Bailey8

Can a batter switch boxes during an at bat? For example: B1 hitting left handed has a count of 0-2, batter asks for time and switches to bat right handed on the next pitch, legal? Had this asked before the start of a Pony league game.

PU at Sophomore game tonight, required both teams to remove knob covers from the bats. Claiming they made the bats illegal. I haven't heard of this before. Any comments?:HS

What would the call be and awards for runner? R1 and no outs, batter hits fly foul here fence on first base side. First baseman runs towards fence, makes the catch with control, momentum carries first baseman into 4' fence. The glove and ball go over the fence where the ball falls out of the glove into dead ball area. Is this a catch and if it is, does R1 get a base award?

Why is the pitcher charge with a balk?

I will admit, I purchased one last year. Being a first year, I bought the combo with sg and mask. I worked games from LL to HS JV with it. Fortunately, I only took one real shot off of it during a JV game in the upper left. It was felt! I plan on getting a different cp for HS games. However, will continue to use it for lower level play games. What I did like was the lightness and flexibility. It seemed to conform to my body well. BTW, I do like the sg and mask very well.

I found this post on "The 10 Commandments" interesting and have nominated it accordingly for "Post Of The Month September, 2009"

Based on the opening situation #1, R2 touches all bases and coach yells to return third based to touch. Hypothetically, R2 gets into rundown between 3rd and home, meanwhile BR makes his way to 3rd while defense is busy in rundown with R2. Could there be interference by a retired runner (R2)?

Sorry, left out a few items. Home team had 0. I was not there, I was told about this situation 2nd hand. After the 3 out call, the OC took it up with the UIC apparently didnt get anywhere. He then went and retrieved the correct (whiter) ball from left field. UIC called it a game and left the field. I thinking the loose equipment rule also.

HS game, 10-0 bottom of 7th, 2 outs. Hit to left field, the ball hits practice ball left on field from previous innings. F7 picks up practice ball and throws to 2nd for tag on runner for 3 out. What would be the ruling?

8 games into my first season of hs umping, the only question I keep asking myself is " why did I wait so long to start"! 5 as BU and 3 as PU, Already I prefer the dish! First night behind the dish got hit twice, forgot to call foul on 2 hits over the fence, and a had close call at the plate. I couldn't stop smiling for an hour! I called my mentor immediately after the game and talked for an hour about the game!

I have used the new style 3 times, hopefully tonight also if not rained out. As like Dave, I removed all the lower flaps that were attached by Velcro. I have rather skinny legs and with the wrap around protection there is only about 2 inches of open area on the back side. Because of the wrap around neither of the 2 straps rub the back of my leg. I have not had any issues with twisting either. Darin

The batter did step out of the box asking for time. The UIC did not see the runner until after he called time. I was in B position, I turned to send runner back, when he said he could stay. DC questioned it once, with no rebuttal to the UIC answer, and the UIC didn't come to me for help.

Had this situation last night at a freshman game. R1 on first, pitcher on the plate taking sign, batter in the box. R1 breaks for second, 5/8 the way to 2nd, UIC calls time. Runner standing on 2nd. DC inquires to UIC if runner has to go back to 1st, UIC says no. Was this the correct call or should the runner return to 1st since UIC killed the play before the runner reached 2nd?

Used it for the first time tonight! Freshman game (4 1/2 innings). Didn't take any shots off the CP, just shin and forearm. This is my first time at the plate, so I can't give a comparison to other CP's. After a couple more games I will report back how it feels. Darin

At our state clinic (Illinois) we were told if third can be stolen, be in C position. Otherwise stay in B with runners on base. Darin

I notched my new indicator today. Watching a game on TV getting use to the feel of the marks with the count. Thanks, that is a great idea!

IMO as a new umpire, the threads about the indicators is very intimidating that if you use an indicator that you are not worthy. I know that is not all the intentions. I agree with Warren, I will use one for a while until I do get my confidence up. There are so many others things to pay attention to during the game that as a newbie this is one crutch I will use for a while. When an evaulator looks if you use an indicator, how much does it affect an evaluation?

Can you explain the HOK set? Thanks, Darin

First season, 21 games schedule so far. Mostly freshman and jv, 2 alone! Assignments started coming in Dec. 29th.

Thanks, That would explain the $100 difference!

What is the difference between the umpire version of the shock fx and the catcher version?

My very first game as an umpire on March 30th. Can't wait! Clinic on the 14th of Feb.

What kind of cold weather gloves have you all used? I have been told that scuba gloves work great. Thanks, Darin

As a first time umpire, would it be to any advantage to check with the local high school baseball coach about getting some plate time during their live batting practice or pitching practice?

Is something that can be covered at the pre-game meeting at the plate?