JimmyK

I am sorry, I hate baseball myths, and so may I ask what rule you are using to state: "If you can feint to a base from the rubber you can throw to a fielder off the base." I, in no way, am trying to start anything, I just need to know. Thanks.

I think the "9 years later..." above my post is a nice touch.

I know this is an old topic but I don’t have a life…. Early in the conversation, it is stated that a caught foul, like a foul tip, is still a live ball but no one noted the difference that a caught foul the runner has to re-touch their bag before advancing but a foul tip is simply a caught strike that touched the bat (and possibly made some type of sound). Is this ONE reason we signal it? (it’s late and maybe I missed someone pointing this out)

Unfortunately, in high school ball, some states do not allow protests. This makes it tough because you cannot shut it down by asking them this. What makes it worse, is that after all the discussion, they will not take the time to find the real answer. It's just easier to continue to blame the umpire.

My understanding as to why many tournaments and many leagues adopt NFHS rules is simply because of the level of safety rules that are inherent to the rule set. In my experience, no one who plays, or coaches baseball is familiar with any of the different codes*, they leave that up to us until they disagree. To clarify, I did 'ignore' the jewelry (which made my life easier - in the past I never LOOKED for it but if it was glaring and in my face I had to enforce it) due to the fact that the NHFS had stated it is no longer a concern (by legalizing it). The rules modifications did stipulate what baseballs were legal (only tournament provided baseball were allowed) and yes, I did require a NOCSAE certified catcher's mask. On one occasion the catcher complained but was able to produce a legal helmet. I do take safety rules seriously (coaches do stay in the dugout). What I get paid to umpire pales as to what losing my house would cost. * I do have to point out the exception of Little League parents. For some odd reason, they seem to know the rules better than most umpires. Sometimes that is a little refreshing.

(My apologies if this is a double post - signon issues) Not sure I agree with the jewelry modification. For the past 18 years that I have umpired, I have been forced to tell coaches to get their players' jewelry off because it's a safety issue. Did COVID all of a sudden make jewelry safe? Something must have. Umpired an 18U tournament last week with NFHS rules, players had 4 and 5 necklaces on (3 had pearl necklaces) - while this new unrule isn't in effect yet, I couldn't in clear conscience enforce it because I'd argue that a change in year does not make the jewelry safe. How many pieces of jewelry are we to allow? Now we are going to have to keep track of Balls, Strike, Outs, and pieces of jewelry. I guess I am just a grouchy old man On a side note - does anyone have any more information on: In addition, the officials signals for baseball were updated to include eight pre-pitch situations and eight signals during play and results.

I am not sure if someone has commented on this yet or not but can someone tell me how a cell phone is going to protect you from someone with a gun, knife, or a draino bomb? In my state, police response is good but they have not made it to sub-second response time yet. I think all of you are looking for an excuse to carry a cell phone on the field - period. There is absolutely no reason to carry a phone on the field (if you have a sick mom or an expectant wife then don't do the game - you need to be with your family). And to that matter, you should not allow the coaches to have them on the field. Do your job on the field and let the level headed (yes there are a few of each at EVERY game) 'protect' you with their cell phones. That way, it is theirs that gets the bullet hole and not yours. Stop being stupid - they are not needed on the field (or on your way to and from the field from your car). And those of you using them as time pieces - that's just unprofessional. Spend 5 bucks and get a stop watch that when you pull it out of your pocket, no one will think you are checking your text messages.