maineump

No I wouldn't change the swing criteria - if I had a question on the swing, I would ask partner if he went. Treat it like any pitch. It is basically, was he swinging? Could he avoid the pitch? Where is the pitch? Lots of stuff to look at in this case.

Or Ben's 100 works well too. OFF is just a snack for them.

Just imagine all of the sensors you would need for the computers to get input. All of the judgment calls that we make would need some sort of sensor suit on the players and all of the equipment that is used - they couldn't even move around freely. Would be better for managers to be the computers - when the give bad input to the umpire - the umpire either hits control/alt/delete or just plain old delete. The computer operator could add all input to it, the computer can then make the decisions for the game based on what program they may have.

Too bad for Tommy - I always liked his style of being the old school manager.

Maybe this is a foolish question but - don't you use a balloon and work over the catcher instead on in the slot? I would think the slot or even the super slot would be better than taking a chance of being hit in the mask (no matter what you wear) by being behind the catcher instead of the slot. How do you see the low pitches? I started with 1 of these (league stock) almost 40 years ago. I don't remember how it effected the zone - but back then the AL used them and NL used inside protectors - 2 different zones and the NL was much lower.

If it hits the wrist and goes up to the bat - still held back - then HBP, if the bat is 'off the shoulder and level - DB strike. To me it has to do with where the bat is or even judging intent of the hitter. Definitely a HTBT

There are only 2 - one in and 1 out. Up there though, it would be a woodsman, most likely . By the way, I have been to Millinocket 3 times so far for HS games this season. Nice ride in the spring, just bring the fly dope (the good stuff) for the black flies.

Kick the dirt off and move on. You don't have to bend over (if that is what is bothering you), the plate gets basically cleaned and move on.

IMO, more than 1 plate a day is crazy, even at the younger ages. Your concentration tends to go down or you may even just be wishing that the day was over by the 2nd or 3rd plate. Is this fair to the kids? To the other umpires working the tournament? After working a college double header (and only having 1 plate), I am more mentally exhausted than physically tired. I can't imagine doing 8 games in 2 days. The MOST games I would work in a day is 3 with only 1 plate. I have worked large tournaments (12 yo and up) around the country and even out of the country, and the basic rule of the assignor (especially in hot weather), has been - if you work the plate, that is probably the only game for you in the day. If you do have a second game, it WILL be the bases and there is a place for you to go to cool in a shower or air conditioning and at least a game in between to rehydrate and maybe even eat something to help your energy. If you are doing it just for the pay, you are in the wrong business. Just my experiences and opinion.

I am talking about him setting in the box. That hand up that he gives is more for the catcher than me IMO. If he is getting rushed, then I will try to slow down the catcher first and have him give the batter time to get in. The batter needs to stay in the box (unless the criteria to leave are met), and get ready. If he is asking for time after in the box, and the battery is taking too long, then yes, he gets time. Kids and coaches think that they can step out every time get the 10 part signal, take their time stepping back in and we are basing the game on them. We do have an option to start calling strikes, and I have talked to a coach that was taking too much time with his signals about doing this. If every batter used his 20 seconds for every pitch, as the rule allows, then the game definitely takes longer. I agree that calling strikes helps speed up the game, but kids calling for time to throw the ball back to the pitcher or to stand up on the base does take time, and we should try to keep the ball live as much as we can. It is amazing, It takes 2+ hours to do a HS game (usually 2:15 +) despite pushing them to get out to the field or to stay in the box. This year alone I have done many 9 inning college games in under 2:05. It has a lot to do with pitchers hitting spots, hitters swinging the bat, fielders making the plays. But most of it has to do with hitters getting into the box quickly, getting the warm-up pitches done in about 1 minute, pitchers working faster than HS kids, and not having to meet at the mound before every inning.

Just because he is in MS doesn't allow him to act out, but at this age, we should try to keep him in the game. To summarize what is written here and many good options we should exhaust. first time - let it go (unless it is bad) second time - catcher to the mound third time - you get the coach involved fourth - do what you have to do. There is no reason to be shown up by a MS player (or any player), but make this a teaching moment if you can before you give him the ultimate teaching moment, that probably includes an extra game. We can't treat a MS kid the same as we would a HS or above player.

A pet peeve of mine is the hitter holding his hand up to whoever he is holding it to, thinking he has time. I don't grant it, but many do. This also is an 'official time out', so keep the ball live and the game moving.

It seems to me, that I have seen Ump INT by the PU much more frequently than I see the BU INT called. The catcher and PU are so close it is bound to happen.

The signal I use is roll the balls to the home team and walk to the gate. If we are cancelling due to weather, we tell the coaches in a short meeting, so no signal needed. I have never seen or heard of a signal in the books. I have one partner that we will signal by giving the 2 outs signal and point towards the gate when we are down to the last out. This is real subtle and just between us

With today's lightning detectors, weather on the phones, computers in your hands, there should be no excuse by not getting kids and fans away from the field. If we hear thunder that seems far away, we should be checking the weather right away, and any weather in the area at all - clear the field. If there is no weather around, on radar, we still need to be very aware. Here in Maine we also get "heat lightning". It is lightning that has no thunder, doesn't come to the ground (that I have ever heard of) and basically just lights up the sky. Anything that can light up the sky like that gets my respect - we stop the game. With today's fences. light poles, metal bleachers, drainage under the fields - don't take any chances - err to the safety of all.

I handle conflict on a daily basis - domestics, drugs, assaults - I don't get into the middle of these, except to protect myself. In the case of the kids, I think it is really bad to go hands on for your own protection (on a baseball field), that is the coaching staff's job. This does get pre-gamed - we do it in big rivalry games. like what are we doing if we see any flair up from the players, are the hitters being thrown at - we all know what our roles will be and who is watching who. Resolving conflict in school is one thing, on a baseball field you are no longer being paid as a teacher. you are being paid as an umpire. I am a paramedic in my real life, I don't run to the injured players unless I see something LIFE THREATENING for an injury that I need to LEGALLY take care of. It sounds bad, but like the rest say - stand back and write numbers - you are within the rules, not guessing what each kid is thinking and staying safe yourself.

My guess he was feeling the effects of the mask shot. Earlier in the season, I was hit by a bat (on a backswing) on a Monday (HS game), then on Tuesday had my mask blown off by a foul ball (8 feet or so behind me) in a college game. I really noticed it the worst on Wednesday morning - dizzy, unable to concentrate. Concussions don't always show up right away. A great lesson for all of us.

You are right - now that I think about it, if I come out right I do hold my right arm out.

I use 1(left) arm straight out as a signal to my partner and say no catch loud enough for catcher and hitter. I hold the left arm out until the tag is made by the catcher or the BR reaches the 45' mark. I also step out to which ever side is open to see the play. Not sure where I picked that up. I have seen the right arm out, but it looks like some guy's strike calls (especially on a swinging 3K). Not sure if it 'proper by the book' but it works well for me.

Thanks -I have also seen guys wearing them on the outside and by hooking it on the same bars that Scott did. That does not do any good as well, it seems way to far away. I would also think that it would blow the mask off if it gets hit.

Good advise above - you just need to delay to read the play and react to what the players do. When you are moving out to the left on an infield ball, the area is clear and allows you to do this, anything in front or at the plate read the catcher and batter out of the box. Many D3K tags can be seen by coming out to the right.

I saw no mask touch and CUDOS for a great play and call.

Plate guy probably signaled he was staying home. You just saw the communication between the base guys. As above, the runner is moving on the pitch. I will do this even in a 2-man system with fast teams. Home plate is the important one here. There are all kinds of different signals I have seen, just pre-game them. Generally a simple slide signal from U3 covers it. MidAmUmp has a great point about keeping the play in front of you. I never think about that, because it is habit to come in with the 2-man system. You might also see guys (U1 in deep B) making a call at 1B from deep in the dirt (in a 3-man crew). It is all about angles.

I adjust by the batter and pitcher - they are all different. I never go into the "kill zone" to see the pitch. Usually I can just tilt my head to pick the pitch up earlier. I NEVER tell the batter or catcher that they have to move - I need to adjust to them. If you can't see the pitch from the hand, pick it up as early as you can. You should have an idea of what the pitcher is doing, as not everyone crowds the plate - so you are getting a good look at most of the pitches. I have noticed that the higher the level, generally the closer to the plate they stand - they want to reach the outside pitch and they have quick enough hands to get the inside pitch. Good luck finding something that works for you - we are all different.