ShotKaller

I have to agree..... This is the best non-reference book about umpiring I have ever read. I purchased a digital version so I cannot pass it on. Sorry gentlemen.

After years of watching the "pro's" and 7 or 8 weekend clinics taught by D1 or MiLB umpires and reading any manual I can find I have established the following methods to keep any evaluator happy....... so far. On the bases: In A; HOK immediately after start of pitch (if first baseman "steps into the pitch" you don't want to be blocked out for possible balk) In B/C: HOK when piviot foot is put on rubber. This helps your partner(s) know when any move can be considered a balk (also when fielder becomes pitcher). Plate Umpire between innings: Always stand on first or third base line extended, closest to team dug-out on defense half way between the dish and the backstop/out of play area (obviously if back stop is 50 feet away from plate you will not need to be 25' away, and if back stop is 15 feet away you may be touching the backstop, but let common sense rule). From here you can keep an eye on how many pitches are thrown, how many batters are warming up, and keep batters from getting too close to the dish. You also have eyes on every player swinging a bat, and you are close enough for score keepers and coaches to hear you announce any subs/changes. Stay in this position for pitches 1 through 3. (In the first inning or for a new pitcher move closer after pitch 4, put on mask and watch pitch 5,6,7) After pitch 3 (pitch 6 for new pitcher) take a few paces toward the plate and say "Two more catcher" indicating with two fingers. After pitch 4 (pitch 7 for new pitcher) again move closer to plate take out plate brush and you should be able to make eye contact with next batter and announce loudly "One more batter" indicating with one finger. This should get batter moving to box, coaches moving to first and third and players into position while you brush plate after throw down. When you stand upright and take your place if anyone is not in position you should address it, so the next time batter is still talking to the coach half way down the line they understand why you are getting excited. As a rule I immediately jump to the instructions after pitch 4, at 50 seconds for players between the age of 13 and 25, and at 80 seconds for all other levels of play, unless the catcher was batting or on base in the previous inning. I by no means think I am experienced enough to be creating training manuals here, but this method has created a great routine for me, and kept me steadily moving into better and better games. I only share it because it has been mentioned more than once in official eval's (and some not so official eval's) as being "excellent game management, and consistent rhythm" between innings. I was taught this routine by by several Big West umpires who tell me this comes right out of their mechanics manual. I have yet to actually see it in writing though.

Get a telescoping plate brush and one of those belt hooks for your mask too!

Creasing is very common in our business. I just think it is habit for old timers. Richardson ump series caps and the new era ump series hats have reinforced crowns so it is better than a crease. You just have to maintain it by folding and storing correctly. I compare it to using shoe polish on NB plate shoes. Sure you can do it that way, but why? There are so many more efficient ways to maintain the shine they had when new. I enjoy the traditions of our business and I take pride in looking as professional possible. I just think how you get there should not be as important as your end result....... in regard to aesthetics anyway. Here are pics of my case as requested: P.S. This is my very first post! Thanks to all who participate. You bastards have cost me a couple hundred bucks (new cp harness, mask pads, powder coating services and new mask) and 20 hours of my life and this is my first week as a member! Would have saved hundreds if I showed up here years ago! Thanks for all you do and share.