Aging_Arbiter

ok, just me being me.................. I worked with a guy a few years back, that before we walked onto the field, he took his hearing aids out and left them in the truck. Never heard a single parent complain. Literally. In my case, SWMBO calls it selective hearing (just because she wasn't selected). However, I call it Military Grade Tinnitus.

One I had to call this year, that KIND OF plays along these lines. Batter Ducked high inside pitch......but didn't pull his bat down. Ball hit bat and rolled fair. I pointed. Everyone looked confused until they see me just standing there pointing fair, and my partner moved from A to fair territory to set up for a call. Finally, one coach yelled "RUN" and another yelled "THROW IT TO FIRST". He didn't attempt to hit the ball, nonetheless, it was a fair "batted" ball.

Just listened to the last podcast. Have bookmarked the page to catch up on the prior ones. If the first 5 are anything like the last one, I'll like those as well. Nice job!

Years ago, we took a chance on the new with Cream colored shirts. One of our JR umpires (softball player) asked that instead of Blue, if she was to call us Cream Puff.

I was UIC in my local LL for 20 years. When I stepped down (after finding a suitable replacement), the NEW UIC understood that I would be there as a resource. 4 years later, and I am still helping him/involved. He handles everything. If he has questions, or if he and the family pick up and go on vacation, he (and the entire league) knows that I will be covering during his absence. In all actuality, it's almost a co-UIC position but I don't have to do anything on a regular basis. I don't MIND being a back up to cover for him in situations that arise. Is that a possibility on your end? Mentorship doesn't always mean constant connection. Even on the "down hill slide of life", I've found that out.

he may have mentioned something about one of his mentors............

Darren and I are on the same crew!

Had this happen just last night, but from the offense. I was filling in at an 8-9-10 LL District game. Player slides into 3B. Instantly holds HIS hand up asking for time, because the fielder is holding the tag. Me: Are you injured? Player: No Me: climb the ladder then. 3B, throw the ball in, we have a game to play. The following inning...... Player: slides into 3B and asks for time while 3B holds a tag after. Coach: Timmy, keep your foot on the bag and stand up. Problem solved. Once the coaches realize that they aren't getting time called for every play, they adjust.

I may or may not have a "daddy be cool" stick in my truck.........

#88 was 2nd choice smart @$$😁

Apparently, we won't know schedules until the night before. I'm not going to be online while up there. But if you see a fat kid that is dressed like an umpire, and has #47 on his sleeve............

Met Dave at orientation in May. It's a small world. We had a veteran from SD come through the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy, that was trying to get more games & advance in Little League. I put him in touch with Dave.

yeah, that's why I'll be going dark with instabookface for 2 weeks in August.

The best response that I ever heard was form a partner of mine. It took everything I had to maintain a straight face. Coach: Where is your strike zone tonight? Partner: For you, or for him (as he points to the opposing coach)?

Just to add my .02, I realize that the rule says "hinders" as well as understand the spirit and intent of this. However, based on the writing of this post, it would appear that the On deck batter aided the catcher.

Hey, guess what!?! There is no more 6 man! 😁

Well, I can honestly say, I've never called "Strike! Right down the middle!" 😁

I just figured it was a left coast kinda thing. there, that should cover it............

Just a thought on making the Runner's Lane Interference from A If the batter becomes a batter/runner..........why would you still be in A?

"Yes, if it hits the foul pole in flight and then goes in the stands. But, if bounces in fair territory, then hits the foul pole and goes into the stands - it's double" To me, this would imply that in the "old days" the foul poles (in question here) were inside of the outfield fence/wall. Which would stand today if the ball doesn't leave the playing field in flight. If the foul poles are beyond the fence/wall, then the ball has already left the playing field, and is considered a home run.

wow. I just checked the website, and those are priced just a bit on the "sting my wallet" side. Looks like I'm staying with the F3 kevlar pad inserts for now.

Have you tried liquid polish? That should cover it.

depending on how surgery goes tomorrow, I may look into purchasing these. Just purchased the F3 w/kevlar pad. Needed something to try out.

Umpire Santa is a Rock Star in the WWUA circles!! @Umpire Santa, are you coming back to PA this year? @kylehutson he hasn't had a chance to meet Steve yet as he stepped away for a bit. I've heard rumors of a possible return this year.

picture 2 (under the bruise) looks an awful lot like the McDavid tights with the waffle pattern thigh protection. I cut them off (hemmed them) and turned them into shorts.