 Universal and the upper pad is the Shear3 in the pad sock.

Are you using the All-Star Axis or the new matte umpire cobalt helmet? If your referring to the new one; I'm pretty sure your supposed to be using a harness that has a grippy back (ex; delta flex, ump-life, pretty much any neoprene ones)

I’ve been using these for umpiring and officiating basketball for about 6 years now. Highly recommend these over cheap braces. I got these from my Orthopaedic due to having a re-torn ACL, so my insurance covered the cost. https://www.donjoystore.com/donjoy-reaction-knee-brace

Working link for @BLWizzRanger's recommendation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B44SWC67?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

And Ramos got absolutely drilled directly in the middle of his mask by a foul ball in today’s Cleveland/Minnesota game - seemed perfectly fine and continued.

I feel like shins could get lighter and less bulky if money were no object - but I expect it'd be like $1,000+ and they wouldn't last too long.

Here is my takes on what @834k3r had to say. Differences in Orange. Plate shoes - Reebok Magistrates. Heaviest of any out there now, but comfort and feel is 10000% the best IMO Indicator - AS 4-dial cast metal. It's a bit heavier, but it's bulletproof, and with the notches I don't need to look at my indicator during a game. Ever. 100% agree Plate Brush - Japanese style. Once you've tried it, you won't go back. Took a bit to get used to, but I love mine. Base shoes - I converted to Nike Golf shoes a few years ago. Available in WIDE sizes, and many of them offer waterproof guarantees. The ones that do not are lightweight and breathable Shirts and Pants - I won't go back to Smitty after wearing GD. There is no substitute for GD shirts/pants. Personal - OG Thighpro with a Diamond MMA in the pouch. I am partial to the ThighPro, but always appreciate the recommendations!

He can't be called for interference with a fielder unless intentional. But why can't he be called for being hit by a fly batted ball, other than an Infield Fly, that satisfies the rule.

As long as I have a partner or partners and no one is on 3rd, sure, because I’m not calling time. What I’m getting at with the announce part is it’s very…little league to do the big, loud “TIME” announce and mechanic, everyone look here I’m going to clean the plate with a guy standing on 1st after a run scoring single. What would I be calling time for, exactly? Myself? I can be out of commission for 2-3 seconds. We don’t call time to get back to the plate on a caught fly ball with a runner on 1st. Why do I have to call time if I’m going to stop and clean the plate on said way back?

Runner on third yes. Anywhere else, not necessary. I can clean the plate in five seconds, maybe not even. No need to announce to everyone that I’m doing it. Just grab your brush and quickly do it. I don’t need players going OK cool we have time on the field, let’s chat. We call time way too often in general. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t. Encourage a lack of time.

1: MLB is testing this in AA and AAA. 99% of the time, the clock starts immediately. As Max said, if a batter gets thrown up and in, we can hold the clock. But on a batter time out, the clock starts immediately. 2: A coach or manager has until 20 seconds to get a fresh 30 seconds on a player initiated trip. If they come out after 20, they can either use another visit to get a reset or be walking off the mound before 0. This is also a AA and AAA experimental rule. 3: You would wave in the new sub and point to wherever the new player is playing. Unless it’s unannounced, which then the press box probably saw it anyway and will announce it

At the bottom of the wiki umpire entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umpire_(baseball) 70 John Bacon 41 Brock Ballou 65 Steven Jaschinski 61 James Jean 75 Edwin Jímenez 77 Austin Jones 39 Tyler Jones 56 Dexter Kelley 94 Jacob Metz 99 Felix Neon 30 Jonathan Parra 95 Jen Pawol 53 Derek Thomas 45 Willie Traynor stevetheump seems out of service

This is precisely why I got the AS Skully--I hate sweat stains on my hat. In between half-innings, I'll take the skully off and hold it by the brim. If I don't, the first time I look down to make a lineup card change, sweat drips onto the lineup card. On sunny days, I don't notice the heat of the sun on my head as much with the skully--but I admit that could be recency bias.