SGT. D.

Hi all, just a reminder to make sure you have a throat guard on your mask. Took a wicked foul to the throat, blew the velcro right off my mask! I got stitch marks on it. I would of been carted out with at least a broken collarbone or worse, a bad throat injury without it. Neck still a little sore and voice a little raspy but, thats baseball!

Pants on players not the same, coach looks like hes going to a bbq. Those look like real big numbers on his sleeve.

No need to pick the fly-poop out of the pepper. Those things are just his way, no biggie. Maybe he calls his partners "Blue" to maintain some level of anonymity, so the fans wont start riding you with your own name, or so there is no confusion of who he's referring too. Just a thought. I think he's showing you a lot of respect by becoming willing to try something out of his norm.

We had a majors tourney this past week and weekend. On friday we did 3 man and on saturday and sunday did 4 man. The kids were all big google-eyed. "Wow, we got 4 umps!". Everybody was well behaved-no rats, and it was a great time!

Looking the part is very important. I don't mind spending the money for quality equipment. All it took was 1 game behind the plate with the "leagues" equipment. Safety is paramount, I can't afford to not be protected-shoes, CP, mask... It's funny, when I'm "Coach Dave" with a pullover on and such, people smile and nod at you when you're walking to the field-But when I'm dressed for success (that's what I call it) people don't smile at you or nod, they kinda scowl and move away. The other night, we were watching a ball game at Red Robin and my wife says "you dress just like they do" referring to the umps. I said "thank you". My father once told me that if your going to do something, then you do it fully-all the way-no half assing. Or don't do it at all.

Welcome, I too, want to be more educated about umpiring and this board is really helping. With gear and such, there are many choices to be had. Do not skimp on safety gear (mask, CP, plate shoes). If you have confidence in your gear, you'll be more confident behind the plate. Looking the part is a huge deal to the teams and to ourselves. Yesterday, the umps that did our game looked poorly (track pants, un-tucked shirts, shinguards on the outside etc...). The other coach asked us if we had ever seen these guys before-noone had. I said maybe they'll be the best we've ever had-always trying to be the optimist. I was wrong. They weren't all bad, but, they didn't look like they took it seriously. Once again, welcome and I hope you enjoy it! Dave.

Whoa, a little too much coffey? Maybe he has to pee? That is funny!

Mine would heckle me.

Thanks for the welcomes! Sooo much information to learn. >Semper Fi 72-I was in the Army back in the 80's, mostly at Fort Ord with a trip to Korea and a couple of field exercises in Washington state.

Hi everyone, my name is Dave and this is my first year umping. My neighbor asked me to help coach his little league team and before I knew what happened we also signed up for umpire duties. I didn't realize how much I didn't know until I went to a couple clinics-WOW! I really enjoy umpiring and have done only about 13 games so far. I look forward to doing this for a long time. Thanks for having such an informative forum.