tphipps

I will try to get some better pictures to put on here. Sorry for the small pic's. I have had quite of few inquiries. Not trying to get rich just want to help someone get some quality stuff to save them some money. I am very aware of what good, quality uniforms and equipment cost new. By the way, the numbers on the shirts and jacket were my conference assigned numbers. #10. They can be removed and replaced with another set of numbers. Thanks for the insight. Will get the new pic's up soon.

This is a situation that all umpire's at some point and at some level will encounter. Some my disagree, but it has been my experience that I concentrate on everything that has to do with the players and coaches on the field and the dugouts. As an umpire, we are responsible for managing the game within the fence. Once you start listening to fans and take things personal then you are not 100% focused on doing your job. Saying that, there should always be a school administrater, tournament director or a point of contact that should handle any problem fans in the stands. When I arrive at a game site the first thing that I ask is who is in charge of administration duties and find that person, introduce myself and go over any possible situations that could come up and let him know that i will be in charge of everything on the field and I will expect him/her to handle any situations that may arise outside the field that might cause any disruption of the game. When you do that, you are doing preventive umpiring that will allow you to be prepared should a situation come up. When you have a plan of action for things like this, you will see it nipped in the bud and I promise you that the game administrater will appreciate your attention to detail and including he/she in your game plan. I would definitly let the catcher know, in a discrete way, that if he is going to acknowledge the heckler and converse with him that he will not be in the game long for the simple fact that he is a player on the field. It is hard to listen to stupid people that don't know anything about the game, but you as an umpire have enough to take care of on the field so have thick skin and focus on your task at hand. It took me a long time to learn that but after I did, it was a load taken off of me and I became more in tuned and sharper at my job as an umpire.

Thank you guys. I have learned that you never stop being a student of the game and umpiring. If there is any thing that I can help with, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thanks, Todd

Also, if I could give any advice to young umpires, I would tell them that you will go a lot farther and develope more respect if you try to be more practical than technical in the game. I have learned the hard way about this. When I first started umpiring and more so after I finished Professional Umpire School, I thought I knew everything and no one could tell me different. I went by the rule book like I go by the Bible. Sometimes there are situations where you have to be practical about situations and not just read it black and white. Other umpires and coaches appreciate that more than you will ever know. Yes, you are in charge but being approachable and managing the game with others in mind will help you build a reputation of a good umpire with people skills and great character. We are there to manage the game, not to show everyone we are there to prove how much we know and how much control we have. Thanks.

Hello, I just joined Umpire Empire and I think it's a great web site for all umpires at all levels. Glad to be a part of it. I have had to retire from umpiring after 20 years of calling Minor Leauge, College and High School due to a recent full knee replacement. I have added a post on the Buy, Sell and trade section. I have some very nice and professional uniforms for sell at a great price. Hope you check it out. Thanks.

I have 7 high quality umpire shirts for sale in excellent condition. They are all professional style shirts with #10 on upper sleeve. 2 of the shirts are oversized for wearing behind the plate. 1 Navy - short sleeved is 3xl and 1 Powder Blue- short sleeved is 4xl. 1 Navy, 1 Powder Blue, 1 Red, 1 Black and 1 Cream are 2xl, all short sleeved. Will sell all shirts for $100. If interested contact Todd @ 501-655-2923.