bamatazz

Here in Alabama, we are required to wear a hat in HS games. We are allowed to wear a HSM ONLY if we are able to "keep our hat on". Basically, we can't keep our hat in our bag and then put it one when we take our HSM off. It has to worn AT ALL TIMES. I would say that 95% of all HS umpires here do not use the HSM because of this.

When I first started doing HS ball, I used the WV original. I now use the West Vest Platninim. I LOVE IT!!!! If you plan on doing HS or higher, I suggest you get a WV or something similar to that. The prtection is great, and most of the pros use the WV or something similar to it.

This is actually a mechanic in high school softball here in Alabama. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. THEN, I had a partner do it in between every inning during a varsity game, AND HE CALLS COLLEGE BALL AS WELL!!!!!:eek:

I do the same as you guys. I tend to pay more attention to the umpires than the players. I also officiate football, and it has given me a whole new thing to pay attention to. As you can see from my name, I am a Bama fan. That is one of the few football games that I watch without seeing what the officials are doing. During football, I pay more attention to what the backjudge is doing more than anything since that is my position on the field. I made the mistake of wearing one of my football association t-shirts to a football game (wasn't thinking when I grabbed it). NOT A GOOD IDEA!!! I now pay attention to what I wear when I am going to ANY game, football or baseball.

Our state playoffs started last week. I had a good 1st round draw, #1 team in 4A (we go up to 6A). Won't be able to do any other rounds due to work.

A few years ago, I was calling a 12yr old travel tournament. The game was way out of hand. Bottom of the 4th, no outs, bases loaded. Visiting team could not get an out to save their lives. 10RR is in effect. At that time though it was more like 20RR. My partner calls time and gets me and both coached to talk. Here is how it went. My partner: Since it is so late (going on 12:00 am), and I know that you want to get out of here as much as we do, (talking to HC) tell your guys that when they get their leads, to stay there and not move. When he (pointing to me) puts ball into play, (to VC) have your pitcher step off and just throw it around the horn to tag his guys out. Visiting coach agrees to this. Weirdest tripple play that I have ever seen. Visiting team comes to bat. 3-up, 3-down on legitament outs. We go home.

Hey guys, Signed up a while back, just haven't been here that often. I am going to try and get here more often. Some of you guys may know me from one of the other sites. I hope this one is just as informative.