cyberBob35

Thanks for the feedback and the push to keep at it. I was a little discouraged after the first game, and probably not as aggressive for signing up for the next game. I felt like I didn't do well and no one would want me behind the plate for their game. Fortunately, I had already signed up for several games and the next one is tomorrow night. I'm going to focus on timing and try some of the suggestions on here. I'm hoping it will help and I can get better each time out. I know that will help my confidence.

Thanks for the breathing suggestions. I think that would help me slow down and be more steady. Actually, for 11/12u the catchers did a good job of getting close to the plate. It took me a while to find the slot position where I felt like I could see the outside of the plate. Looking back, I think I need to get closer to the catcher as well.

I'm a first year umpire and I finally got to do my first game last night. It was an 11/12U rec game. I felt like I didn't do a very good job tracking the pitches and my timing was too quick. Overall, in my mind it felt like the game was moving really fast. Towards the end I tried to focus and slow down, which I think it helped some. Any advice for a newbie on how to improve tracking pitches and timing on calls?

Thank you everyone. The opinions and insight are great. I think I'm going to go with the Force3 shin guards. I feel like I did a decent job of getting good, quality equipment to start with so why skimp now on the last piece. I did buy plate shoes. They are actually going to be the first thing to arrive. I got the New Balance 460v3 in all black.

I'm starting my first year of umpiring. I will be doing baseball from 8U through high school and softball from 8U to 18U. A mix of rec, travel ball, and everything in between. After reading this forum for months I finally ordered some equipment. At times I felt like I had analysis paralysis as I looked at so much equipment and changed my mind a million times. Any way, here is what I settled on. Would love feedback, suggestions, or ideas. I still need to get some accessories (ball bags, counter, etc.) Diamond Big League mask with leather pads - I seemed to struggle to find the right mask. My budget didn't allow for a force3 or super high end, but I also didn't want to go barebones. I'm hoping I found the middle with this mask. Schutt XV HDX chest protector - This was a last minute decision. I was looking at the original Schutt but didn't want to deal with the harness issues. Even though I liked the cp. I was going to buy the Champion hard shell, but when I went to ump-attire.com to order they had the new Schutt. I ordered it and figured I'll send it back for the Champion if I don't like it. Nutty Buddy - Enough said, although very hard to find in-stock Shin guards - I'm wavering here and not sure what I want to do. I know all the recommendations are for the force3. Ump Attire didn't have the 16.5 in stock so I held off getting any shin guards. I get conflicting advice. Some umpires in our associate claim I don't need to spend that much for shins to start. Maybe I save some money and get something else until I start working some games. Anyway, thank you all for your participation on this board. I've learned a lot from reading everyone's post. It's great that everyone is willing to share so much information to help others.

Ump Attire has these available for sale on their website. I just ordered one as my new chest protector. I was on earlier today and they didn't have them, but by the time I could actual order after work they had them. https://www.ump-attire.com/Baseball-Umpire-Equipment/Gear-Footwear/Chest-Protectors/XV-HDX_Schutt-XV-HDX-Umpire-Chest-Protector

Thanks everyone. I am really excited about the opportunity to do this with my kids. A little nervous about all the rules. As a coach and player I always thought that I knew the rules, but I never understood them to the depth needed to umpire. Lots of studying to be done. Our association is holding training seminars once a week to cover all the OBR and FED rules.

Hello, I'm an brand new umpire in Nebraska. I'm getting into this with my two teenagers. My son is 13 and my daughter is 15. They have both played baseball/softball since they were 6 or 7. They wanted a job that would help them make some money, offer flexibility around their travel ball schedules, and the cherry on top was they got to be involved with the game. I had previous experience and a contact with a local umpire association since I coached travel ball for almost 10-years. After attending the kick-off meeting I decided to join my kids in umpiring. I figured I have to take them to the training anyway and will probably have to get them to games as well. I could do some games myself and help out. There seems to be a shortage of umpires in our area. Right now we are looking at the gear we need. I've spent the past week browsing the equipment forum. I finally decided to sign up today. Can't wait to learn from everyone on this site.