Umpire AN

Sorry for the delayed response: The bat had a BBCOR logo on it and it was thicker than 2 and 5/8. I can't remember if the barrel was composite or not, but I'll keep that rule in mind.

Hi All, I was looking for some support on what I should have done in the following situation (a Junior LL game): Team A was at bat during the 1st inning, probably midway into the batting order. F2 turns around before the batter-in-question steps into the batter's box and asks me to, "Check the bat." I called time and looked for the BBCOR logo and examined the lenght of the bat for any issues regarding alteration. I even called my partner over for his opinion just in case, and he said there was nothing wrong with it. Everything was fine in my opinion, so I told F2 that there was no issue with it. The batter-in-question hits a single and no questions are further asked. Fast-forward to the 3rd inning. The same batter using the same bat comes for an appearance. This time, Team B's manager asks again for me to check the legality of the bat. I told him that I already checked the bat. Team B's manager comes out and shows me in the rulebook the exact dimensions for the bat diameter, which I did not know at the time. Since the batter-in-question did not complete or even start his at-bat, I told Team A's manager to remove the bat from the game, charging no out or ejection. The Team B manager asked me that I must award an out due to the previous at-bat in the 1st inning, I told him that there were already plays completed so that I cannot do that. I did apologize though. The Team B's manager proceeded to say rudely, "Know the rules next time." Now, I do admit that I did not know that rule (and the coach probably didn't either until he looked it up), but did I handle the situation correctly? If I were the coach, I would have pulled the rule-book at the first instance instead of wait for a second time.

For the time being in my case, the Balloon Chest Protector is all the throat guard I need. It closes off the gap completely between the chin and the mask bar because you're resting your neck on the thing.

Thanks all for the welcomes. Myself and one other veteran umpire uses the balloon regularly. If moving up means getting rid of it, then I'll probably shy away from it. I love using it though, and found it fits very well to my game. I would never try to draw attention to myself, but I am a strong believer in professionalism and appearing serious for what may seem like a simple role. It shows I care about the game and being there for the players and coaches.

I don't think the left-turn signal exists anymore. FED took it out of the book last year Some states still use it That's to bad. It looks really stupid. I think it's still used in softball (correct me if I'm wrong). But it does look odd.

I would have correctly given the delayed dead ball signal first (either by not doing it at all or using my left hand), and award the runner third base due to fielder obstruction. Home may ave been too much considering the almost non-existent possibility of the runner making it to home.

Hat Color/Brand/ 2-4-6-8 Stitch: Black Richardson 6 Stich Sunglasses Brand/Model: Nike Show X2 with Clear Polycarbonate Lenses Mask Model: Diamond IX3 Black Mask Pads Brand/Color: Diamond Black IX3 Pads Mask Harness Brand: Diamond IX3 Harness Chest Protector Brand/Model: Adams USA Smitty Outside Chest Protector Model BCP-7 Chest Protector Harness: Standard Shin Guards: Diamond IX3 Shin Guards Throat Guard Yes or No: No Helmet Brand/Model: None Cold Gear Top: White Long Sleeve Dress Shirt Cold Gear Bottom: Smitty Compression Tights (Grey) Heat Gear Top: White Short Sleeve Dress Shirt Heat Gear Bottom: Smitty Compression Tights (Grey) Sock Brand/Long or Short: Nike Black Crew Socks Cup Brand: McDavid Flex Pants Poly Wool Yes or No: No Long Sleeve Shirt Color: None Short Sleeve Shirt Color: White or Classic Black with white Stripes Plate Coat Color/Model: Black Three Button Blazer Jacket Style/Color/Model: Smitty Black with White Stripes Therma Base Jacket Patent Leather Belt Yes or No: Yes Flat Black Leather Belt Yes or No: No Base Shoe Brand: Reebok Plate Shoe Brand: Reebok Shoes with White Yes or No: Yes Indicator Strike 3 Ball 4 Preferred Yes or No: Yes Plate Brush Style: Diamond Black Plastic Pencil or Pen: Dry Erase Marker Line Up Holder Use Yes or No: Yes Gloves Brand/Wear Yes or No: Yes: North Face Mock Turtleneck Yes or No: No

Hi All, I've been browsing these forums for some time now to get some tips and questions answered, so why not become a full on member? I look forward to learning and developing as an umpire with a good e-community. Some things about me: I umpire in Northern California I umpire mainly little league baseball but will occasionally do field/base work for high school association games (because of my age) I also officiate basketball and rugby I'm one of the few left in my association that use an outside (balloon) chest protector full-time On cooler days behind the plate, I still wear the tie and coat outfit I look forward to a longstanding career with umpiring I found an electronic indicator (one of maybe three) to use on a regular basis Looking forward to posting and searching Umpire-Empire!