strike3scott

I have to say I always stayed foul. Until Tuesday night. I was U3 in a Regional Quarter game (BB) and I had to resort to straddling several times just to see. I saw well but felt uncomfortable - mindset I guess. But the thing was..I saw well and had 2 calls I believe I would have missed if I hadn't straddled.

I had a pitcher with almost the exact same move. I said it wasn't a balk because he was consistent with the move and never made an attempt, in the move, to go any place but the plate. Besides, the opposing coach never questioned or noticed - I and my partner discussed it between innings and said we weren't opening a can of crap if no one other than us had noticed. Believe me, this coach would have told me had he noticed. My partner wanted to call it but I convinced him that enough trouble finds us as it is without having to go look for it.

Most of the Privates where I call have unies but some do not. We as a rule do not require that because most of the time these schools don't have the extra funding or are relying on parents to coach. If the school does not have the uniform we usually tell them before the season that khakis and school logo polo shirt is the minimum allowed. I fully understand this is a rule but there are circumstances where a little understanding of the intent versus the hard line of the lettering needs to be applied. I know the intent is to be able to readily identify who is in charge. I have never had an opposing coach complain at all in the coaches meeting about other coach uniforms.

Anyone seen a new - I guess - line up wallet possibly called the officials friend - or something like that. I have a friend who saw them on eBay but has not been able to find them again. I told him about this forum and I said if anyone knew about it, it would be someone here!

Quickest BB game ever worked: 2 man V level 1:10 full seven Quickest SB game : 2 man V level 46 mins Full seven

Guess what? It happens. At least you realize what happened and how to fix it. I have called for quite some time and this past Tuesday I had one blow up on me. R1, 1 out. Ground ball to short, flips to F4 (OUT!) and then over to F3 (OUT!) double play....but wait a minute...he beat the throw by a half second. A very good coach then told me I was better than that (among other things) and he is right. I anticipated the double play and hadn't counted on the batter being quick. I hate to sound cliche but crap does indeed happen. At the end of the game he and I exchanged parting pleasantries and it was over. On to the next one.

Anybody wear the Mizuno (G3 or G4 I think) base shoe? I worked with a partner the other day who was wearing them. They looked good and he said were best base shoe he has worn.

I have several hats - all fitted. I wear 7 5/8 on the plate and 7 3/4 on the bases. Both are different brands and fit the same. The Richardson I have fits OK but I like the New Era. New Era creases well and looks sharp. Like semperfiguy I am a traditionalist. The flexfit do not crease well and after a while (a buddy has one) they look like s*** - all stretched out.

I have alot of indicators and keep several types in my bag. Two are 20 year old 4 dials (Mizuno & +POS) and the others are the 3 dial (Gerry Davis & +POS). I love the 3 dial. I never used the innings anyway but the newer ones are easier for me to use. I can flip through with little to no looking and have the count straight.

During the pregame, I'll talk about this type of situation. We always have the BU take this. I (PU) will watch for fair/foul, any type of interference and the swipe. If there would be a throw to third in this, most of my partners elect to take that play also.

In my area we have a district that has adopted the 2 hour time limit for J contests. No new inning after 2 hours though...not exactly drop dead but good enough. One of our other districts has adopted a 12 run rule for softball instead of the 15. That has worked well as there are alot of coaches that get up by 12-13 and pull starters to get playing time for the bench. We can't get the 15 and go on for what seems like forever.Some of your ideas sound good (stoney) but the game is still about getting outs. I believe an across the board overhaul of some rules is in order but BB & SB were never meant to be played by the clock. Just like Casey Stengell said (and I paraphrase) Can anybody play this game anymore? lol

Fed rules: 6-2-4b. Rule allows for feinting to bases. There is an allowance for an unoccupied base feint. If the pitcher is attempting to drive back a runner (R on 2nd takes off to steal third too soon and the pitcher throws over or feints to third - even if it is not occupied at the time) this is a legal attempt to drive back or put out a runner. This also makes legal the feint to third and whirl to throw to first.

No. You may feint to another base as long as its occupied. You may not feint to an unoccupied base or first base. The unoccupied base feint must be an attempt to drive back or put out a runner.

Thanks guys - really appreciate it. 99% of the time - if it sounds too good to be true... well you know the rest. Just thought I'd see if anybody had experience with it.

I really enjoy this site and think it's great. I like the blog hosting idea too. Thanks for working so hard on this site!

Good comments mep & littleleagueump. I forgot to mention that about not looking for trouble. I have had a pretty good career doing that but learned it the hard way early on. This is one of the little things guys do when someone says they have "it"

Sounds like you had a good night. I had a 4 1/2 inning no hitter. I had the plate and I feel I missed 2 pitches...partner says I only missed one. Good to get going though.

You are right. If the runner achieves the base he would have had there been no obstruction, then you ignore it. You can't score someone just to make sure you punish the defense. It sounds like you are on the right track. Good post.

Why did I finally kill it? Did they call time because of injury? Otherwise, I would say you ignore the obstruction because he now has achieved the base he would have been awarded. You cannot score him because of an errant throw.

Everyone kicks judgment calls whether they admit it or not. However, NO ONE should ever kick a rules situation. You would most assuredly have to have a conversation in the game about how it is a rule and not his judgment - if a coach questioned. I am not going to correct a guy in a game without some protest from a coach unless it is an award type situation. After the game though, we are going to discuss this and make sure it is right before we leave.

I am not looking forward to another year of listening to guys gripe and moan about who gets what games. Everyone knows who can work and who can't in an association. I get tired of hearing guys b----- about not getting Varsity assignments in their first or second year or even longer for some guys. There is a reason you are called "rookie" (it's not a slight) or some guys just never learn what it takes. Whatever the level you work...go out there and give them the best umpiring they could have that day. I have worked with guys on a "J" game and they act as though it's beneath them. Quit crying and work what you're assigned to the best of your ability. The game is NOT ABOUT YOU! It is about giving the kids playing your best and honoring the GAME.

My first scrimmage was rained out today. Like you I wanted to get out there but it'll have to wait.

Thanks. I have an older Gerry Mask but with recently developed neck problems, I was looking for something lighter. I googled masks and found the Rawlings among others. Just wanted to know if anybody had used it. Again, Thanks

Anybody using or have used a Rawlings M2000 mask? This is the nylon/plastic type mask. I am in need of a lighter weight mask but don't want to take chances either.

From what I read in the NFHS Preseason Guide, they cannot block access to a base without the ball. I guess there is the problem. How much access do they have to grant to be sufficient? I would say that in your judgment - a clean, safe slide into a base without altering the play is access. Anything that causes a player to alter his approach or force an unsafe situation would justify the call of obstruction.