Jesse

On MLB.tv there is a setting for the audio to be set to a setting titled "PARK" Essentially this audio setting features the video of the broadcast of your choice but as for the audio, you listen to an on-field microphone. It's a good tool if something happens at the plate (like this) where you want to listen in. How do I find this setting? That'd be great to hear some things that are said on field. I found the video but I only have the option of turning the volume up or down. When in the MLB.tv browser, On the left hand side of the time bar will be an option, click that. You will then be able to select audio and video options depending on what is provided. Sometimes it's not provided.

On MLB.tv there is a setting for the audio to be set to a setting titled "PARK" Essentially this audio setting features the video of the broadcast of your choice but as for the audio, you listen to an on-field microphone. It's a good tool if something happens at the plate (like this) where you want to listen in.

Good stuff Jesse, thanks! Anytime!

I looked this clip up on MLB.tv and listened to "PARK" audio. Nelson on the second balk: "That's a balk.....He didn't stop. That's not a stop. That's not remotely close to a stop. That's not a stop. I've been telling him all night that's not a stop." Colorados dugout just looked at him.

Do you guys know what socks the pros wear?

Yes, to go along with that: The diamond is the only place in my life where my mind can rest and just focus on the task at hand. The only thing that matters is the next pitch (or the next F-bomb)...

if it was Scully calling the game, I'm sure the word "fertilizer" would come up somewhere!

Someone once called me "umpie" It was terrible.

Played mens traveling fast pitch until I was 24. Go watch one game and come back with your answer. I'm joking, softball is a fantastic sport.

It kind of reminds me of this: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/15/hes-just-a-little-boy-baseball-sign_n_3280044.html

Do they even keep score in softball?

If you're doing it for the money, you're doing it wrong. Man up and pussy out.

Amen.

Stan, Read the whole thread. A few of the umpires that replied were implying that I was sitting at the fence chatting with the fans. I understand that it's good advice to not listen to what goes on outside the fences. But when someone throws something out there and I'm not 100% on the rule I'm going to file it away and look into it. I did not do anything wrong, I did not respond to the fan at all. I never even implied that I did. But for some on there their first instinct is to assume the worst and then criticize. The fact that you heard him means you did something wrong

Verbal mechanics

http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/53966-why-does-no-one-seem-to-use-the-hockey-style-mask/

^^^ Great advice here. The key thing here is what the situation is. One thing to note: At lower levels, they want you to verbalize more. I've stepped down and done some lower levels and umpired according to the levels I'm used to and it's been difficult. The lower you get, the more they want you to verbalize (maybe it's because they're shocked a play was made lol). But when you get higher, follow @grayhawk 's advice and you'll be just fine.

Why are interacting with a fan during the game? Stay away from the fences. Seriously? I was at a field with a short backstop. I was right where I was supposed to be on the 3BL as that team was coming out to bat. Even where I was at the fan was only about 25 feet away. I didn't even indicate I answered the question and you insinuate that I'm "interacting with the fans"? You must have really good hearing! Or you don't realize how close 25 feet is. Are you saying it would take exceptional hearing to hear someone on the back edge of an end zone talking to someone on the goal line? Plus he was asking me the question, so of course he is going to say it loud enough for me to hear it. You're an umpire, you can't hear anything outside of the fence. It's physically impossible. Get used to it.

Sounds like umpire humour to me

http://www.sportchek.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=12586095&cp=3733354.3734937.3757971 ^^ Good deal

How can you tell when they are lying? This coaches nose grew the tiniest bit. It was a dead giveaway.

I was tasked with working a 2-man base assignment in an 18U league tonight when I caught a coach trying to pull a fast one. It’s the top of the inning and his team is on the defense when his 1st baseman informs me that he’ll be catching the next inning. Fair enough. In-between innings the coach approaches me and asks if his catcher (who had just caught the last inning) could have a courtesy runner run for him because he had just been injured. I told the coach that it seems kind of odd to have him hit if he’s injured. He then informed me that he’ll be coming out of the game after his at bat because of the injury and they’ll be replacing him with a new catcher as he just found out about the injury after the inning. I gave him a funny look and told him that I was told earlier by his 1st baseman that there was a change up and coming. He said, “oh, I signalled to my 1st baseman during the inning that he’d be catching.†I give him a funny look and said “no need for a courtesy runner.†Turns out the "injured" catcher got injured running down the line and had to be carried off the field. A+ coaching.

Read the OP No mention of combos here! Feel free to ignore me then! I think the key component to your post is the fact that Honigs Poly's are awesome

It depends on what the first comment is. That coach said you stole an at bat from the kid. I'm addressing that right when I hear it. I may say something very sternly like, "Coach, that's unacceptable. If I hear another comment like that from you, I will run you." You gotta put a stop to that horse$hit right away. You have to exert yourself and show who is in control of the game. That's what an umpire must do. While I somewhat agree with your approach to the situation, I don't think threatening a coach is the best route. A stern comment addressing the situation should suffice ("knock it off, that's enough, don't start with me"...etc). They know that they've been warned after a comment like that and what happens next is perfectly justified. As for umpiring just for the money: I'm a 19-year-old kid working his way through college. I certainly need the money but I still travel at least an hour or more to each game because I love doing what I do. Of course I'll never come out on top financially, but i don't really care. It's a hobby for me and if it ever becomes a job, I'll know it's time to hang it up.

This is correct (or at least it was) but I might change "expected" to "allowed". I only said expected because they told me if your still using the "school hammer" when you get a job the managers will get on you because you'll look inexperienced. "They" are wrong. At least in all the areas Ive been in. Damn, umpires working AA and up are very "inexperienced" for using the hammer. Even those damn MLB guys using a hammer are so "inexperienced".