JonnyCat

Thanks Guys! Plane leaves tomorrow morning. Gotta be honest, I'm a little nervous. Ok, more than a little! LOL!

Definitely won't be a tell all. LOL! I know TUS monitors this site and I'm sure they won't have an issue with it. I hear what you are saying though, I don't want to and won't ruffle any feathers. Although I am no literary giant, I want to treat it with the same respect and insight as the book "As they See 'Em". I thought that book was a great read and good insight. My post won't be nearly as long. Just a brief synopsis of each days events. They know I'm not looking, nor would I be considered for a job. With that being said, I will respect their wishes on any privacy issues they may have. It's a long time for me to be away from home, so blogging is a way to keep connected with family and friends back home, and pass the time.

Happy New Year! Me and a fellow umpire buddy are leaving for TUS this Tuesday. I've set up a blog if anyone is interested in following along with a 51 year old guy trying to navigate through pro school! LOL! I plan on blogging everyday, mostly as a way of letting my wife and kids experience the trip with me and to keep a journal that will help me remember each days events. Hopefully, I can give everyone some insight as to what pro-school is all about. There won't be any bashing, drama, badmouthing, or letting out anything innappropriate. Just a short story everyday about how I'm working my way through something not everyone has experienced. I'll keep it positive and professional each day. If you like, check it out at the link below: https://johnperrettaproumpireschool2015.wordpress.com/ While I don't post that much here, I do read often and appreciate what this site is all about. All the discussions here have made me a much better umpire. John

Hi Everyone. Welcome to my blog about attending professional umpire school in 2015. Youth umpiring has been my hobby for about 12 years now. Last year, fellow umpire Bill Balog and myself made the decision to attend pro school in 2015. Bill and I will be attending “The Umpire School†(TUS) in Vero Beach, Florida […] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] View the full article

Pro school is only a week away and I’ve almost everything ready to go. Seems like a lot of stuff needs to go into 2 suitcases, but hopefully I don’t forget too much! It’s hard to decide exactly what to bring. 30 days is a long time of umpiring, but hopefully it will go by […] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] View the full article

At 45 you are too old for a job in professional baseball. Your best bet is to move up the college ranks or perhaps work some independent ball. The pay is not very good when first starting out, so like others said, you probably will need to suppliment your income. With that being said, if pro school intrigues you, by all means go. You will learn a lot and be a much better umpire. I'm 51 and will be attending TUS this January along with a buddy who is 58. While we have no iilusions of turning pro, it will be a great learning experience and can only help in the future. It's more of a bucket list type thing for us, but you only live once. Life is meant to be experienced. Hope to see you up there!

Absolutely!

According to Brent Rice, the manuals should be ready some time in December. Send the school an e-mail for more information. Hope that helps.

You enforce the rules that matter - right? When's the last time you enforced the "stay in the coach's box at all times" rule? OTOH I'll bet you never said - "Out cause it was close enough" Enforcement BY ALL matters at the LL level. Some things can be left to others at the shaving levels. If folks can't handle that difference they should avoid LL. Cups matter. Jocks don't. Oh I get it. You now advocate not enforcing the rules that don't matter? Seems like a change in position Rich. Let me ask you this, who gets to decide which rules don't matter? Coaches, umpires, leagues? You have criticized umpires here for not enforcing some rules. Are you now changing your position?

A few of us from this site are at the Wendelstedt So Cal clinic this weekend. The manuals were not available for those that ordered them for the clinic. I think there is some sort of delay. I'll ask and see when they will be available.

Make sure you keep your base cleaning rag in your ball bag, along with your keys, phone, wallet, and maybe something cool to drink.

BTW. Are you advocating that LL umpires enforce the mandatory athletic supporter rule, too? I think most people in LL that use 8.01(b) in enforcement of LL rules are taking the interpretation too far. "Required to enforce all of these rules" does not mean that a LL umpire must proactively look for violations that are not visibly apparent or does not present itself directly to an umpire. The athletic supporter rule is a good example. You're telling us that LL umpires are required to enforce all rules. So tell me how to enforce that one, Rich? As an umpire, I am not actively looking for every single rule violation. When a violation presents itself, I will deal with it accordingly. I will not check for cups or supporters. I will not rifle through equipment bags looking for illegal equipment. (I've seen many LL umpires do this.) I'm not checking helmets for missing warning lables or missing NOCSAE stamps. (Yes, seen LL umpires do that, too). The rule quoted requires LL umpires to enforce the rules. It is not a license to go looking for violations to show everyone how up to date you are on your rules knowledge. You are supposed to verify equipment in LL because a large % of the coaches don't understand the requirements. If the helmet is missing a NOCSAE stamp (they're embossed) then it never had one and is not legal. Check. No asks anyone to physically check for a jock or cup. Just ask about the cup. Many of the kids will knock as a way of saying yes. You commented that LL umpires are required to enforce all of the rules. How does your league handle the supporter provision? After all, it is a rule and according to you, it must be enforced. Just wondering how your league handles it. I'm curious to know how your league instructs the umpires in enforcement of that rule. Or is it one that your league chooses to ignore. Find me a league anywhere that cares about the jock. Cup yes. Jock no. I understand that, as do most people. There are some rules we actively enforce, and some we don't. But you have contradicted yourself. One one hand you say that LL umpires are required to enforce all of the rules. You have even gone as far as criticizing umpires on this very board for ignoring rules, or choosing to ignore rules. Now your are advocating ignoring rules? Which one is it, Rich? Can't have your cake and eat it, too.

BTW. Are you advocating that LL umpires enforce the mandatory athletic supporter rule, too? I think most people in LL that use 8.01(b) in enforcement of LL rules are taking the interpretation too far. "Required to enforce all of these rules" does not mean that a LL umpire must proactively look for violations that are not visibly apparent or does not present itself directly to an umpire. The athletic supporter rule is a good example. You're telling us that LL umpires are required to enforce all rules. So tell me how to enforce that one, Rich? As an umpire, I am not actively looking for every single rule violation. When a violation presents itself, I will deal with it accordingly. I will not check for cups or supporters. I will not rifle through equipment bags looking for illegal equipment. (I've seen many LL umpires do this.) I'm not checking helmets for missing warning lables or missing NOCSAE stamps. (Yes, seen LL umpires do that, too). The rule quoted requires LL umpires to enforce the rules. It is not a license to go looking for violations to show everyone how up to date you are on your rules knowledge. You are supposed to verify equipment in LL because a large % of the coaches don't understand the requirements. If the helmet is missing a NOCSAE stamp (they're embossed) then it never had one and is not legal. Check. No asks anyone to physically check for a jock or cup. Just ask about the cup. Many of the kids will knock as a way of saying yes. You commented that LL umpires are required to enforce all of the rules. How does your league handle the supporter provision? After all, it is a rule and according to you, it must be enforced. Just wondering how your league handles it. I'm curious to know how your league instructs the umpires in enforcement of that rule. Or is it one that your league chooses to ignore.

BTW. Are you advocating that LL umpires enforce the mandatory athletic supporter rule, too? I think most people in LL that use 8.01(b) in enforcement of LL rules are taking the interpretation too far. "Required to enforce all of these rules" does not mean that a LL umpire must proactively look for violations that are not visibly apparent or does not present itself directly to an umpire. The athletic supporter rule is a good example. You're telling us that LL umpires are required to enforce all rules. So tell me how to enforce that one, Rich? As an umpire, I am not actively looking for every single rule violation. When a violation presents itself, I will deal with it accordingly. I will not check for cups or supporters. I will not rifle through equipment bags looking for illegal equipment. (I've seen many LL umpires do this.) I'm not checking helmets for missing warning lables or missing NOCSAE stamps. (Yes, seen LL umpires do that, too). The rule quoted requires LL umpires to enforce the rules. It is not a license to go looking for violations to show everyone how up to date you are on your rules knowledge.

You're the first one to comment on that. I thought it was weird, too. Great comments, thanks for the discussion. I did not mind so much that my partner has a habit of asking, I just think that it is not our responsibility. Not only that, but this was a tournament game with time limits. We did waste a few minutes sorting out this fiasco. No one complained, but it could have been an issue. I'm hoping I can convince him to change his ways.

I know it is slow this time of year, so I wanted some opinions and maybe some debate on a situation. I have my own opinion and have a disagreement with a partner. This partner is a very good umpire, and one I have worked with and like to work with. Situation. 16u weekend travel tournament last month, low key, OBR. I'm base umpire. Around the start of the 3rd inning or so, I'm in "A" waiting for partner to put the ball in play. Instead, he is having a conversation with the catcher. I can't hear what they are discussing, but it looks like it is about the catchers mask or some other equipment problem. I assume that something is broken and just wait. Defensive team is on the first base side and catcher runs into the dugout and starts looking through his gear bag. Next thing I know, the manager is yelling for his right fielder to come to the dugout. I thought they were going to change catchers, but no. They need the right fielders cup! He gives it to the catcher, catcher puts it on, and we start the inning. Yes, at the begining of the inning, the plate umpire asked the catcher if he was wearing a cup, and also asked him to knock on it for proof. Game went on without a hitch, and no one complained. During our post game we discussed the situation and partner, admitedly so, asks catchers about cups all the time. This is not the first time I've seen him do it. Again, very good umpire, one of my favorite partners. He does everything from Adult ball, High School, and LL. But we disagree on this subject. He says it's about safety and he will continue to do it. I say maybe LL majors and below, but not at this level. I'm not sure if he asks at adult or high school levels, but certainly travelball and LL. I never ask the catcher at any level, let alone a 16u tournament. As far as I'm concerned, my responsibility ends at the plate meeting after I have asked if players are properly equipped. So, my questions are: Not our responsibility to ask the catcher for a cup check, or do you feel it is right, and do any of you do it, and at what level(s)? What would you say, or how would you react to a partner that did or does something similar? No big deal, mild post game discussion, or have a "come to Jesus" post game? Just curious about your thoughts. Thanks.

I've worked a few of the SDSU intersquad games again this year. I did 2 last year and 5 this year. I was actually going to work this game and dress up, but I had other commitments. Too bad, as I am also a SDSU alum. I know and have worked with all three umpires on this crew. The head coach, Mark Martinez, encouraged the umpires to dress up. The plate guy didn't want to, that is why he is in regular gear. The other two took the game in good spirit. I think this is a tradition that will be around for a long time. It's good fun.

I'll find out when I am there in January!

Acpar72 has the chest protector and i have the shins. Got the 16.5's and they fit great. I'm 5' - 11" with a 32" inseam. Can't wait to use them.

Great experience again with acpar72. We split the UE chest protector and shin guards. Shipped out as promised.

Oh come on. I wasn't that bad!

I wish! No, too far to go. I'll be joining County down in San Diego. Side note, me and 2 friends of mine are planning to go to the Wendelstedt weekend clinic, so we'll see you up there.

Thanks. I did some more research in the BRD last night, and with your answers, I have a grasp on the ruling now. Thanks for the rulings, I really appreciate this website!

I read that in the FED rules book, but I am still unclear. Let me put it into some different situations to help me understand better. 1. R1, 0-0 count, 1 out. Batter swings and there is FTI. A. R1 does not try to advance. What is the call? Batter out or nothing? B. R1 does try to advance with no throw. Call? Batter out and runner returns to first? C. R1 advances with throw but is safe. Call? Same as situation B? D. R1 advances but is thrown out. Call? Two outs? Batter and runner? Or is the runner out and the interference disregarded, batter is not out?

A discussion came up today between me and my partner regarding Follow Through Interference (FTI) in FED. Without boring anyone with the details of the discussion, some questions arose that I was hoping you all could help me with. I know in FED on FTI, the batter is called out. 1. On FTI, is it an immediate dead ball? 2. If not, I'm assuming the catcher can make a play on a runner trying to advance. If said runner is tagged out, double play? If the runner is not tagged out, then just return him to Time of Interference base and call the batter out? 3. Here is the problem that troubles me the most. My partner said that with FTI, you can get an out on an advancing runner even without a throw, if you think that the catcher could have retired the runner. Seems suspect to me. I think he was getting his batter interference rules mixed up. Can some one please clarify the rule for me. I usually do OBR and have a good grasp on the rules, but I will be doing HS ball next year and will be asking many more questions, I'm sure.