scrounge

Huh, forgot about this despicable case till the thread got resurrected. In a small smidgen of justice, this parasite has dropped the suit and paid at least some token costs. If the yelp and other reviews are any indication, this nonsense cost him a pretty penny reputation and business wise... http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/04/18/4850557/little-league-coach-drops-suit.html#.U1f8o3f5PAc

seems overly picky to me....the pitching rules start when he *intentionally* steps on the pitching plate or simulates doing so. This is a big ole nothin' to me

A 12 yr old has no business throwing a curve IMO but that's not my issue as an umpire. If all you did wrong was miss an unexpected curve that might have crossed the plate high anyway, you had a great night (there is no such thing as 'late break' anyway, that's just a perception - unless someone attached rocket boosters to impart a force at the end of a pitch). The meltdown was coming, whether you called that a strike or not.

On the other hand, a large % of those calls are no-brainers where in reality, no umpire was really even needed.

You are also taking the replay decision as axiomatically correct, which IMO is unfounded. Especially since a good number of the reversals were on the brand-new transfer interpretations, a brand new and somewhat vague plate blocking rule, and some instances that aren't clear and convincing at all. Also, not every very close play is reviewed, so we STILL have significant selection bias.

Two words: Selection bias

As I recall, this is a difference between FED and PBUC. Fed changed it 2 yrs ago IIRC where BU has both calls in the infield. So for a Fed game, what I would do is clear the catcher on the 3B side (easier, habit, stay away from a possible catcher move) to watch a potential FSPR at 2B or any other odd stuff, then drift back to point of plate to help with pulled foot if you can, watch the touch at 2B, get a good look even if a long-distance one for the play at 3B strictly as a backup in case something really weird happens to BU or he can't make or forgets about play at 3B. Also leaves you in position to handle overthrow at 1B should it happen. OBR or non-Fed game? Rotate on up.

@grayhawk, I'd definitely be interested in hearing your feedback when you get them. I really like them and will probably pick up another or two. One thing I did notice last night as a mild downside, though. I use a Diamond mask with Team Wendy pads and these sunglasses are perfect, never once got hung up or dislodged in my experience with them when removing the mask or even being in the way in the slightest. Last night, though, due to a short overhanging backstop, I work my All-Star helmet. With the closer, narrower frame of the helmet, they did get nudged a couple times when removing the helmet. Not bad, not even all that big of a deal - but it did happen a handful of times. Never got tangled but it was enough that I was aware of it. Again, purely a helmet issue it appears,

MLB has changed their interpretation, right or wrong. Safe.

Wow, I'm not sure that's even obstruction in HS. Sure looks like a lot of plate is open and unobstructed.

Actually, Jackson is a well-known and respected brand name of safety glasses. They're more well known for industrial and general safety glasses. In fact, these weren't in the sporting goods section of Amazon but rather the Industrial & Scientific section. But totally respect your opinion - just realize there's an enormous brand premium for Oakleys and others. These aren't 'gas station sunglasses' by any means.

True...they do have a model that's polarized, but not near the selection and for more money ($12 for brown lenses, $25 for smoke/grey lens) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009I2XM6K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009I2XM6K&linkCode=as2&tag=hubpages05ec-20

Yes, I know it's about the 2,394th thread on sunglasses, but just thought I'd recommend these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007ZCQNC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0007ZCQNC&linkCode=as2&tag=hubpages05ec-20 They're incredibly light and comfortable, full protection, safety rated in case a rock or something flies up, and they're just over $5!!!! I was skeptical at first but they're outstanding. By far the lightest value sunglasses I've found. The vision is crystal clear, and if you scratch them? So freakin' what, just buy another pair. Not that they're easy to scratch - I had my first for over a year before dropping them yesterday and stepping on them. And all that happened after washing the dust off was a couple tiny scratches at the bottom, not even in my field of view. Even if you burn through 2 pairs a year, it would take over a decade just to reach the cost of an entry-level set of Oakleys. I thought those Maxx HD glasses you see around for $20 or so were a good value, but these are more comfortable and a third/quarter the price. Amazon has other colors and combos for $5 to $7, depending on what you want. The only downside is that they tend to run a bit big. I don't have a huge head and they're fine for me, but if your head runs more to the dainty or really narrow side, these might be a bit too wide for you. For those of us who aren't members of the Lollipop Guild , they're just fine.

Every now and then to mix it up, I'll use a 14 meter voice myself

There's absolutely nothing wrong with mentioning "hey, I looked it up and you were right". But no need to apologize or say sorry.

Not to be a smarta$$, but whoever the scorekeeper says is the losing pitcher. As an umpire, I don't care.

Invariably this happens a few times a year - and already has once so far. I kinda look forward to it, to be honest, a guilty pleasure in seeing if the circus breaks out. Anyhoo, I just start yelling "No, no, no, ball's not in play yet, that's nothing" or words to that effect.

I thought I read once where the softball mechanic actually is to signal safe on a missed plate at home.

Actually the 3 yrs doesn't surprise me....run into almost no problems in school ball. Its always the summer and travel stuff, primarily 11-13 yrs old

Only because it's Fed, no feints to 2b or other bases allowed from windup. Either step off first or pitch...so if the step is in anyway connected or part of another motion, it's a balk. This is definitely a gotta see it situation.

One of these days, I'm going to end a ruling explanation with "Good Day, sir" just so when the inevitable continuation comes, I can firmly say "I SAID GOOD DAY!!!"

I'd say it would be PU but that's going to be low on the priority list, as PU has to go over and make sure the ball doesn't go into dead ball territory. It's just one of the likely holes in the 2 man system.

when I first saw the topic, I thought it said "uninformed players in stands"....in other news, it's Wednesday

Ok, if that's the new interpretation, then this is clearly not a catch. In fact, the way it's rolling in the glove, I'm not sure it's a catch last year either.

Ok, MLB has clearly redefined what they will allow for catches and quick transfer flubs...at least they're consistent.