JamesC

When my mom or anyone with ANY connection to me wants to come to a game, I run the rules by them. And by rules, I mean THE rules: you do not talk to me, you do not know me, you do not walk out with me, you do not associate with me in ANY way from the time I step on the field to the time I walk off the field. It is not out of disrespect, it is simply my job to call the game, and I don't need to worry about what my mom (or anyone else) is going to say next. However, I do appreciate keeping their ears open. That is when you get (sometimes) honest reviews; when everyone can freely talk and not know there is someone among them associated with the person they're talking about. If they do not agree to this rule, I simply do not tell them the game location or time. Problem solved!

No way this is verbal obstruction. Not in FED, not in any rule set. He is talking to his teammates, whether it is truthful talk or not, still his teammates. This should never be considered verbal interference. The offense should be smart and alert enough not to be caught up in this mess. That's their own fault. If you can't see the ball, you should keep your ass on the bag. Plain and simple!

Sold! How about $10+$5 for shipping. I'm getting no use of it. And it isn't the kiddie size! lol

I spent the ~$30 on a Nutty Buddy. I hated it! Wore it 3-5 times, and never took it out of the bag again. Unfortunately, that is one piece of equipment that not many people want to purchase used! It never seemed to work right, and was completely uncomfortable to me. And yes, I wore it correctly. I had sliders on under it, and a jock on TOP. It did not "float" like they said it is supposed to for me. It stayed at my chest the whole damn time (exaggeration, but it seemed that way)!

I have to know Warren, do these coaches know you run this website? It seems like it would be comparable to a comedian's act where anything that anyone in the audience does could possibly become part of the act and that person gets made fun of for the next 15 minutes. I think you should read them their Miranda Rights at the plate conference, "Anything you say or do on this field can be used as entertainment on umpire-empire.com forum. If you do not like this, keep your mouth shut for the remainder of the game". I think you should consider implementing this. Maybe you wouldn't have these morons so often.

While fair/foul is number one priority, you still need to see the touch. I would have stayed home and called it the best I could. If there had been any complaint, tell them you will be more than happy to work a two man crew next time. I don't do any games solo, but this situation would apply with a two man as well, as U1 would be in and not on the line. You should take this play from 1BE. Just my .2¢

Actually, the game was postponed until Sunday, so we got to do a little touring on Bourbon St. in New Orleans Saturday night. Game was at 2:00 Sunday evening, and it was a great one. 3-2 ball game; can't ask for much better game. Lasted a little over 2 hours. I had 1st base, and had really the only 3 calls of the day. They were all 3 bangers, but it was a hell of a day. About half way through the game things really sank in. Although I knew I was very fortunate to just have the opportunity to be there, it really hit me how there are thousands of officials who don't get this opportunity in a season, and majority not even in a lifetime. I'm only 24 years old, so I am very anxious to see where things go from here.

Thanks everyone! Today is the big day!

Sorry, missed that. The shoes are actually size 12. The CP is the late model, when it only came in one size.

Also have the Majestic thermabase jacket. Large, blue stripes.

Congratulations! It is definitely an honor!

Ok guys, I have a good friend that got out of umpiring, and has some pretty solid stuff he's looking to get rid of. None of it has been worn more than 3-5 times probably, so it's still in really good shape! I don't have pictures of the actual gear at the moment, but can get you some if you are interested. Wilson Platinum Chest Protector New Balance 450 Plate Shoes (I think that's the right number, it's the old style from last year) Ump-Attire Shirts (Red L & M, Polo Blue) Honig's cream shirt L Cliff Keen powder blue shirt L Let me know if any of you are interested.

I don't mean I follow him. I meant that I open up when he leaves. Like you're supposed to. If there's a hit, I clear him for the trail correctly. If there's a pop up, I clear him and follow him to the fence. I don't mean I follow him on balls in the dirt.

I don't think it's jinxed. I just move when I am calling and read the plays well. I never stay put. Don't misread that, I dont run while the ball is coming in. However, if the catcher moves to go after a ball or whatever, I move also. I'm not staying in the same spot just waiting for something to happen, I anticipate things. Oh well though, my season is drawing to an end. Only one game left and it isn't on the plate!

I read all the time and hear a lot of people talking about getting stepped on by F2, but I have personally called a lot of baseball games and can honestly say I have never been stepped on by F2. Could this be happening because some people may be working too closely to the catcher? I mean, I am not deep by any means, and I can see the entire strike zone very well, so I know I am in a good position. Just curious to hear your thoughts.

So I was informed today I would be getting to call the 5A State Championship game this Saturday night at 7:00. Pretty pumped about this. Not only should it be a great game, but it is a huge honor! Just thought I'd share with you guys!

Yes! Please post a few pictures. I'm considering this exact setup, and I'd like to see a preview prior to purchasing.

I know this is generally simple, but I have a game coming up and I would like to freshen up on this. Does anyone have a PDF or anything with the general rundown? I did quick search but it was somewhat vague. Thanks!

So, he's going to sacrifice position on the two most likely plays (pickoff at 1B and steal of second) in favor of something that almost never happens? Exactly. I never start in C with R1/R3 in a game anymore. I did when I first started out (several years back) but I haven't in forever. Anything that happens is going to happen at second base (if anything happens at all). Most of the time, it is just an attempt to get the catcher to make an errant throw. If it happens, easy score. If not, I have a close play at second base that I have great position on. I'm sticking with my B position on this one.

R1 is 2/3 to second base. I was well aware of the potential happening of this, but they weren't too worried about R3. Had I moved toward the third base side, I would have most likely moved right in the way of a throw. Where I was positioned I was technically fine as long as no one else moved. But with the angle the pitcher was taking toward the runner, I was in the way. Plus, SS was covering second and he was using the second baseman, who was actually playing about midway in, as his go-to person. So he triangles the runner with F4 and F6, with me somewhat in the middle. I'm thinking just freezing was my best option. That's what I did then, and will most likely always do unless I figure something better.

But in this situation not moving meant I was still in the way.

R1, R3, 2 outs, varsity baseball I'm on the bases in B position, R1 starts for second and pitcher steps off. I'm somewhat caught in the middle here. I couldn't go to the middle because I would have gotten in the way of a throw directly to second base, and I couldn't go towards first because the runner was about half way. I was kind of stuck and felt as thought I had nowhere to go. Anyone ever experienced this? And if so, how should it be handled?

I took one just to the right of my chest, only about 1 inch from missing the protector. Didn't hurt at all. A little sore the next day, but not major pain at all. Kid was probably throwing mid 80s. R1 advances, everyone seemed a little stunned. To my credit, I have to admit, I kept my composure and everything at the time and didn't really think about what just happened. Finally, after the catcher thought about it a couple seconds, he runs up the first base line and gets the ball. After everything died down I realized what happened (catcher never touche the ball, batter never swung, NOTHING! Catcher said he called curve but didn't get it) and kind of smiled about it! Then, the coach hollers from the dugout, "Blue, where was that pitch?!" He was actually serious with this question, much to my suprise! "In my chest coach, thanks for your concern!!" "Play ball!"

I wear the Zigs during perfect conditions (sunny, no possibility of rain, no rain in the last week, etc...) and love them. Plus, I have 3 pair of Zig tennis shoes that I wear during normal activities and working out. Some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I previously thought UnderArmour made the most comfortable shoes, until I tried the Zigs! I love them!

I had a very similar situation happen a couple weekends ago. Eerily similar actually! TOP of 4th, 1-0 ballgame (home team) with 2 outs, nobody on. The visitor's slugger is at bad. 3-2 count and the boy is fouling off pitch after pitch - battling basically. After about 5 fouls with a 3-2 count, pitcher makes a great pitch, perfect height and everything. Only problem, about 2-3 inches inside. I will normally give about 1-2 inches outside if the pitcher has earned it, but not quite as much on the inside corner, and I hadn't given that pitch all day! In my opinion, the batter won this battle fair and square (not to mention I thought it was a ball all the way)! Next kid comes up, and first pitch right down the pipe. I guarantee the kid hit the ball every bit of 450 feet! Coach was so pissed. Ended up losing the game 2-1. From my perspective, I done what had to be done in a tough situation. That's what I'm there for. The pitch wasn't a strike, and it didn't get called that way. With that in mind, I didn't make that pitcher throw the next ball right down the middle either! He's the one who served up a meat pitch. Regardless what they think, I made the right call in a tough situation. Had the same team the next weekend, but on the bases (this is HS competition). Two outs, runner on second. Kid attempts a steal of third (2 man mechanics). I bust ass to get the angle on the play, stop, read the play (and in my mind, this is one of the easiest calls) and call the out. Throw beats the runner by about 3-4 steps, tag beats the runner, EVERYTHING! Well, coach says, "Is that just automatic?!" I was bewildered! I asked what he was talking about and he says, "He never touched him. Just because the throw and tag beat him, you consider that automatic?!" Regardless what you do, you're going to be noticed in some way. But from my experience, it is normally temporary. Nine times out of 10, they aren't going to remember it the next day if you made the RIGHT call in a tough situation. However, if you just go out there and boot calls all game, they will remember that every time they see you!