zm1283

I know. No problems here.

Obviously it's an opinion. If someone reading that couldn't figure that out, that's their own problem.

I just can't see paying $250+ for a chest protector when a Douglas/Wilson offers the same or better protection.

Wilson's memory foam pads are way better than Team Wendy pads. I used two different sets of TW pads over several seasons then bought a mask from someone on here last year with the Wilson's. More comfortable, softer padding, softer covering on the outside. Nothing wrong with TW pads, but if I had to choose I would take the Wilson's every time.

I am glad I just pay a flat fee to every assigner I work for in every sport I work. I work enough games for each one that I come out pretty good.

Add me to the list of people that count my mileage $ as income then deduct all my mileage.

I agree with you about both rules here. With that said, the balk rule is written for the lowest-common denominator umpire, which is what FED has to cater to. Just like in basketball where a technical foul is always two shots plus the ball to the offended team. (NCAA basketball has different administration for different technicals) I do like the NCAA/OBR version of balk enforcement better, but it would be kind of a mess in high school baseball.

I've seen it confused as a strike call and I've seen the BU confused as to whether it's a strike call or an appeal for a half swing. I think the latter is a bigger issue personally. The dugout doesn't always ask for help. Sometimes you go on your own (Like with two strikes) and they don't have a chance to ask before you go for help. Just use your left hand and it avoid it all together.

@FranklinT I saw your PM. Mine looks just like the one pictured above.

Important to remember that in NCAA and OBR rules, you have to ask your partner on a half-swing if it is requested. While you don't have to in FED, I think it's a good practice to use. If they ask, just go for help. The worst thing that could happen is another strike, and that means you're that much closer to cold beverages.

I bought a Douglas from someone on here last year and it has the smaller shoulder gap protection. It is a thin piece of rectangular plastic that is curved to fit the shoulder area. Much smaller than the one pictured above. Just call them. I'm sure they can do it. I am interested in the TW retrofit for my Douglas but the cost is keeping me from it. Plus the Douglas is pretty low profile already and works well for me.

I think the big things are that the strike zone is enforced more consistently (lower strike called), the pitching is better, and the game is relatively clean compared to 15 years ago. Those things are all leading to less offense. As a fan of an NL team, I don't mind the DH. I get sick of watching the pitcher's spot come up and have an automatic out every time.

Big 12 umpires get their rooms paid for by the conference at the Chicago meeting. Everyone else is on their own.

Yes. At least 3 inches on both pair.

I have a few things for sale. PM me if you are interested and want a picture. 1) Honigs polywool base pants - 34 waist/31 inseam ($30 shipped) SOLD 2) Honigs polywool plate pants - 34 waist/31.5 inseam ($35 shipped) SOLD (Both are 2011 models. Used them in 2012 and 2013 and sparingly the last two seasons. They probably have three real seasons on them) 3) Dry-Lo ball bags - Black. Two seasons old. Good shape. Just getting a new pair. ($20 shipped) SOLD 4) New Balance base shoes- Size 13. MB1000 model, black/white. https://www.ump-attire.com/Baseball-Umpire-Equipment/Gear-Footwear/Base-Plate-Shoes/MB1000BK_New-Balance-MB1000-UmpireReferee-Field-Shoes-BlackWhite?id=522 Good shape, used two seasons. ($30 shipped)

I would simply tell him that home plate is in fair territory and then ask "What makes the ball dead"? After he fails to explain that send him back to the dugout and go on with the game. I think the OP is too worried about what the coaches think of him. If you know you're right, just let them be ignorant of the rule and move on.

This is a terrible FED rule interpretation. How do you steal a base that is occupied when the runner in front of you isn't stealing also?

@JimKirk: Will you bring stock of these to Chicago or just a display model to try on? Can I order it and pick it up there?

If anyone figures out how the Smitty compares size-wise to the Majestic, post it here. I like my Majestic but it is a large and runs way too big. I will sell it to someone who wants it if I get the Smitty jacket.

I wanted to post that to get opinions first to see if I was the only one thinking the way that Matt is. I gather they aren't saying it is FPSR interference, so absent that, what exactly does R1 interfere with here? The fielder is coming across the base toward the relay throw already, so the runner isn't forcing him to alter his play at all. I don't see what exactly he is interfering with. Be prepared to have an ejection or two here, especially if it takes a run off the board if there were a runner on third.

Anyone who is on the NCAA Arbiter site: Try to go watch the first "You Make the Call" they posted today and post what you think. It is a possible interference play at 2nd base.

I thought it was a hit.

I watch a ton of MLB Network too. Any network that employs Harold Reynolds to give analysis can't be taken too seriously. Harold's big crusade is runner's lane interference. He has a weekly tirade about it. Just last week someone got called out for it and it was a big point in the game. They had all the analysts on MLB Tonight on their little field in the studio and Harold explained that it's not possible for a left handed batter to bunt and then run in the lane because as soon as he bunts it he is out of the lane. (He never mentioned the fact that the lane doesn't start until the 45 foot mark so you have 45 feet to get into it) The funniest thing is that about two nights later, the Royals had a left handed batter that bunted and ran all the way to first in the runner's lane, and the opposing team threw the ball away into right field and a couple of runs scored. Kind of turned old Harold's argument on its head.

I agree with a lot of this. I HATE the fact that the teams use video guys to look at replays and give the manager all kinds of time to stall. There should be a predetermined amount of time the manager has to challenge. Make him push a button in the dugout to buzz the PU within 10 seconds. After 10 seconds the buzzer doesn't work. Ban the use of video to decide if you are going to challenge or not. The crew chief reviews are also ridiculous. Give them one challenge and let them use it whenever they want. They get it right, they get another one. Get it wrong and you're done.