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Umpires are supposed to be impartial arbiters of the game. A uniform covered with corporate sponsor logos gives the appearance that the necessary/expected impartiality may no longer exist due to corporate influence. In short, it looks bad even if it's done with the most harmless of intentions. It's not something I personally would want to do if at all possible..

This may not be new to some of you. I apologize if I'm bringing up "old news." I was at a regional PONY tournament last night. I've done PONY for a number of years, off and on, both in Texas and Virginia, and I think I generally prefer it to LL. But since I'm mostly as "have gun, will travel" kind of umpire, I move from gig to gig, crushing dreams wherever I roam, so I don't really pay attention a lot of times to the post-season of the different orgs. So I'm there this week, working mostly the Pony (14u) and Bronco (12u) divisions, with the odd Mustang (10u) game. We had sectionals last week, and it's been fairly smooth - other than the rain we're getting belted with this week. But one of the things that was added at this regional level, starting last night, I believe, was the Shetland division. IT WAS 4U. THAT'S F-O-U-R. Now, don't get me wrong - I think the little ones are friggin' ADORABLE. And there are enough motor skills needed for baseball, that it takes a long time to develop, so why not start early? And if we were just talking about "regular season" stuff, I say "Sure! Let 'em play! Let 'em run around, try to throw and catch, play with dandelions, what the F*#K ever! It's good for them, and again - they're totes adorb!" But are you SH*#ting me, with this tournament nonsense??!? Where wins and losses are somehow supposed to then matter?? When there are players actually still in diapers out there? And - knowing coaches in the way only umpires can - where they're possibly being hollered/yelled at??!? How is this A Good Thing? I know I sound naïve, but remember - I'm not generally a "house-league" umpire - I move around from gig to gig, and don't work exclusively in one or a few places, so I guess I'm not exposed to this as much. But for F*#K's sake - there has to be a limit, or a point, where clearer heads prevail, and egos are checked at the damn door (meaning: certain adults have to stop worrying about adding to their trophy cases), and the kids just play the game.

It's a sad situation, really. Instead of properly communicating what a QP is and isn't to coaches and players, they just write a rule and dump the situation in the umpires' laps. Funny thing about balks, QPs and other illegal pitch related concerns...Once they are called, they are seldom (not never) a problem again in that game. And isn't that really true of any call (or non-call) by an umpire? But balks, QPs that are not called and should be called? That creates a very miserable game experience to all. ~Dawg

All I want to know is if one runner passes another one how much toilet paper does that need? I mean heck that sounds like surgery or at least stiches..

So ... the joke is out because the complete and 75% of total approximate midpoint (meaning the whole thing) of the tip passed him? But the tail (or LINE SEGMENT!) is still partially all the way behind the front of him. Thank you for not using a navy-colored arrow! 😁

I'll simplify things a bit.

Ok guys ... with respect to @Fittske24 .... (and yes, I'm at fault here too) .... but let's drop the idle chatter. If you don't have further info for Ken, then please refrain. Thanks ...

dumbdumb describes what I was taught. The balloon is not wielded like a shield. Used properly, you have both hands free to carry an indicator, remove your mask, signal, point, and do other umpire-like things. Bookmark it, as I recall dumbdumb (I think) answering the same question several years ago.

You don't live where I live so maybe it's a local colloquialism. But Google has several articles that agree with me. https://www.google.com/search?q=see+daylight+between&oq=see+daylight+between&aqs=chrome..69i57.12218j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Hope this is what you mean...

Plate Coat is done just two many variables to contend with including the size range It would be like buying pants that fit in the waist but you need to cut 8" off the leg Replacement Pad is done, with Covid and no Baseball for 15 months it was a tough call to order or wait. More on the Pad later Not going to comment as to why people get blocked because this is not the place

Put me in the "play on" camp. Not only is it "right" (imo), it's the best way for all (offense, defense, PU) to learn.

I would say it's probably needed, give the dumpster fires that all the other FB groups become. One of the big differences is that is a group related to his business--with the other umpire groups, anyone can go start a new one, even if it was their creation to start. He's got financial skin in it not becoming a cage match.

I think America has confused what professional sports are...and what amateur sports are. Professional sports imply the players are being paid to play. What it really means, what it has ALWAYS meant is...professional sports is a business. Take money and put logos on player uniforms, the field (remember Spider-man bases at Yankee Stadium?), billboards, programs, etc...but, please...the umpires' uniforms should never be used for advertising. I don't care if it's cryptocurrency or "Crypt Keeper" mortuary services. It's disgusting, inappropriate and dare I say...UNPROFESSIONAL. ~Dawg

Not sure what’s worse. Ads on the umpires ,or the hideous player uniforms.

It’s definitely a nike

Maybe some ice?

Update for All-Star!!!

I recommend fiber.