maineump

Depends on which way from Portland - up towards NH got pounded. Big winds down there as well.

In Maine we were supposed to get it bad. Not so much. We got maybe 12 inches in Central Maine, winds were up, but the storm was nothing compared to last year's blizzard. Weather has been below 0, but going to near 50 this week. The motto here is - If you don't like the weather just wait a day or 2. No pictures to add, 'cause this was just another storm :).

I second this, but they do stretch out over time. On another note: they also work really well in really hot places too!

Good for you for stepping up to help! Just a few tips from an old paramedic: Study hard Skills are the easy part Treat EVRYONE with respect (same as you would treat a grandparent) Have fun along the way The career should give you time for lots of baseball.

Congrats - are you sure you want EMS? I have been doing it for almost 40 years - you won't get rich! The film way seems cool to me.

I really like the play it forward resolution. We really need to get young umpires into the game and work on retaining them. This one I got messed up last year - recognize when I have a concussion and give myself a break (or even go get checked). It effected my concentration at the end of last season. Being a paramedic - you think I would pay more attention when I get hit.

I have played snowball softball tournaments in more snow than that!! The infield is real slow on ground balls, so bunting skills are very important.

I agree, it seems that very few test questions are NOT from the NCAA book or mechanics manual. I find the NCAA rules easier to remember and enforce than the FED stuff.

This could depend totally on the crew and what they have pre-gamed.

An easy way that I learned is that the NCAA rule book is gospel and anything not covered there in covered by OBR. Basically, the NCAA covers the differences. You could also check with your assignor for possible conference adopted rules as well.

Would any of all of the kneeling gotten this far if the President didn't bring it up in a speech? I hadn't heard any more about it until it was said in the speech, now the entire league is involved. I believe, if nothing would have been brought up in the first place, it would all blow over and it would just be "Who was Kapernick?" in a few years. I think the Government had bigger things to worry about than a former player than knelt for the Anthem, Isn't there something about the government interfering with the private industry?

Both calls can be reversed if the CALLING UMPIRE gets information from the partner(s). Basically, call what you see. If you get discussion from the coaches, then you should call time - advise the coach to return to dugout/coaches box - get together a privately discuss the situation. Use the input received from the partner and make your decision. The coach cannot come out to argue if the call doesn't go his way (a rule in HS and NCAA, but works well for other levels too). By getting together in private with your partner, you don't throw anyone under the bus, if he was watching something else. He may just come up, when getting together, and say he has nothing to add - and that is OK too. If I don't get questioned by the coach, then I don't go to my partner. It is my responsibility to make that call. If you go without being questioned, then coaches at higher levels will be after you to get help every time. This is a mess you don't want to get into.

Good luck man !!

I don't wear a shirt over the protector with my plate coat. I have seen guys wear a light weight under shirt - that matches the coat.

A friend of mine is working the LLWS. After his plate game, he walked into the locker room and the MLB crew was in there. He said that they got to chill and talk with the guys for about 30 minutes or so. He also said that the game was great - the entire event was amazing and everyone (pro players and umps) seemed to have a great time with the kids.

I am sure that everything has been OK'd by MLB, the Union and LLB. This is a cool idea - they are playing an MLB game in Williamsport - looks like MLB and LLB are trying to start a tradition?

Sorry man, sometimes I have a hard time telling on here. - the word EXPERT drives me nuts. Ex = something former, spurt = drip under pressure.

3-man - We don't go out on all fly balls - just the same trouble balls as 2-man.

Thanks Gil - I should have known you might have the info . Do you have the rest of the breakdown?

Those guys are so strong and quick - it is really tough to tell from the camera in left center - U1 had the angle, they argued balls and strikes - shower time. I would like to know the % of ejections that are balls and strikes this year. Seems like the players/managers don't learn.

At the MLB level and even college levels - the catcher has a lot to do with getting pitches called strikes. If the catcher receives it incorrectly, THEY will not get the pitch. Believe it or not - perception does count at that level and the pitcher and catcher both know it. This pitch is a little different, because the catcher had to make the backhand to get himself in a position to throw - maybe the umpire just missed the pitch - sometimes that happens. Is it right? Maybe not, but that is the way it is.

My understanding is this: My assignor applies for conferences or basically bids on them. They bid on prices, number of umpires etc. It might include per diem and stuff like that too. D-1 programs pay big money for conference weekends for 3 or 4 umpires. It works the same for summer college ball. For example my group does the Cape Cod League and the Hamptons league in NY, The COG guys for the NECBL. Now, how do the 'Big Conferences' do it? I am not sure if they put it out to bid or not.

I think it had something to do with the ACC application process? Maybe something that came out? Not really sure - but those would be my guess

It really bugs me when I hear guys saying they were 'in the war'. My father in law was in Europe during WWII, his brothers were too - they never talk about it. He is now in a beautiful Veteran's Home, and the respect they get is second to none. None of them talk about what they did. I had 2 uncles that were 'just in the army' in WWII. We never knew until after their deaths, that 1 was a gunner on a bomber, and the other was in the 2nd Rangers Batt. They were never 'heroes' in their minds, they just did what had to be done. I also worked with many Nam vets when I first started on the job 30 years ago. They were Rangers, artillery, Navy and "just a grunt" as they put it. Never offered info, but would answer if asked. How dare someone try to 'be a hero' when they didn't earn it.

same guy - yes I have worked with General Nuttall - don't mess with him.