Finnblue

Major League II In three it was only the twins (who were IRL triplets).

I envy you so much! Where in TX?

About replay: Like in soccer, that's the human touch. MS

I also have the black one and I like it. It feels cool and looks nice, too. http://picasaweb.google.fi/EspooExpos/Finaali3ExposIceBreakers2682009#5374339072890190514 MS

Is it just me or does any one else get headache trying to read all caps text? Trying to read this felt like someone yelling without inhaling. Uuh...

I have two mud-cases: MABL game in Fort Worth, the field was kinda sticky after the night's rain. R1 advancing third on a hit-and-run, I (PU) haul my ass there, too. The runner dives towards third, but the moment he hits the dirt (read: mud), I hear this sucking sound and he stops right there on his tracks. It was like some cartoon, every one was laughing - even the F6 couldn't manage throw to third so R1 managed to crawl safely to base. Another day I was PU in high school JV game, the field was sticky, but not as bad as in case above. R3 advancing home on sacrifice fly, I move to third base line extended. Runner slides and suddenly this muddy wall rises in front of me and drops right over my head. I had to call time out to get that stuff out of my uniform - some of it managed to slide under my CP, too. (On the same game: R1 rounding second base on a long double, coming full speed towards third, I move half way to third to see where the play may be. The base coach really enthusiastically waves R1 home, pointing his right arm, jumping and moving - suddenly he's right next to me and sticks his index finger into my eye! - Of course by accident, we were both watching the runner.) MS

That was in Sweden...

Here are few pics more: http://www.umpire-empire.com/forum/album.php?albumid=4

It's getting worse: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4768699

I believe you are talking about this: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=6914589 I tried to see if the spectator really touched that ball. Hard to say in any TV anlge. PU was there right on the spot, with a clear view. So we go with his call. MS

Funny thing is, that when one player posted this to our website, he was blaming that the whole situation was PU's mistake... MS

In Japan: MS

I have a habit standing near the catcher while he's taking pithcer's warm-ups, holding one ball ready if he doesn't catch one - I just flip it to him so they can continue fast. If the catcher misses the last one and starts going after it, sometimes I fling the ball to second base (not always, not often and if I do, only once in the game - it all depends of the mood of the game). It's always fun to see that no-one notices it first, it always takes a little moment before any reaction. And almost every time the reaction has been some chuckles and funny comments. I know it doesn't look so pro, but we can have fun now and then, too. MS

My bad, I didn't notice. MS

So you let him stand on third? MS

Now add another runner scoring after him... Let's have a situation: Runners at first and second, Batter hits one deep right center, sure double. Both runners score, but R2 missed third base. So he returns, touching home first then stops on third base. Your call? MS

How about a new group: Literature sub groups: books by umpires books about umpires books about umpiring good books about baseball and then open one thread/book or author. MS

As I told before, I have admitted making a wrong call. That's because everyone saw my blunder. The DC came to ask me why I changed if, I told him I blew it and he walked away. After the game he came to me to tell that there's no umpire in Germany who would have admitted making a blunder. MS

If F1 throws to any fielder if he's not attempting play it's like throwing to unoccupied base. If fielder is moving towards runner while he's catching or immediately after he caught the pick-off, that's an attempt. MS

Now that is funny... Yea... Adult ball, batter hits the ball, play at third. I get back behind the plate, I peek my indicator - which I forgot to reset. So, when, count 1-2... next pitch splits the plate STRIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE THREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! with enthusiast mechanics. The batter turns around, I see a new face there and notice my OOPS. My partner is leaning on his knees, laughing his ass off. I just say: "In Finland you get only one chance", shrug and tell them new count (0-1). But that's not my most embarasing call... MS

I managed to ring batter out on strike 1...

That's "out-of-play line". Foul line is ca. 30 ft left from it. I don't know whose idea was to take pics so twisted, my neck hurts when I try to look at them. Unfortunately I had to work that day, so I wasn't able to be there - especially because my wife and me got a "For the Love of the Game" -throphy. MS

And finally here's pictures from the deciding game, Espoo Expos won the Finnish Championships (SM = Suomen Mestaruus) by three games to one. http://www.flickr.com/photos/espooexpos/

I don't know if this has been here, but http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=6414825 I'm speechless :cheers:

Game 3 pictures MS