Rags11

Fellas: Heard of the following situation that happened during the HS playoffs . FED Rules: Bases loaded, 2 outs. HR clears fence. BR advances to first base, R3 advances home. R1 & R2 abandon to celebrate before touching their advance bases. How many runs score? Can't find an exact case play, but if a runner forced to advance is put out, prior to touching his advance base, no runs score. Is this correct, or am I having a brain fart? AR

Well, I stand corrected! Actually, I stand about 5'7, but....B)

In these parts, both umpires are expected to signal, and no aircraft should be on the field:p

That's usually how it goes here on LI, too. AR

Exactly! Unfortunately, not enough umpires have the same attitude. If you're not getting better, you're getting worse. AR

I agree that I'd rather have a partner who needed to "loosen up," than be overly chummy with coaches, players & fans. The only parents I'd talk to during a game are my own...Since they've never seen me work a game, that hasn't happened yet. JM and the others are right. You can't be too professional. Generally, I think the guys who puff their chests the most, tend to know the least. Quick example from last year: Here on LI, late in the school season, they're scrambling to get umpires to cover middle school games. So, I get a last minute call, and I'm paired with a 30+ year vet. I know this because he told me as soon as I pulled into the parking lot. Incidentally, his base pants looked almost that old. Anyway, I'm PU, and we have an IFF sitch. The ball's hit in no man's land, and falls. No call. Defensive coach comes out to the plate, and asks me about it. Not confrontational, just coversational. I explain the no-call, citing the attempted play requiring more than "ordinary effort" on the part of the fielder. All is well. 30 year vet comes bounding in. "Coach, the ball wasn't readily accesible." #1: I still haven't found that terminology in any rule book. #2: If I wanted help, I'd have asked. I have no problem with guys who work college & HS. Yes, some are arrogant. But what bothers me more is the Big Dog who thinks because he's been an umpire for XX years, he can't learn anything new or do anything different.

...begin around March 16th, here on LI. IT WILL BE COLD! I can expect 25 or so assignments at the HS level, and I'm waiting on a JUCO schedule. By June 1, I'll probably have 50-60 games (including scrimmages & spring rec leagues) under my belt. First meeting: Jan 22 First (HS) clinic: Feb 7...I'll probably be assisting with the mechanics clinic. JUCO clinic: Feb 22 Plate mechanics clinic: March 20...This one's optional, but I believe clinics should be treated like doctor's visits. Go annually, whether you think you need it, or not. AR

Last year, from mid-March through June I was a "pointer." For most of the previous seven years, I'd been a hammer guy. I never really got comfortable, and was back at the hammer for the summer and fall. As far as hitting the catcher with your hammer, you may be too close or you aren't rising from your stance. I'm 5'7, and even with the tallest of catchers in a men's league, it usually isn't an issue. I've never been crazy about turning my head or body away from the field, particularly in a 2 man crew. Whatever works (and keeps your assigner/evaluators happy!) AR

Especially Major Dave for his "compare & contrast" review. Sounds like the Evans bag is the one for me. As an aside, Jason Klein, who seems to be Evans' "go to" guy is GREAT to deal with. Thanks again. AR

Fellow Umpires: My first investment for 2009 is a equipment bag. Right now, I'm a coin flip away from the Wilson model, and the one Jim Evans carries. They both have a handle, wheels, and are relatively close in price. Any opinions? Thanks AR

Stan: Yes, I wrote a few articles for Officiating.com some years back. Thanks for the kind words. It was a great experience, but work pulled me away from the keyboard, and then the diamond for a bit. The great thing I find about "this thing of ours," as a friend (shamelessly making a Sopranos reference!) refers to amateur umpiring is that it's a diverse enough group to support and participate in different resources such as Officiating.com, umpire.org, and of course this site. AR

Flemington was an outstanding experience...and yes, we are in the middle of winter, and road work! AR

Warren: Great site! My name is Anthony Ragona, and I'm from Long Island, NY. I've visited your site before, but just registered yesterday. Congrats on the anniversary! I've been umpiring since 2002, and have worked everything from 12u to College Showcase tournaments. This year, I'll begin my first season of JUCO ball, mixed in with my high school schedule. Since baseball is played here from March until November, there are only two seasons for me: baseball & winter. I've been a frequent reader (and infrequent poster) on a few boards over the years. I've attended, among other clinics, Jim Evans first Libery Classic in NJ, almost two years ago. As I'm turning 40 this year, I'd like to expend my mid-life crisis by attending JEAPU next year. Looking forward to reading, and hopefully contributing some quality posts. Happy New Year to all! AR