The Short Umpire

@noumpere this isn’t just a “weird pitch” it’s a balk. Very specifically. “If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when: (13) The pitcher delivers the pitch from Set Position without coming to a stop.” There’s no way around this being a balk. Now you might have glossed over where @Senor Azul said that the pitcher was stepping on to take the set position, and pictured the scenario as the pitcher using the wind-up position but there are two issues with that. 1. By rule in OBR the pitcher is considered to be using the set position when there are runners on base unless he notifies the umpire that he is using the wind-up. So when I call this a balk a coach may tell me that he was using the wind-up so it can’t be a “no stop balk,” I will tell him that I was not notified of this so it’s a balk. 2. If you were notified that the pitcher is using the wind-up then you still have to judge that the pitch isn’t a quick pitch and that the pitcher meets all the requirements of the wind-up position.

what do you mean by “fiddling around?”

Is the pitcher doing this repeatedly? Or just once as he steps on the rubber? If it’s repeatedly then you can call a balk for coming set (when he brings his hands together to grab the ball. That is his legal pitching position) and then separating without stepping off the back of the rubber. If he does it once as he steps on the rubber then I’m leaving it alone.

When the pitcher steps on the rubber and prior to coming to a set position he is in his preliminary motion known as “the stretch.” “from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 5.07(a)(2) without interruption and in one continuous motion.” I would not rule this a balk unless you deem that he has begun his transition into the set position but interrupted himself.

I tried deleting other photos but it wouldn’t allow it. I guess I can stick to another hosting site.

I’m sure you could fit the bottom pad, but the top of the mizuno has the extra protruding guard that looks like it would make the Velcro difficult unless you were to use additional strips to hold it in place. I can’t speak for the length of the TW’s though. Hoings pads seem like they would be the best option.

I have one that I got for $100 on amazon. I’ve been happy with it so far. I’ve used the $450 hypervolt and I don’t really feel a difference between the two.

How do I make more room to upload pictures? I’ve tried the manage attachments page but can’t figure out what I need to do. I’d like to post some photos.

I will post a picture on Wednesday when I am back in Utah.

I have always liked the idea of a patriotic mask for holiday weekend tournaments, however I don’t want the Wilson one. So I bought two adidas masks on eBay. One with the red pads and one with the blue pads. I did this with the intention of switching the top pads to make my own. However I now have two masks so if anyone is interested in one, message me your number and we can talk.

The situation you are describing is not an appeal play, “An appeal is the act of a fielder in claiming violation of the rules by the offensive team.” (OBR Definitions of Terms). The situation you are talking about is a “Crew Consultation and Getting the Play Right.” This is Section 8.4 of the MiLB Umpire Manual and 8.02 of the OBR. The manual says, “Plays such as the following lend themselves to the philosopy described on the previous page: 1. Deciding whether a fly ball that left the playing field was fair or foul. 2. Deciding whether a batted ball left the playing field for a homerun or a ground rule double. 3. Cases where a foul tip is dropped by the catcher, causing i t to become a foul. 4. Cases when an umpire clearly errs in judgment becasue a ball is dropped or juggled after a tag or force. 5. Spectator interference. 6. Balks called by an umpire who clearly did not realize the pitcher’s foot was off the rubber.” So these are a few of the situations that would lend themselves to needing more information from or partner. You also mentioned a pulled foot. The manual does also say however, “An umpire is urged to seek help when that umpire’s view is blocked or positioning prevents such umpire from seeing crucial elements of a play. An umpire is also encouraged to seek help in instances when that umpire has doubt and a partner has additional information that could lead to a proper ruling.” So if positioning is truly an issue, for example you got too far into the 3rd base cutout for a play when there is a runner on first and the defense throws to first first when they see the BR taking off for second then a coach might have you there on saying you were out of position and would like help from the PU. However, if I’m in the right position and I know that I have all the information I need but a coach is claiming I couldn’t see a play just because he wants a second opinion then I am not going to allow that and there is no need to consult because it will make it look like I am getting pushed around.

I’ve heard that it’s good to come up and give a simultaneous verbal-signal because it contrasts to calling a ball where you stay down in your stance.

I can’t date this based on the padding, but the picture of these on ump attire shows a MLB logo on one of the ankles. If there’s anything I do know though, it’s that Wilson would not make a new model without putting that logo somewhere, which tells me this is an outdated picture/model. also, this ^^^ last year I upgraded all my gear. I got the platinums and liked them a lot better than the old diamonds I’d been using, but by the end of the season they became my backups and Force3 became the daily drivers. I wish that I had gone with Force3 from the beginning.

Lock it up @Thunderheads

Thanks @Stk004 for a nice easy deal. Worked out a good trade that we were both really happy with and got my items pretty quick.

@Stk004 & @Young_Ump I might just order one on amazon and try it out. There seems to be a lot of good reviews of it on the forum. I could at least order it and try it on to see if I like the feel and look of it.

That looks awesome! Makes me want to get my mods started back up on my stuff. That actually gives me a few ideas and makes me glad that to see someone make this work. It seems like it would be super light weight and breathable.

@AL-Ump your mods look really well done. I’m currently finishing my last semester of college... well, I’m technically currently procrastinating... but as soon as the semester is done I might be asking you some questions on how your methods. I’m currently using a douglas that is doing really well, but I want to finish my mods on a +POS Kobra. I’ve had it for sometime but I had to take all of my side projects down into the basement when the semester started... modifications make a great excuse to put off homework! hahaha Thanks for you input though!

@yawetag I think this might be the part that caused some confusion. I do understand that NFHS publications and referee magazine are meant to be instructional, I was just referring to the cover and other portions that are not specifically labeled as instruction. They have to make the magazine look good and those filler pictures should not be taken as doctrine. As is evident by this thread even existing.

@yawetag I forgot to specifically say that I was being sarcastic. My point was that I don’t think they choose the photos on the basis of how good of an example it is of the mechanics, but because it’s an appealing photo to look at (for someone that doesn’t know the difference and won’t be bugged by all the mistakes they see). I see this a lot in the photos they use for the wrestling publications. So if I’m reading your post, and writing my opinion correctly I think we are on the same page.

Bump

This is the first I’d heard of using ear pieces in this way. My initial reaction is that it seems like a great idea, but my question is, would it put the catcher, or any other player using one, at a disadvantage by cutting off hearing in one ear? So I agree it has a lot of potential for helping the game, but there could be some drawbacks... On the other hand... cheaters are essentially forcing the sport in this direction...

I don’t disagree with you, I just want to say that I think they picked this photo for a few very specific reasons. 1. The guy is huge, his arms are probably the size of my head... 2. He has his mask on— I think this makes it easier to tell that he is the umpire and therefore easier to tell what is going on. Photos like this are never meant to be instructions, they just need to look good.

I think this is a good rule of thumb. It’s not an every time thing. Once intros are done you’re good to just leave them on. Having eye contact can do a lot for a conversation. Your eyes can do a lot of talking on their own. That’s why a lot of poker players wear them.

I wish once—just once— that someone could come up with an original short joke... I mean come on! That one got after like 200 times.