benjix4

Always adjust to the catcher. Be consistent in your adjustments and your view will be fine. Staying in the slot just to have perfect mechanics is a losing proposition. I wear the system 7 hockey mask. Last time I got hit in the head was a college game with a pitcher throwing high 80's and foul ball right off the face mask. Felt a slight jarring sensation and nothing else. The Wilson Shock 2.0 I wore was a hunk of SH*#. Tried to get my money back after the mask failed during a game and nearly cost me a nasty concussion.

Flashing the count back to the PU is never needed and looks terrible. If the PU asked you for the count that is different.

Its very unfortunate that some umpires still think its necessary to let everyone know their ego is bigger than the game. I have umpired with several folks 3 man 2 man, when you see a potential problem that may cause an issue in the game whether its positioning, mechanics etc.. simply find the right time between innings and very calmly have a quick meaningful discussion. Any credible association leaders would weed these guys out.

@Majordave There is a clown in Washington State who's sole purpose is get all associations in Washington state to wear the shirt they (WOA) created with a flag, patch etc.. The best part is short sleeve is the only available. March - May in Western WA. with short sleeves. This guy is a train wreck.

Good umpiring comes from not creating something that isn't there. Obvious foul ball, just let the play develop.

That is a horrible looking mechanic. The only thing your arms should be doing is emphasizing a strike or safe and out.

Exactly what I do and if you use that technique smartly you are managing the game at the same time. How many times have you called a ball and the first thing out of a coach, fan etc.. is "Where was that blue"? Close balls I always emphasize the call with a location. BALL, Thats down, BALL, out etc.. This is used on many levels including MLB.

I used to use the Diamond Edge, but I switched to the Wilson FX last year. I've probably been hit less than 10 times, but I haven't had any problems yet (knock on wood). I am curious how you got blood on your chin though. The batter swung very late ball barely hits his bat then hit the ctacher an d straight up to me. Ball caught the lower end of the mask and pushed it up and away from my chin. I tighten that mask before every game. I'm convinced ita abad design and a gimmick to have a flaoting cage.

Another obstruction example. Runner on third B1 turns to bunt catcher interferes with bunt attempt it goes fair anyway and R3 notices the catcher out in front of the plate with the ball and turns back to 3rd. B1 thrown out at first. Call was delayed dead ball catchers interference. In high school coach elects the result of the play or batter to 1st. Obvoiusly he wants batter to first but asks "what about my runner attempting to score, we had a squeeze on and he only turned around when he saw the catcher jump out front and interfere. What say you out there...

Your long post could have been channeled down to just a few sentences on how to handle players who argue balls and strikes. They don't have that luxury. Those are all judgement calls that are neither up for discussion or to be debated. Immediate ejection and your problem is solved. That is to much drama for a baseball game.

Good day all - Has anyone had a bad experience with the Wilson Shock FX HSM. I took two direct hits this year one in college ball and one in varsity high school. Both left me on the ground for a few minutes and one of them left me bloodied on the chin. I did not move my head they were just crappy foul balls. I wrote Wilson sports and they will not replace with a different mask. I sent them two videos on MLB umpires who suffered concussions with these masks.