CaBlue

In FED, the only time a runner who commits MC can score is if he makes contact with F2 after touching the plate. In this case, the MC supersedes the OBS, as is explicitly stated in FED rules, and no run scores.

Using first names can definitely diffuse situations. "We're not arguing balls and strikes today Bob" is going to be much more effective than if you use "coach". Also, coaches at higher levels might take offense if you don't use their name.

I'm not going to let a coaching staff lay into my partner, but I'm definitely going to give my partner a chance to handle his own business. One time I was on the dish and the HC and some ACs just went ballistic on my partner after a close play. When they continued to holler at him after the next pitch, I told them to leave it alone. Letting coaches tear your partner to shreds is going to empower them to go off on you later.

@Ump-Cast Calling a good strike zone requires good mechanics and the right frame of mind. With regard to mechanics: - Make sure to track the pitch all the way to the glove. This isn't a natural thing, and is something that you always need to focus on, even when you've worked hundreds of games behind the dish. When you're tracking the pitch well, it should almost feel as though you're catching the pitch with your eyes. If you're consistently having trouble picking the ball up off the bat, this can be an indication that you're not tracking the pitch all the way in. - Having deliberate timing is important, especially on breaking pitches. - CONTROLLED BREATHING! As the pitcher goes into his motion, take a breath in. As he delivers the ball and the pitch comes in, slowly breathe out. I guarantee this will help will pretty much every aspect of your plate mechanics: tracking, timing, stability of head etc. - A useful trick to being consistent on the high strike is to glance at the batter's elbows (sometimes the letters are more appropriate depending on his stance) after you drop down into your stance and before you pick up the ball out of the pitchers hand. The psychology of having a good zone: - Go into every game accepting the fact that you're going to miss pitches. Do your best to brush off missed pitches, and definitely do not change your zone as a result of a miss. Just because you accidentally called a strike on a curveball at the neck doesn't mean you have to call it a strike from now on. Focus on getting that pitch right and re-establish a zone that you're comfortable with. - Go with your gut. In my opinion, that two main causes of missing pitches are mechanical issues (being too quick, not tracking the pitch etc.), and OVERTHINKING. If you've been around the game and know what a strike looks like, then have confidence in that. Unless your working higher levels of ball, how the catcher receives the pitch shouldn't matter. Even when I'm working Varsity and above, I really avoid balling strikes unless the catcher badly butchers it (glove on the ground, ball gets by him etc.). I'm not going to ball a pitch on the outer third just because he drops it. Balling strikes will mess with your zone.

Just had the opportunity to work my first college DH ever with @grayhawk! Just wanted to give him a shoutout. Hope we can work again soon!

No, but that might change.

Thanks! What about you?

Cal Pac and SCIAC

The DH rule is 3 full pages

Yeah, I've heard that the DH rule is quite complicated.

Hi all, I have a college schedule for the first time this coming season and I want to start familiarizing myself with the NCAA ruleset as soon as I can. I plan to read the NCAA rules from cover to cover, but I think it would help to know where NCAA and pro differ in significant ways and what sections of the book I should pay special attention to. Any guidance from all of you collegiate guys would be much appreciated.