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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.

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

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.

There is no protest in OBR although some leagues using OBR might have added it. I don't know of any OBR guidance other than what we see is allowed as pitchers take the rubber. Basically it would be you know it when you see it. This pitcher was correctly called for a balk. He also had a "start stop" step with his free foot as he got comfortable that we wouldn't call even though he was touching his plate. But you have segued to a more nuanced issue than the OP which clearly had a pitcher near the rubber and not attempting yet to get comfortable.

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

I think what we can learn from the play is two fold. 1) MLB umpires are paid to get calls right, therefore they do things that umpires at lower levels shouldn't neccessarily do. Now before someone comes on and says "BUT WE ARE ALL PAID TO GET CALLS RIGHT!!!"... They have comprehensive health insurance and will continue to get paid when injured... we will not. They have the ability to get reps in positions that we do not have the abilty to do. That is what I mean. 2) Sometimes we are just SOL on certain plays. Working this type of mechanic is HARD. I mean very hard. People with 30-40 games a year at 2nd base still strugle with it at times.

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."

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

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.

Excellent condition original Honigs K1 Elite CP. Size Regular. No signs of wear or any stains. Asking $50 plus shipping. PM inquiries or questions. Paypal, Venmo and Cashapp accepted. Sales are final.

Saw some time at the MLB level with guys like Jim Joyce and was a little popular with MiLB guys who wanted something lighter to wear

Free to someone that can use them. I have 3 Smitty black shirts; L-LS, L-SS and M-SS, a Smitty pull over-L and a Majestic Themabase jacket-L. All are in very good condition. I am moving to a an area that does not wear these. Here’s the catch. You cover my actual cost to ship them to you. (hangers not included).

Really, really nice unit. Don’t let the “soft” cladding fool you – there is a hard plate inside it. The soft aspect of it results in a lighter unit, less bruising on your shirts when impacted, and tends to smother the ball. The shoulder ailettes are also pre-shaped, unlike the later versions that were as flat as brake pads.

For your partner, umpiring 101. If you are going to brush off the plate without calling "time," know what the runners are doing and who has the ball and what is he/she doing.

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)

In my youth (age 39-49), I was both an umpire and a marathon runner. Behind the plate, I wore the best knee braces I could find. ("Patella support" type.) These served me well. At age 69-70 I got both knees scoped for various wear and tear. Long rehab, but it worked. I was able to get a few more years in on the diamond. I hung up my cleats in 2019 as I needed cataract surgery. Glad I did, but I found out a few other stories I'll share later! Good luck! But stay in shape and stretch out! Mike Las Vegas

For FED you have to be aware of some caseplay wording but I'll just quote this from the BRD: "IN FED, PITCHING RESTRICTIONS BEGIN WHEN THE PITCHER INTENTIONALLY CONTACTS THE PITCHER"S PLATE. POE 1987, 1988, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2008, 2009." For all codes, think about when you would point the ball live. That would be when the pitcher is engaged.

Incrediwear That reminds me that I'm a proponent of open patella for any compressive brace. The opening helps the kneecap track as it slides without compressing it down and irritating the underside (chondromalacia) or patella tendinitis. Both are painful and mobility limiting. For me, the Incrediwear is fine since it's not overly compressive in general and particularly at the kneecap. That linked brace is a beast. Never seen it before but I certainly believe it works.

Correct me if I am wrong, but there is a difference between intentionally engaging the rubber, taking signs, and coming set, and merely being in contact with the rubber. What I mean is it is akin to a stepping on a base in an appeal situation. The appeal must be clear and deliberate. There are no accidental appeals, and a pitcher is not subject to the pitching rules just because he happened to brush against the rubber.

I wholeheartedly agree with this.

So true. However, the MLB Umpires are performing the U2 with equal opportunity, not assigned specifically or selectively to that U2 role because “that umpire” is more proficient / “better” / longer tenured / or he’s someone’s Tuesday night drinking buddy. As a consequence, it behooves MLB to train all Umpires (at that level) to a baseline, effective curriculum of how to operate at U2. Of course, with experience, some Umpires will introduce or experiment with adjustments or enhancements, and – here comes the essential component, failing or lacking in the amateur world – they share these practices with their colleagues, enriching the entire group. Where is this in the amateur landscape??!! Or, to ask it more crassly, why do I have to spend $400 to attend a 4-man camp??!! I was educated (“trained”) on U2 by two of the best – in my professional opinion – because not only did they have the knowledge, but they had the demeanor and wherewithal to be great educators-of-this-discipline. One was a long-time amateur and association head; the other is an ex-MLB / current NCAA CWS CC. The two gentlemen imparted their wisdom and practices on me, such that not only have I worked some two-to-three dozen games at U2, but I’ve also been requested to train others beginning to perform the U2 role in 4-man and 6-man deployments. I’m not saying this to one-up you; I’m saying this to expose the uses and need for it in the amateur game, and the contempt I hold for our compatriots who withhold this knowledge behind a power trip, or some fleecing “pay to play” scheme. Envy and contempt. Envy of the prestige of working that level / role; contempt for the guys working that level, believing that they wouldn’t make “that” mistake. The Professional context is wholly separate from the amateur context, and in that environment, the Umpire would be a fool to Eject the Pro player who gave him grief, and he’s not a lesser umpire because of it… unlike some of our colleagues mistakenly believe.

Good example of being at the right place at the right time. Good luck to your mentee. I wish him well.

Love the cap crease

Other 60' orgs seem to keep the BU inside. 2man BUs do shade their B further back. I thought softball and LL have them outside for watching leaving the base.

Sounds to me as if he works with baseball umpires who do not or cannot put the effort into understanding the rule.

Yeah, I think the crease looks ridiculous. Military tie to it, right? Well this isn’t the military. I’m not in the military, either. This is a baseball field. It’ll be clean, but it’ll be worn like a hat, not like…someone who doesn’t know how to wear a hat.

Because they are not in Toronto, Arizona, Seattle, Houston, Milwaukee, Miami, or Texas? (Or Tampa Bay on some days.)

Oh, Crease . . . No. Heck no. What are you doing next, flat brim and leaving the tags on it? Yes, I have worked with two different umpires who left the tags/stickers on their hats. 🤯

maybe this started it, or they are going back to the red coat days when AL used it a lot. https://larrybrownsports.com/baseball/umpire-joe-west-hit-throw-stolen-base/468407

I'm considering a crease.

I think LL has U2 outside for different reasons than MLB umps who choose outside and that location is closer. I'm not sure of those reasons.

Correct fro both baseball and softball LL is 4" off plate for 12U and below, 6" for older ages. (that means different boxes for a 60' field if older vs younger softball). Yep. And that they are narrower as well.

Little League has its own batter's box dimensions. I don't call LL, but I've spoken to dozens who do, and too many "coaches" and admins think there is no difference between LL and every other brand of big boy baseball. These are the same coaches and admins who don't know that fast pitch girls' softball has a longer box on the front end.

And I'm not doubting you, Velho, but to all ... make sure if you are accusing, you are measuring from the white edge of the plate (not the black) to the edge of the batter's box line ... should be precisely 6". I, too, have seen batter's boxes as close to 3" from the white edge in a Varsity game. The young coach's retort was, "It can't be wrong ... we use a template to draw our lines." So sad ...

Precisely! Among other brands, I do high school, and my Assignor has always told us that we "must go by the lines." Hogwash. Even Varsity High School fields are mismarked, especially batter's boxes, and we are not to be held hostage to them.

As a Canadian, I'm required by law to quote Rush within every 90 days.

Yes, sir. I was merely citing the speaker (singer?) of the words.

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

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

[deleted because embarrassed what I wrote.]

Did the same, just got it today. Seems to fit well. Will break it out next game. I’m over caring what people think and too old to care. I thought about it this way. Some people may think it looks weird or whatever. How many of those people would visit me in the hospital, or worse?

I don't know which I have (I didn't know it had changed). I bought mine Sep'25 from GD. Looks like SKU is "ALL-SC900UMP-S" (so Sand?). I've had none of the issue @SeeingEyeDog mentions. I find it grippy to the touch (and marks up so doesn't look great - though Im imagine I/us are the only ones that would notice). After small adjustment period (very small, maybe came off funny 1-2 times) it works fine with the Umplife harness.

This is why we don't tell players what to do outside of topics involving conduct. It's not our job to tell him to throw the ball back. If he wants to argue the balk, we have tools. If he wants to sit on the ball and not do anything with it, we have tools.

The padding is probably better in the all star, I just think the all star looks like a bob the builder helmet. And yes, it’s just a coaches helmet

I use a Rawlings skully with my mag with no issues

It will be funny... Coach LoseALot gets a text mid game from Parent KnowItAll that his Billie only got to bat twice last game and needs to bat more. And, tell him to keep crouching over like Pete Rose did because Pete had over 4K hits in the show. They will get what they deserve if they abuse the cell phone policy.