Fittske24

Well I'm sorry... I can't comment on what goes on in Big 10 baseball, but in my neck of the woods, the coahing staffs in the SEC, ACC, Southern Conference, and the A-Sun conference prefer to be called by their first names. I cant speak for all of the school in each conference, but the ones where I have umpired liked to be called by ther first names, and I'm pretty sure the rest do to. Not only do they expect you to use their first name, they expect to use your first name when addressing you.

This can't be further from the truth. Many of the traditions of college baseball come from Professional baseball. Many of the Managers in college baseball have had some type of professional experience either as a player or bench coach. In the pros, umpires, managers, coaches and players are all on a first name basis. When these former players and coaches enter into the college ranks, these traditions follow them.

Here is another thing to think about, If you allow F1 to stay in a set position with hands together once the ball has been put back in play, you have now given the defense a competitive advantage. Any runner on base will not be able to take his full lead since all preparatory movements have been eliminated.

In the set position the pitcher cannot start with both hands together per 8.01(b) he must engage with one hand at his side.

The ball should never have been allowed to be put back into play. 8.01(b) "The set position" Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shal have one hand on his side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 8.01(b) without interruption and in one continuous motion. This is not a BALK unless it is deemed an atempt to quick pitch. However it should not be allowed and corrected prior to the next pitch.

I make it a point to call every manager from little league all the way up to Div 1 College baseball by his first name. I don't care if I have known the guy for 5 years or 5 min. In lower levels, you will learn the managers name at the plate meeting. When he tells you his name REMEMBER IT! I use simple word association to help me remember. If the guy’s name is Fred, and his teams uniform shirts are red, I say to myself, that’s "Ready Freddy" this helps me remember his name during the game. For Varsity and above, most times the Managers know you are coming to work their games well in advance(certainly at the college level). So I would advise that if you work, or plan on working college ball, make sure you know the managers name ahead of time. Most schools have baseball websites that list the coaching staff. Before heading to the field, at least look the managers name up and KNOW IT before the plate meeting. Trust me, it goes a long way walking up to a plate meeting introducing yourself already knowing both managers names.

Nope... You can get these from Rakuten when ever you are ready.....

Exactly.... So as the umpire you have a decision to make.... If the pitcher does this and just doesn't know any better and is simply engaging the rubber improperly, then call time and correct it with no penalty. If he is simulating with the intent do deceive the runner, then pop him with a balk for simulating his pitch.

Let me add.....In order for there to be a "start-stop" type balk, the start-stop must be done from a legal position from the rubber....Meaning The pitcher must have engaged the rubber correctly before the start-stop balk can be enforced. If the pitcher has not engaged the rubber correctly, it is not a start-stop balk. If a balk does occur in this situation, it will be some other type of balk (not start-stop for explanation purposes).

#1...pitcher cannot engage the pitching rubber with both hands together. Per 8.01(b) "Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one hand on his side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 8.01(b) without interruption and in one continuous motion." So #1 should not be allowed. #2... This sounds like simulating a pitch which is illegal per 8.05(g): "The pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher’s plate"; Balk

What? Seriously? You can't get more cut and dried than telling an umpire, "you're a piece of sh!t." I don't care if Little poisoned his cat, you can't say that without getting run. Stop being so sensitive..... I'm just pointing out that there was a bit of previous history prior to the ejection. I didn't see where he called him that..... I don't proclaim to be a great lip reader but at the end it looked like Machado says that was a horrible call, and then says something else then ends with he was awful. Did you read somewhere that he called him a POS?

This ejection was not as cut and dry as you guys think. Machado had a run in with Will Little the night before on a missed call at first base. I'm sure Machado had this in mind when he was having words with Little. http://wapc.mlb.com/play?content_id=28373221

ken do u have one? Nope... But I I have a vintage west vest gold with TW. It's the same design as the Riddell and it is very low profile.

This is a perfact example why knowing the count as a base umpire is very important. As @maven points out, this would be a diffrent argument had Dan (base umpire) made an out call on the initial tag. There were a ton of elements here.... 3-2 count, check swing, runner stealing.....Great no call, then quickly determining the call was ball 4, then allowing the Play to "play itself out" with out killing it. Great Job!

Riddell with TW is Very low profile.

There is a reason if the throw is an element of the TAG play. If not, then why is the CATCH of the front end of a DP important? If the ball is not caught (secure possession in hand or glove) prior to the fed throw (ball IN FLIGHT) on the front end of a DP, then the TAG of second base can not happen. Now if the fielder does exhibit secure possession and the ball is dropped "on the transfer" then the TAG (out) stands. So what does "on the transfer" mean? It means that the fielder established secure possession of the thrown ball while attempting to TAG 2nd base, and subsequently drops the ball as he attempts to transfer the ball from glove to hand. In doing so the ball falls to the ground.......In the baseball world this is referred to as.......Voluntary Release. The rulings in 2 MLB games this past weekend (I think they're both in this thread) contradict your post. Both videos show outfielders who dropped the ball "on the transfer," and they both made the "on the transfer" mechanic to signal to the umpire that's what happened. That did not, in the umpire's judgment, constitute voluntary release, and both cases were ruled "no catch." Had the ball fallen in just the same way in a play on the bases, the umpire (IMO) would have ruled a tag, an out, and the drop occurred "on the transfer." Those rulings don't contradict my post...... If anything you just contradicted yourself. How can one be a no catch in the out field and then be a out and on the transfer in the infield???? Those calls reflect the calling umpires judgement not knowledge of the rules. You are assuming that the umpires got the calls correct. Unless MLB uses these plays as future case plays then we will never know if the calls actually were correct or incorrect. It will be up to us arm chair umpires to watch replay after replay and still guess wrong. At this point I give up.......you win........but If we are ever on the same field and a "on the transfer" or " voluntary release" argument breaks out......let me do all the talking :)

There is a reason if the throw is an element of the TAG play. If not, then why is the CATCH of the front end of a DP important? If the ball is not caught (secure possession in hand or glove) prior to the fed throw (ball IN FLIGHT) on the front end of a DP, then the TAG of second base can not happen. Now if the fielder does exhibit secure possession and the ball is dropped "on the transfer" then the TAG (out) stands. So what does "on the transfer" mean? It means that the fielder established secure possession of the thrown ball while attempting to TAG 2nd base, and subsequently drops the ball as he attempts to transfer the ball from glove to hand. In doing so the ball falls to the ground.......In the baseball world this is referred to as.......Voluntary Release.

Ok then...... Rule 2.00 (Catch) Comment: A catch is legal if the ball is finally held by any fielder, even though juggled, or held by another fielder before it touches the ground. Runners may leave their bases the instant the first fielder touches the ball. A fielder may reach over a fence, railing, rope or other line of demarcation to make a catch. He may jump on top of a railing, or canvas that may be in foul ground. No interference should be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. If a fielder, attempting a catch at the edge of the dugout, is “held up†and kept from an appar- ent fall by a player or players of either team and the catch is made, it shall be allowed. This comment (or case play) refers to a portion of the definition of CATCH. It does not however, demonstrate the only definition. Once again..... Definitions will set you free..... CATCH: is the act of a fielder in getting secure possession in his hand or glove of a ball IN FLIGHT and firmly holding it... IN FLIGHT: describes a batted, thrown, or pitched ball which has not yet touched the ground or some object other than a fielder. So yes.... Even thrown balls are subject to the definition of CATCH

Not true. When a thrown ball (ball in flight) is a part of a play that results in a TAG attempt, a fielder must demonstrate secure possession of that thrown ball before the TAG attempt is validated. If the ball falls to the ground during the momentum of that play, the release of the ball must be done so voluntarily. Voluntary release is not the single determining factor of a CATCH. it is an individual element to help determine secure possession in the event of a dropped ball. If during the "momentum" of the play the fielder drops the ball, the ball must have been dropped as a result of voluntary release in order to be a CATCH. Yeah, we've been through that before. We disagree, all case plays and comments are on my side, and I see no point in rehashing it. Please post these comments and case plays that you are referencing......thanks.

I know you have heard allot about the "throwing the ball back" but I'll add this. Try to look "athletic" with everything that you do. From sweeping the plate, to putting on and pulling off your mask, to throwing the ball back to the pitcher. Appearing athletic, believe it or not, helps add to your credibility as an umpire who is in charge on the field. When you throw the ball back as you do, you don't look very athletic. As a young fit umpire, Try to do everything with purpose and with "energetic control". what I mean by that is that everything should be crisp from how you give the count to how you put the ball in play. Lastly, finish the play. By this I mean for a PU the play is not over until you return to home plate. When you trail a batter runner or come out behind the plate on a base hit, never turn your back on the ball. Always stay chest to the ball and return to the point of the plate. A lot of bad things can happen when you turn your back to the baseball. Keep up the great work!

No matter what you do.......no matter how much gear you wear.......the ball will find you. It's not a matter of if......it's a matter of when. #UmpireLife

Not true. When a thrown ball (ball in flight) is a part of a play that results in a TAG attempt, a fielder must demonstrate secure possession of that thrown ball before the TAG attempt is validated. If the ball falls to the ground during the momentum of that play, the release of the ball must be done so voluntarily. Voluntary release is not the single determining factor of a CATCH. it is an individual element to help determine secure possession in the event of a dropped ball. If during the "momentum" of the play the fielder drops the ball, the ball must have been dropped as a result of voluntary release in order to be a CATCH.

That's the most facial hair on a big league crew that I've seen in a long time. LOL

Jeff.... Here is a copy of post I made about a year ago. Still applies today...... First of all.... I would ask, what are you aspirations and/or personal goals when it comes to college baseball? If your goal was just to make it into college baseball, then congratulations! You did it…try not to piss anyone off and you will be fine. But…. if you want to work D1 games, join a conference, get assigned a regional, or make it to the CWS? Your journey is just beginning. Inventory your look… Dress like the level in which you are trying to achieve. If you don’t have poly wools go out and get some. Make sure you get them tailored properly. Make sure your uniform is “TV-Readyâ€. Keep your shoes shined, pants (and caps) creased, and shirts wrinkle free. Chances are there will be no more parking lot dressing, so make sure you have a gear bag with wheels that you can easily go from car to locker room./. Be prepared to travel a lot your first few years…. Expect to work a lot of Juco, NAIA, and DIII level games your first few years. Work every game with the utmost professionalism. Treat every game like it’s the 7th game of the world series. Coaches in these leagues can either jump start or break your career. Unlike high school, these coaches have been hired for the sole purpose of running the baseball program. They are not teachers and they don’t care about lesson plans. They care about wins and losses, plain and simple. If you have a good game, they are not afraid to let you know about your work. If you have a bad game they are not afraid to let you and your assigner know about it as well. So work hard, look good, hustle and above all else know the rules! Find out who the top assigners are in your region… All of the top D1 conferences in your area will have a conference assigner. Most of these guys will also assign smaller NAIA, DII, DII conferences. Some of these assigners will use these conferences as feeders for the D1 conferences. Get to know these guys. The top Coordinators will usually promote try-out camps and clinics through your local assigner. Advancement happens in the summer, fall and winter.… The best way to move and get seen is during the summer and the fall. Find out if there is a college summer league in your area. It will be easier to work with some of the D1 guys during the summer. The D1 guys will have great feedback for what it takes to work at the D1 level. Also if you do well, it can help you get on the radar for getting assigned to some higher level games assigned by your association. Also the summer is usually a more relaxed environment. Plan to attend a College camp or clinic in the fall…..Usually these camps are attended by assigners responsible for D1 Non-conference assignments, as well as conference umpire appointment. Most of these camps/clinics will have cage work, rules application, and live games. Same rules apply just as they do in the regular season…. work hard, look good and hustle when it’s your turn to shine. Attend your Local NCAA superclinic….This will ensure that you are up on all mechanic changes and rule changes for the upcoming season. This is also a great opportunity to network with all of the Top college umpires, assigners, and evaluators in your region. Don’t be afraid to talk to and introduce yourself to them. This clinic is also required for post season assignment for all of the NCAA divisions. Once you complete this in year 1. Wash, rinse, and repeat.... Good Luck!

That's not completely true. You should show them these pics