alex7

I wear size 10.5 shoes. I have size 11 New Balances and Rebook Zigs that are comfortable on the bases, both with the small nubs on the bottom. Fit my 10.5 feet perfectly. What's your ZIP code and I'll check the shipping cost if you're interested.

Shawn, an alternative to the ebags, if you don't find one in your price range, is an Amazon dual-deck 32-35 inch travel bag. I went from a traditional umpire bag to one of those a few years ago, and there's been no difference, except the price was about 60% of the traditional umpire bags. They come with your typical side pockets, top pocket, telescope handle, etc, along with the dual decks for separating gear from other stuff.

Like others have said, context matters and as you develop, you'll gain more confidence into reading those situations and making your decision. That said, until then, if you NEED something along the lines of hard-and-fast truths 1) if it's a player or assistant coach 2) if it's loud enough for the fans to hear it it's a good "automatic" threshold to start with. Again, not 100%, but if you need SOMETHING to start with as you develop your feel for situations. If it's a HC, I might go with an immediate and loud warning. If it's personal, then we're back to automatic.

So this year, NCAA if it hits the catcher ANYWHERE and he catches it, we have a caught foul tip and the ball stays fair. NFHS it's still directly to glove or hand? OBR still directly to glove or hand? Just checking if NCAA is the only we know that's changed it.

I bought two pair of the new All-Star Magnesium pads, with the hard plastic insert on the bottom piece. I'm keeping one for my All-Star mask, but want to trade the 2nd one as I don't like the look of them with my non-AS mask. New, still in the plastic wrap. Looking for new/newish black Team Wendy pads in exchange. DM if you need a picture

I bought one with an offer price of $68. Received it in the mail today, 3 days later, despite some odd tracking info. Might be worth the shot for some of you.

It's good to have ANY kind of counter-argument if an association's leadership is MANDATING one to use the hammer exclusively. That was the unfortunate OP situation, and the purpose for my grasping at Point Lifesavers

I understand you're detailing what a proper hammer should look like. Many guys at all levels don't exaggerate it that much, which allows for at least the POSSIBILITY to argue the point does a better job of signaling. Remember this is just commenting on a seemingly legit baseball association that won't even allow the point.

I need to move there so I can move up the ranks quicker!

Situation 1: runner is awarded home as it is two bases from the time of the throw when it comes from an OFer Situation 2: the run counts, as the third out is a timing play on appeal, not a force out.

Not til summer. Breathability, and all that.

It would be towards the tail end of good timing, but there are times where we can point a strike to the side after the ball is back on its way to the pitcher. And absolutely it's easy to point to the side while keeping your eyes forward. One counter argument against the hammer call always, is that signaling is meant to show the crowd and everyone else what is happening, and a hammer is harder to see than a point, as far as the crowd behind you.

Wanting clarification on this one. Note 1: If the batter or runner continues to advance after being put out, that act alone shall not be considered as confusing, hindering or impeding the fielders. 2) If a runner or batter-runner, who has been put out or obstructed, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner, such runner shall be declared out because of a teammate’s interference." Assuming the retired batter would fit under "batter put out" in Note 1, are we agreeing that #2 above is absolved by Note 1, and we have a "that's nothing"?

When it pays to be a 2-minute man!

No rules specific to batting gloves worn by pitchers in NFHS Though as umpire you have the latitude to consider anything extra that's worn, as being distracting and thus not allowed. I believe it's the same for NCAA, While OBR has put out a reference specifically not allowing batting gloves under a pitcher's gloves.