BrianC14

There's a reason why the 'big boys' use a human being to throw BP before every game, and it has everything to do with timing. Next time you have a chance to see a Major League game, try to go early (I always do) and watch the BP pitcher. If he's a good one, he'll briefly hold the ball up over his head and then throw to the plate. If batters want to work on a particular pitch, they can do so for a certain number (or all) of the pitches when they have their turn in the cage. Try doing that with a machine. It's all about getting the timing down. You're correct when you say that most batters are just reacting to the ball. Pitching machines can't offer that. I work a lot of games at a local private high school. This particular school has a long tradition of challenging for the state championship, year after year. They do use (one) pitchng machine, but it's located in their indoor facility, and used only during the winter, when pitchers are told to rest their arms. During the spring and during the season, they use the batting cages all the time, but they ONLY use live pitching for BP. There should be no wondering why they do this. :mad:

1) The rule as written stinks. 2) It's been shown on ESPN video that it's not being applied correctly or consistently - and one of the games where it WASN"T applied was... A PAC-10 GAME! (ASU). :mad:

How about that 15 yarder personal foul called on Washington, as their QB scored what would (should) have been the tying touchdown, with 2 seconds remaining? I realize that the NCAA rulebook says that they must flag it, but come on! So Washington ends up having to kick a 35-yard extra point, and BYU wins the game on something that was utterly ridiculous. ps: No, I'm not a WU fan.

We could be talking about different types of knee problems, of course... for me, the back of the kneecap area just won't put up with the strain that comes when the forward leg is supporting most of my body weight. When I first started into umpiring (1992/1993), the local instructors refused to even teach the scissor - they wanted everyone in the box stance. If the usual cycles play out, I figure that in 10 years, they'll start teaching it again. Heh! My (learned / instructed) method of getting a better look on LH batters is to move slightly more up into the slot, especially if being squeezed. Honestly, though, when using the heel-toe stance, I don't see how a left hand batter is any different than a RH batter - it's all about where you position yourself to get the optimum view of the outside corner. Maybe it's one of those left brain / right brain things? I don't know.... :mad:

I'm a plate hog, I always want to work it in the first game. But as UIC states, I also respect seniority and will ask him if he minds if I work it first. If I'm the senior guy, then I usually make my preference known right away.

Tell me about it! I kicked a call at 2B on Sunday - where a steal was being made... R1 slides in "safely", but my call was so quick (SAFE!) and then R1 pulls his foot up off the bag, and F6 lays the tag on him. OUT! Two calls on one play.... bad umpire! Bad! I never heard a peep from the coach about it, though if it had been spring (or summer) ball, I've no doubt that I'd have been hearing about it. R1 did question me as he was jogging off, and I explained the 'why he's out' to him, and included the fact that I honked up the timing of the 'safe' call. My partner and I discussed it an inning later, and I readily admitted that I kicked it big-time.

Fall ball in my area is far more relaxed for everyone involved. We are still there to enforce the rules, but it's also understood that some areas may get a bit more leeway than during spring school games. For instance, we had two instances (one on each team) of pitchers going to their mouth. On both occassions, we explained to the coaches that it shouldn't be done without the "distinct wipe-off", and certainly should never be done while the pitcher has toed his plate! Both coaches explained that these guys had never pitched before, they were both a work in progress, and that was fine with myself and my partner - we weren't about to go picking boogers on something like that in fall ball.

My aching knees wouldn't possibly allow me to use the scissors, and even if I could use it, I don't like the scissor for the simple reason of balance. I use the heel-toe stance, and always have.

My Runnin' Utes knocked off Michigan today! :o

I don't use an indicator, but the one in my kit is a 4-dial, because it fits in my hand better.

:) ROFL - I'd never seen that one before!

"... the cause of - and solution to - all of life's problems." -- Homer

It sounds trite and tired, too, but there really is no sense in dwelling on a failure, or failures. :)

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WTH??!?? Are you saying that coaches choose the umpire(s) are going to be? Please telll me that I'm mistaken in what I'm understanding here.... :D

Digging up an old thread here, but the reason Congress is involved is because MLB was granted an exemption from anti-trust laws years ago, and part of that agreement was that Congress would provide oversight of MLB.

I agree with this. At a recent clinic I attended, we were instructed (when in 'C') to 'sneak a peek' if the runner moves way up toward 3B - just a quick glance over the right shoulder is all it takes. This gives you a quick indication if the runner is going to attempt a steal. Just as information, I've taken to moving closer to the Deep C position when there is a runner on 2nd only. I don't go all the way to the cutout the way I would when working a 3-man crew, but a step or two back from the usual 'C' spot. Yes, I have farther to move (2 steps, maybe 3?) but that quick peek makes up for it. Angle over distance, remember. If there's a passed ball, my responsibility is soley what that baserunner is doing - as long as I know where the ball was headed, I can then turn my attention (quick look) toward the runner, and let HIM take to me to a possible play at third. If you're focused too much on the ball, you may find out that R2 decides to return to 2B - - ooops! You're now well out of position; that's why a check of R2's movement is key on this - HE will let you know where he's headed.

Cubs fan(s) mostly, getting their excuses ready. :D

You'd think that with only 9 players that they'd realize they need to be choir boys. Some guys really don't get it. I'd have dumped the "Dad" for that sort of BS, and let them whine all the way to the parking lot. Why put up with it?

I don't know, I think would have ejected her for that sort of comment. ;)

Adventures in "Men's Little League". I actually got paid $100 for doing an MSBL game. Once. Just once. Never wanted to have that sort of babysitting gig again. Wasn't worth it.

Thanks for that, Dave!

I must have "off the rack" feet. Both of my NB's are size 10, and both fit fine. Now, the 350s (base) fit a tad looser than the plate shoes, but that's fine by me, I'd rather have the plate shoes a touch on the snug side, rather than loose. Interestingly, I have several other pair of NB (trail runners, cross trainers) and those are all size 9.5, but same width. :D

Thanks Chief.

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