tjshanno

not being there at least 15 minutes ahead of start time drives me crazy, and often disrupts my concentration at the start of the game...I hate that

our local LL has modified their fields so 50/70 can be used, but so far only use it for the 11/12 travel games. Mounds don't appear all that different, and only one of the fields has a fence. I think the larger field, and the use of "real" baseball rules better prepares the players to move up to the regulation field. From an umpiring perspective the only challenge is seeing the steal throw at second when working one man.

I was a catcher and played a little F4, but as a catcher you had the best seat in the house, and I loved how loud you could be back in the day.

At the risk of seeming insensitive, WTH are umpires doing on a five year old field with a machine pitch? Money, or no money? I wouldn't subject my five year old son, or daughter, to this type of baseball "education", even if it is just for "fun". If your association must have a 5yo league, let the kid see as many pitches as it takes to get a hit, and/or set a base on balls limit. The coaches can determine who is out or safe. Maybe it's just me......

Third time this year.... opponent in Sr Connie Mack (19-35 yo) gets rung up on called third strike, draws a line in the dirt, and doesn't get tossed. Thought this was automatic. Home plate ump making it hard on all future arbiters. Can someone please help me see light? Thanks, Tim

the only glue I have ever used on shoes is "Shoo-Goo". Available at h-ware stores, home depot, wally world, etc. Results have been satisfactory, although nothing to compare it to. Make sure you use a shoe tree, or newspaper to keep the shoe in shape, and once applied, tie a rope or shoestring around the repair spot to keep the sole tight to the upper while it dries. Good luck

congratulations blue! Sounds like a great time

Way to go Zippy. Sounds like a solid plan for gear and games. Did about 60 games for my local association and spent a week at CDP and did 14 more. Looking forward to some fall tournament ball before storing the gear.

the "tie goes to the runner" comment wouldn't bother me unless he continues and gets loud. The "both ways" comment needs to be shut down because the inference is that you are cheating. That train of thought can't be allowed to continue. Don't worry about the assertiveness thing, you sound like you are doing the right things, focus on seeing and calling the game, and the coaches will find a way to incite your assertiveness. It will be easy to spot. Good luck, and keep up the good work.

I think it was the Markwart (sp) Cato.

Lot of good comments, all on point. In OP throwing the bat to the fence seems obvious, but what about the kid who throws the bat in foul territory, no where near any player? I've always judged a thrown bat on its proximity to me or the catcher, especially if either of us is hit. Had coaches ask for a violation when bat is thrown by batter into foul ball area half way to first, and have never agreed that this is an issue. Should I be calling attention to the thrown bat that lands clearly away from any player, and is not thrown in frustration, or slips out of the batter's hands and whirls away a fair distance?

The untied shoe was just an example. But congrats on your academic success.

LL district game. Coaches reminded about jewelry during plate meeting. Kid comes to bat with a black lanyard type necklace tucked into his shirt. After a foul ball, I address Jake (the hitter) and ask him to not be wearing the necklace when he comes out next inning. He says "it's not a necklace, it's a heart guard". Floored me. Of course I apologized.

American Legion game. R2, pitcher wheels and throws to F4 who is 15 ft from second base. PU waits till ball returned to pitcher, decides he has a balk. As coach I ask for his reason, he states F4 has to be at the bag. My argument is that the pitcher doesn't even have to throw, or can throw it to F8 if he chooses. The only place the fielder has to be at the bag is first base, and only if F1 throws from the rubber. We disagree, I protest the award of 3B, game continues. Review by AL board, protest upheld, no balk. In OP no way this is a balk.

Agreed. LL coaches always telling baserunner to call time while sitting on the ground. Just get up already. And the defense needs get on with it; throw it to the pitcher. If they linger and delay the game, I'll award time, but I hate doing it.

thank you gentlemen for the response. I thought the first appeal was valid even though the base umpire did not make a ruling. I also thought the second (pitcher) appeal was a second bite at the apple and therefore should not have been a valid appeal. But maybe that's pushing it....

Senior Connie Mack (adult baseball), OBR, R2, one out, BR hits flyball to RF for out #2, R2 tags and beats throw to 3rd. Ball is still in play, F5 indicates to BU that runner left early, and throws the ball to F4 who tags 2B and asks for a ruling. BU tells F4 to throw the ball to F1, and tells F1 to toe the rubber, then step off and throw to 2B. Pitcher complies. BU then calls runner out for leaving early. My question is in a live ball situation does the pitcher need to initiate the appeal? Or was the original appeal by F5 valid when he threw the ball to 2B and asked for a ruling from BU? Thanks for your insight. Tim

If you are staring at the plate while cleaning it, and your fanny is looking at the defense, and there are men on base, how can you not call time? You call time to switch a baseball, or receive a returned foul ball with runners on....? Always seemed automatic. Play relaxes, next batter is likely not in the box yet, takes like 8 seconds to sweep the dish. Would you bend down to tie your shoe with runners on and not call time?

Quote: Originally posted by Umpire in Chief: "These kids think it makes them look good and/or cool. Nothing looks better than having a clean, well put together, properly worn uniform looking like a real baseball player and playing well." I agree with everything you said about jewelry. I hate it also. But the "real baseball players" you referenced, if you mean major leaguers, are the ones that promote wearing all the jewelry. And the purveyors of baseball equipment now include pages of catalogue dedicated to "selling" players on the benefit of this necklace or that bracelet. Kids playing ball today have no real reference and they get no help from their coaches who seem to forget to teach them to respect the game.

Hello to all. Decided to stop reading and to begin joining in the forums. Great information on this site. Hope I can add to the discussions. Look forward to being here. Tim