ump81

I explained it once to a coach by reasoning, "are the fouls lines fair or foul? we'll they are fair, so where do they come together? at the rear edge of the plate, so therefore the plate is in fair territory. The guy seemed to buy it, I kind of demonstrated the "V" that the lines make as they merge at the plate. Very simple but effective. I understand about the obvious rules being so hard for "civilian coaches" to grasp. Ugliest argument and multiple ejections I may ever had was over a "foul tip" being caught directly by the catcher and runner thrown out at 2nd on a steal. We all know clearly that is a live ball and runner at risk to be thrown out as any other steal. Coaches, kids and moms and dads all knew better! Boy it was ugly maybe 5-6 total ejections, and we were 100% right. Sometimes its how you explain it not how its written in the book.

Remember coaches and players are "rats" in the pro game. I wouldnt say boo to any of them other than professional pleasantries surrounding the game (plate conference, lineup changes etc.). Remeber Miranda warnings "anything you say can and will be used against you", "you have the right to remain silent", I always invoke silence when applicable. True story last week, early season non conference div 3 matchup, teams from Virginia and Conn. Northern team first time outside just happy to get some games in. DH, first game won 6-5 by Northern team, no real issues, a few close plays. After a total takeout in front of the bag toward the infield grass, I call a force play on northern team. Coach comes out as he crossed infield states "can I get at least one 50/50 call today", I pointed out the clear slide marks almost in the grass where his guy creamed SS, he noticed but did not say anything back. Second game ,Now my plate goes 4 full innings and were playing in the dark, cloudy day and no sun. I confered with my partner,he confirmed visibility issues on the bases, Northern team winning 8-1 I think, home coach came out to say his guys not seeing the pitches. I decided to call game, its not a complete or suspended game goes into book as no game, no stats count. Northern coach furious asked "who called this game you or home coach"? stated "he just wants his hitters good at bats to count", "can we go a bit further". I am firm we are done due to player safety. He cheap shots as I am leaving "thats totally unprofessional" "you just wanted to screw my kids". Now I know its all about the win that he feels was taken away, it simply was too dark, thats my liability out there. Coach more concerned with a cheap early season win that player safety, my judgement or any other game concerns. This illustrates all I need to know or say about the "rats". Kids could have taken a pitch to the head but he would get his win if we could do 5 innings. Typical coach attitude, typical coach behavior

Wanted to share with the group, in May was selected to work the Atlantic regional in Reading PA hosted by Kutztown State University. There were 6 umpires for the regional and we did 4 man for all games, the crew chief kept us off the game before and after our plate jobs. I worked 8 of the 10 games in the tournament, finishing up with a first base assignment in the Championship. The teams were from the CIAA, PISAC, and West Virginia Conferences. The 6 teans were Shepphard, Winston Salem St. Kutztown, Mercyherst, West Chester and Seton Hill. West Chester swept through undefeated beating Kutztown 6-0 in the final. Westchester then went on to Cary at the Div 2 Series and won it all there. It was the finest professional experience of my career, I was the only regional rookie of the six umps, we had a great and experienced crew, most had done multiple regionals and I think 2 had done the series in Carey NC. The guys all were wiling to help cover any issues I had with 4 man mechanics and we talked all tournament about coverages and ways to work smoother and better. The tournament went very smooth with no ejections, off field issues or distractions. We worked at Owls Stadium, Ted Palka Park in West Lawn PA, mostly a legion field, but a great venue. Kind of unique dimensions 360 to left pole, 415 to center and 305 to pole in right. Made for a few triples and a lot of gap hits not too many homeruns but certainly a few to right. We stayed at the Inn at Reading in our own rooms provided by the NCAA. For a few days I felt like a pro umpire all we had to do was eat, sleep and umpire. I did 2 Thurs, 2 Fri, 3 Sat and 1 Sun. I did a lot of third and second as the rookie ump and designated "outfield runner"! My plate job was the first game in the winners bracket and WestChester beat Mercyhurst 3-2 in a well pitched game on both sides. West Chester had 3 pitchers who potentially were going to be drafted, so you can imagine the quality of the pitching staff. Scouts in stands said my guy was hitting 93 on the gun! Well thats about it, I know Warren was asking about my experience and I wanted to put it out there. About 18 years ago when I started umpiring coach pitch and horrendous youth 27-22 games I never imagined I could reach this level. I guess I put this up as a encouragement to all to reach for your goals in this business, master each level as you move up and never stop learning and working.

Good video, bet we might see this again at ncaa clinics. In my opinion I think interference, look at the batter, he almost has 2 seperate motions, the "off balance swing" then he steps again into the catchers view at the end and steps in front of the plate, no reason for him to be out of his box in the front of the plate. That being said, I had this in a div 3 game this year and also ruled no interference, my catcher made a good throw with no contact as the batter swung for strike 3 and stepped across the plate, but he was retreating to his dugout after the strikeout.(at least thats what he made it look like) I think after reflection I should have called it then as we probably had it here also. There does not need to be contact or a throw for this type of interference it is a pure judgement call for the plate ump. I was told by an ex player at one of our local conferences that coaches are teaching this tactic of the off balance swing with a step over the plate area, I think we as umps let this go way more than we call it. If coaches are truly teaching this it is a form of cheating and we should get it every time and stop them from putting S..t in our games. My humble opinion.

Guys, I think we must remember this is HS baseball, no rule book is more safety conscious and concerned for player safety, that being the case I dont think we can ignore this and call it a trainwreck, incidential contact or put it on the catcher and say obstruction. Watching this the best comment so far is that the player did not slide with a foot and buttock on the ground and he clearly aimed at the catcher. It is a cross body block type slide resulting in injury, even though he did go low the slide was illegal and really those of you who say blame the catcher are very misguided and I hope after the no-call, and an ACL reconstruction and lower leg bolts to repair his shattered leg bones you have a very good lawyer! Think of the potential liability in negligence in not ruling a cross body block an illegal slide. Great courageous call by the ump and I'm sorry to say any HS trained ump who says nothing there is the opposite of courageous. Really think long and hard about all the clinics and lectures about safety, concussions and eliminating violent collisions, can you say nothing happened here? The catcher was just going for the ball in the act of trying to catch an errant throw and is protected here, if you say obstruction on him again its court time and a field day for lawyers. I am one of our state clinicians and we had an hour lecture on plate collisions and protecting players from concussion type injuries due to illegal contact, so I can say with certainty that at the state level this ump has 100% backing for a difficult call but the absolutely correct call considering player safety first! Don't come away from this video thinking no call is warranted here and those who put it out for all to read that the catcher was at fault or that its just a train wreck, might just be named in the law suit as dispensing dangerous training information! its not just my opinion you are wrong its clearly a call requiring action and was correct on every front. There is no room for opinion and backtracking when malicious contact is involved its a black and white type call.

Gentlemen, had first HS game today in NC, you will not believe me but you can look it up, I plated a 1-0 no hitter in 1hr 21 min! On opening day, the weather was great and conditions ideal, before game while taking some warm up pitches I asked catcher is he the ace, catch said "oh yea hes an ace alright", I asked what he throws, catch said " 5 real pitches, fastball, slider. split. curve and change". I was laughing a bit at the enthusiasnm and doubtfull truth to the catches claim of 5 legit pitches in a HS gaame. I was wrong to doubt! 13 strike outs and a no-no later I was impressed. Only one dubious ball to short that he fielded in hole but fumbled then threw late, scorer said error, that was maybe in the 3rd or fourth. I honestly thought it was a hit and did not even think I was plating a no-no, so I had no pressure or anything like that. I was surprised when the kids dad asked me to sign the book for him and congradulated me on a good game and good zone. The toughest pitch to call was the split which tumbled down and away and was frankly un-hittable at this level, he could throw it for strikes. Catcher did a fine job framing and giving me a good look, I just called strikes! I claim no credit or responsibility the pitcher deserves all the credit of course. It was a bit of a special feeling though. any similar stories at higher levels? Do you guys feel it is an accomplishment for an umpire in any way? I tend to think not, I just called them where he put them. Maybe BBCOR bats were also a factor. Just thought I would share my good start to HS this year.

Guys, I break it up, go very slow and check every question with the rule book, I never answer off the TOP of my head, and like every standard test go with your first best answer and move on, almost every time I over-think and go back and change it, it is wrong! 10 video questions this year should be interesting, its 60 questions instead of 50, allows a few extra wrong and still passing. I have not registered yet but payday is tomorrow and I will sign up and get it started asap. No matter how thorough I usually get about a 90-94, think 92 last year. Always a few ones I just guess wrong! Good luck.

Headed to Philadelphia this weekend for the NCAA clinic, last fall in our scrimmages we were given a new mechanic to check with partners on a half swing and I understand it is fully adopted in the CCA manual for 2012. We will not go to any base man in the middle and only to a partner "on the wings", that means with multiple runners we may have to go to U3 at third for a righty, not U2 in deep B or C. The reasoning is that the newer definition of a half swing is: "did the barrel of the bat cross the batters front hip". No more mention is made of the relative position of the bat to the plate or anything to do with the batters wrists. I like that definition very much and think it is a great reference point for ruling on the totality of the swing. But I'm still not too sure a "wing" ump can get a better look no matter how we define the half swing. (also new terminology no more "checked swing"). Just wanted to put it out there for mass opinion. Open up Feb 1st this season, got the long johns and turtle necks ready!

Guys, at the NCAA clinic in Philli this past weekend I tried on a Wilson Shock Fx helmet, I have been a hockey helmet guy for over 10 years and have used a Shutt then a +POS, both have pretty good wear over the years and besides being a bit hotter and heavier I swear by the added protection and safety, never had a serious head or bran injury (well ,one thats been documented). The wilson was so comfortable and I liked the idea of the floating cage that I sprung for the $150 and got it! My buddy went for the titanium frame, same jelmet and paid 190$. That's a big investment for sure, we both do D1 ball so its not only rec and HS paying the bills. Just wondering if anybody has been using the Shock Fx and their opinions on its performance over time, I open up Feb 12th so I'll be using it soon. Its a black helmet with black frame and the visibility is the best I have ever had in any mask so far, cant wait to get it in service.

Guys, I'm an Officer and Umpire, I rarely ever have my gun off duty but when it is its locked in my car, I have never in 16 years had my gun on a baseball field. In this area we have had many officers as coaches all are reasonable enough to keep thier guns in their car. I kind of agree with the asessment that yes its is legal and we as umps can't prohibt it by law, but to carry on a youth field may be in violaton of that youth associations rules, and they are certainly not too bright and in need of some discretion. There are always a few "Tackleberry's" out there. I will say that after Tuscon I have carried a lot more in a concealed holster, I think I need to make a habit of carrying off-duty a lot more now. My two cents. ump81

Moblue, that should be 2001 I went to Evans, wow 10 years ago already!

moblue, went to Evan's in 2011 was a JV umpire at best working for some varsity low level schools, within 2 years was HS varsity, withinn 5 years state champiionship HS and NCAA div 2-3, now NCAA div I, II and III with HS playoffs each season. It was the best resume boost any amateur umpire could get. Start running and get in the best shape you can ASAP, they take no more fatties in minor league ball. The camp games and heat in Florida were a problem for some who were not in shape. Dont get into party mode, my roommate missed a few morning sessions at the end due to hangovers, it was the difference why he was an alternate not a PBUC selectee. Remember you are being judged on attitude and demeanor also, we had a good umpire but was a prima donna, always harping about the food, service and general crappiness of the hotel. The younger A level instructors stayed in worse places during the season and no one wanted to recommend a guy who could not live out of a hotel for a month. They live in hotels for 6-9 months some seasons. Just keep a positive attitde, hustle and listen to Jim and his crew, even guys with no experience at all, were good umpires by the months end, at least mechanically and rules wise. Good luck. ump81

Guys, more than the rules and mechanic stuff I have always liked the stories and autobiography stuff, here are some in my collection: Planet of the umps-Ken Kaiser Jocko-Jocko Conlan Mr. Ump-Babe Pinnelli-very old Best Seat in Baseball, but you have to stand- Lee Gutkind Umpires-John Skipper Men In Blue-Larry Gerlach Center field on fire- Dave Phillips Fall of the Roman Umpire-Ron Luciano Remembrance of swings past-Ron Luciano Three and Two-Tom Gorman There's ten, I can think of a few more but I have read all of these ones. Call em as you see em. Ump 81

daled, good ejection but I would have gotten him earlier, NFHS came out with a specific directive against assistant coach unsportsmanlike conduct. Give them no quarter, the minute he said something audible to me and to anyone else on balls and strikes he's gone. You have the support of the rule book in two means, balls and strikes can not be argued and assistant coaches are to coach and be seen not heard. On the whole I think the trend of the post has been "it's good to keep them in the game, he really didnt cross the line, only he and I heard the comments" My take BULL SH*T ! If they argue balls and strikes in any way its an easy justified ejection. The guy umpiring 7 years with zero ejections, it is not believeable to me he has never had a coach or player say or do anything that was worthy of an ejection in 7 years of mens league! We sometimes get 7 a week in the prima donna men's "adult" baseball. I think we as arbiters of the game and tasked with maintaining sortsmanship have to step up and handle our business. I've been in this 15 years and it seems I have more ejections each year, it's not that I am some red-ass (have 3 this year so far). I believe we as umpires have let too much go over time and coaches think they can intimidate us and use abusive language because some of us have let them in the past. When we get a national AAU or college tournament we as an association know there will be ejections because teams from other parts of the country have been allowed to engage in unsportsmanlike behavior and have verbally abused umpires all season at home. (seems like teams from NY, NJ, Penn and Mass are always the first to get ejections). I may seem like some raving lunatic blue but I wanted to offer an alternative view to all the "he was just frustrated or rallying his team" BS arguments for not stepping up when we have an oportunity to do so. I will give only the head coach a bit of lee-way, no player or assistant deserves this. In closing, yes use discretion and game management but when it becomes clear the only intent is to abuse, intimidate or belittle us as umpires, eject every time!

Warren, you are absolutely correct to warn him, it was a point of emphasis in college and a video was shown of the exact stance by a lefty, it is a violation in NCAA and NFHS, I would have to see it to decide on pro rules but it is an attempt to gain an advantage and deceive the runner in my opinion, therefore an illegal pitch or BALK. I haver had the exact stance and situation. At Chowan (div 2 NCAA) last year had same situation with lefty from some school up in Mass, I warned him in the first right off the bat, coach came sprinting out and I told him there are only two ways to address the batter, windup or stretch his guy was using the "taint", it taint the stretch and it taint the windup. Its a trick lefty's are learning from somewhere and we are right to nip it before it starts up here. I ended up calling a balk on the guy later but thankfully he got shelled and left in the third or so, no problems late in game that way! Instead of quoting rules and disecting stance, think of this: why is he standing that way? it is of no advantage mechanically or physically to assist in pushing off or throwing. The only reason is to confuse the runner or batter and gain an unfair advantage by not using one of the only two approved positions. My take, its a good call by you.

Warren , very good job getting the photos of the bats in there, I have not seen any of these yet in HS or College and I would have had no idea if I saw one out there and asked to rule on it. At the NC clinic in Chapel Hill their state director stated to allow them in this year and put out the BBCOR and new NCAA rules taking efect in 2001 and 2012. He feels this will eliminate them in the futuure, I think the new ruling will require a solid cylindrical body, but for now they are OK.

Good question, I see you did the NCAA test, that was one I looked up and still took about 15 minutes to answer. I figured it was catchers interference and guy was scoring somehow, I had a hard time figuring to put BR on base, could'nt justify in my mind he gets 1b for just standing there and doing nothing. It can happen on a squeeze or a steal of home and I have seen it in a rec or AAU game years ago but not at any higher levels, better catching I guess prevents this mess!

Anybody taken the rules test yet? Have you registered and spent the $100 bucks? There is a lot of video archive and past clinic info that may be helpful, I know I will use the mechanics stuff for high school clinics I do here in NC. Boy that $100 bucks was quite a fee after going from free for all these years! Spent about 3-4 hours over the past week on the test and submitted today 90%, the best I've done on the first try (you get two). Boy, the appeal after a dead ball after a balk questions still kill me, they really make you look into the book, a lot of straight forward mechanic questions though. Let me know what you guys think about a few of the questions

My take, batter out runners return, Logic being the catcher's initial play was to 3B, it seems clear he wanted to throw there for his initial play. If we go to any other ruling we are rewarding the offense for an act of interference, its not about rule quoting, dictionary research or any other splitting hair definitions. The rules exist to provide a reasonable, fair framewotk for an offensive-defense balance. If we allow R2 to stay on third the offense has gained a base by an act of interference, clearly not what the rules award. I agree that its a bit of a "you had to see it", if we rule at the time by our "seat of the pants" feeling I think we could all agree the best call available is batter out runners return. We cartainly are not going to get a runner for a batters act at either 1b or 2b or 3b, how can we send him up to bat again after interfering? We need to think of the "spirit" of the rules sometimes, not the literal word written in a book somewhere.

Guys, related story, as a new official I was assigned a low level PONY game (think it was bronco) with an older gentleman, he was recomended to me by the assignor with the qualification "you better dish the first game he runs late a lot, but he knows how to umpire and is a nice man". No problem, I was dressing for the game in our assigned parking space and was worried as no partner had arrived and the parking space next to me remained vacant as game time approached. As I walked to the field in gear he came up to me with a large gear bag over his shoulder, he set it down behind the backstop and we went to work. He was clearly over his prime and looked a bit ragged, but knew the mechanics and was always in position. As we switched out at my car I realized he had no vehicle, he did a fine plate game for the young level of ball. At the end of the DH he packed away his gear and put it over his shoulder to walk off, I figured he lived nearby. I was driving out of the complex and near the main street leading out of the area when I noticed my partner standing at the bus stop (it was June I believe and quite hot). I asked him if he needed a ride, at the time my wife and I had one car and I was always dashing from work to games to her to get her the car for her work, money was tight with 3 young children. He said a bit sheepishly that he would appreciate it because it was so hot, he had walked with his bag about a mile to this bus stop in 85-90 degree weather. I thought nothing to drive him a bit to his home, he was very impressed with my 1989 Ford Tempo and the air conditioning. I thought the car was a used piece of junk but all we could afford. He said he lived in downtown Norfolk and we drove off. I thought he must be one of the these older cheap-skate guys living in the re-conditioned newer condos units around the downtown area. His uniform and gear was very worn and I thought he was penny pinching. As he gave me directions I was a bit perplexed, I was fairly new to the area but knew there were no apartments or homes in the downtown area he was directng me to. We finally pulled up to the union mission homeless person shelter. He was clearly embarrased as he got out, but was very thankful for the ride. Instantly my perceptions changed, he was not a cheap-skate just making $20 bucks or so from a youth game, and his ragged uniform and gear were not signs of a guy that just didnt care. We started at 11 AM that morning and I realized he had to catch the 8AM bus to get to the field anywhere near game time. He was homeless but still cared enough about the game, umpiring, and youth baseball to take that DH in June in 90 degree weather. My thoughts on my "crappy" car , tight money situation, and poor PONY baseball schedule were also instantly changed. So, in answer I guess NO you do not need a license to umpire, a car to umpire, or even a home or place to stay to umpire. As long as you got the gear and the desire to work you're fine. I never worked with this guy again and can't even remember his name, but I hope I always remember his lesson. True story. Fran N.

Gentlemen, I went to Evan's in 2001. it was the most thorough and intense umpiring experience I ever had. Evan's is more focused on camp games and simulated situations, Wendlestedt does more actual games. Looking at guys in PBUC one winter at Cocoa while doing a youth tourney there, I did not notice any differnece in the candidates on the field and they usually end up almost 50-50 between the two schools every year. As I meet and work with guys from each school it is apparent to me that Jim's guys have a better rules knowledge and ability. It is a lot more on the individual to get the training out of it you want. Jim was a fantastic instructor, his rules knowledge is impecable and world known, and he kept me interested all 5 weeks, I went out very few times and did the homework and video review. I was not going for a job but mostly to improve and get into college ball, which I have done and am very happy with the training I received. You as a student must be in shape, motivated, willing to listen, and open to all instruction. I can't tell you guys enough about the slackers and maligners who were injured every time a stressful simulation came up and some folks actually did break down physically or mentally. We graduated 115 out of 127 at the start. It is an intense time frame, all about baseball and umpiring, you must be ready to give total concentration and effort to the training. My roommate was a young guy about 23, was doing some JUCO and NAIA ball, had decent talent but needed to improve, he started out as a ball of fire. The staff all noticed his talent and raw ability, as the training went on he became a partier, he came in at 3-4 am each morn drunk, very loud, and generally acting like a "frat boy". It was apparent to me he was away from home for the first time and sowing some wild oats, as 20 years olds will do! He missed a few mornings due to "sickness" and quickly went from top 10 in class to an alternate at selection time. He was shocked and a bit bitter at Jim, I tried to explain to him his immature behavior and that the staff knew of his ways, we all stay at the same hotel and they look for maturity issues. Next day Jim gave a two hour talk on traveling, money matters, personal bahavior and professionalism, so its not even all about how you do on the field. My roomie cleaned out his stuff and disappeared. You are investing almost $4000 in the training, get all you can out of it. The instructors will give you all they have to offer and break you down and build you up again, it is almost military in their approach. I have great respect and admiration for the instructors and Jim personally, you as students must be prepared to give the same measure of dedication to your learning and to the game.

Guys, Did some cardio today rode exercise bike for 15 min then eliptical trainer for 12 min, a bit of shoulder press and bench with only about 100 lbs. I have had 5 knee surgerys and am not much of a distance runner so "road work" is out for me. I ride the bicycle at least 3 times a week if I can, the eliptical is new and I like it but my calves are sore and feel tight. I feel the legs are where its at, plate work or base work require us to run and squat so keeping the leg muscles in shape is my priority. We had two umps in our area blow achilles tendons this year so stretching is also important, I do calf and heel stretches every time I work out. We have a city gym designed for firefighters that is free for employees, I used to be a huge YMCA guy and I love swimming but the costs for a family membership are about $100 a month now and too much for our budget and I gave up membership last spring. The city facility is OK and has good free weights but I miss the pool, steam room and sauna! I think as we age, concentrate on stretches and maintain a lighter weight workout for tone and flexibility not bulk and raw strength, the legs are the key for me!

Gentlemen, Here in Eastern Virginia and North Carolina we have finally finished our fall ball season and I am cleaning the gear out of my car, giving umiforms a final washing and storing everything until February. The 3 month off-season seems quite short. Our local association has already planned its 2010 clinic schedule, the NCAA has set up the 2010 one day seminars also. January and all the mandatory state clinics is just around the corner! My question to all is this: after an honest assesment of your 2009 what do we need to do to improve and get better? It can be rules, mechanics, trainng, unifrom upgrades, getting in better shape, joining new associations or new assignors, put anything out there. We have only about 14 weeks until colleges start playing. I ask because I am on our baseball committee and am director of training for our small group in eastern NC. Our "crusade" for 2010 in Virginia is uniform upgrades, particularly hats and pants. We have established a detailed fine schedule for repeated violations to try to get through to the veterans, its time for a new hat and grey pants. The new guys look the best with very few problems. We know the sun over time turns our heather greys into a pinkish light grey hue, and that hats look like mushed blue sweat stained turbans after only one year. Our committee is very concerned about the navy hat. Most sell for $12-20 dollars, what an easy way to look better for a small price. I personally favor the collegiate dark grey pants, but most still use the heather for Rec and HS. These run from 35-65 for most suppliers. The wool blend dark greys are $77 to start. Thats my off season goal, to upgrade uniforms a bit myself and to encourage all in our association to do so also. Of course I will do a bit of rules study, but the NCAA went on a two year cycle so no changes for 2010 and minimal HS changes also. My best calculations show I did just under 200 games for all of 2009 about 50 college, 80 HS level, and rest Legion, Rec, PONY, AAU and NABA. Had about 4 ejections total. No injuries other than sore knees and back at times. How was your 2009 and what plans are in store for 2010?

Guys, Our association has about 130 guys, we only get numbers when we reach varsity High School status, its an honor to get that call after maybe 3-5 or more years of rec and sub-varsity ball, to go out and get numbers on your sleeve. When called I asked what was available, most were higher numbers but 81 was avail. It was a superstition thing for me, I was 81 in football as a receiver, I was 9 in youth and HS ball and 19 in college as a pitcher, I wore number 1 as goalie in hockey and soccer, so all my numbers were variations on the 1 and 9 theme, 9 being my favorite good luck number, so I figured 8 plus 1 is still 9! am I crazy or what. 81 has been good to me, I have worked up through the ranks and now am on a few Div I staffs, I would fight hard not to changed it now, its also a cheapness factor when a new assignor asks what number I always say 81, its usually never taken and I just use velcro to change out the conference or league patches on my already numbered shirts. So to answer your question I don't think there is any method to the number assigining, even in the Majors. We have a few second generation guys who have inherited their dads numbers, I think that is a nice gesture. We used to have that feeling also that the lower number the better the guy,but then they all got old slow, blind and retired! (kidding) and now we have recycled some the the older, lower numbers to newer guys, and the higher numbers now have the feeling as the better guys. Its all numerology and superstition as far as numbers go, pick one that is your favorite or lucky for you and wear it with pride. my take. ump 81

Here's a thought, yes you got two outs, great. But in a way you took the "crappy end of the stick", who would have said a word if you came up with a strong foul! I am sure the box was not marked clearly enough for any one to tell. Only one guy in the entie park knew for sure and it was you, in those situations favor a "do over" call it foul and move on. Is it a bit dis-honest, no I do not think so, it is efficient management of a game. If it's a bit more obvious a fair ball, a trick is to say "play it"! you are letting all know that you consider the ball in play, a quick point into fair teritory is essential here. If you indicate nothing as you said you did, its even MORE Foul to me! Yes the offense should know to run, sounds like the catcher was pretty smart for youth baseball. I can see a for sure argument and ejection at any higher level game if you did as you say. Call it foul who says a word? who gets screwed or put at a disadvantage, no one. Its smart umpiring to let the game in some cases play itself, don't be invisible but don't interject yourself into the game unless they need you. Game management over dubious judgement every time.