Waved off a grand slam b/c ball not in play yet...I think I screwed up

[TXUmp77]

Being from St.Louis that Musial post was great, he is a hero there and to see him on opening day every year is a real treat, thanks.

[mstaylor]

The Musial post was excellent. He was a class act and an incredible baeball player.

[Fittske24]

When you are umpiring ages where lead offs and steals are allowed, It is also a good habit to put the ball back in play after all dead ball situations. It does not always have to be a loud "play!" it could be a simple point in the direction of the pitcher. This is so that the pitcher, runners and most importantly, your partner knows that the ball is live and playing action can occur. I do it with or without runners on so the players have consistant signals during the game. As far as this slowing down the game, I disagree. This is good game management. There are tons of things that slow down games like letting out fielders chase down foul balls down the lines, letting batters walk around and readjust there entire uniform after taking a strike, allowing teams to not hustle onto the field in between innings. Putting the ball in play, however is not one of them.

[Dragon29]

I would not step to the opposite side of the batter. Go behind him. Which shoulder of F2 do we not set up behind? Why would you go to that same side completely exposed and not even prepared to take a foul ball shot?

I disagree with this - I always go stand on the opposite side of the plate from the batter, but past the other batter's box. This way, F1 can see me and see that I'm not back there. If I'm behind, or partially behind, the batter, F1 may misinterpret that as me being in position. Standing there, I'm certainly not as worried about a foul ball getting to me as I would be getting hit by the bat if I were standing nearer the batter.

Just my $.02

[grayhawk]

I would not step to the opposite side of the batter. Go behind him. Which shoulder of F2 do we not set up behind? Why would you go to that same side completely exposed and not even prepared to take a foul ball shot?

I disagree with this - I always go stand on the opposite side of the plate from the batter, but past the other batter's box. This way, F1 can see me and see that I'm not back there. If I'm behind, or partially behind, the batter, F1 may misinterpret that as me being in position. Standing there, I'm certainly not as worried about a foul ball getting to me as I would be getting hit by the bat if I were standing nearer the batter.

Just my $.02

That's what I have been taught in the clinics I have attended. I was told that these clinics were based on what is taught by Jim Evans. Can anyone that has been to Evans' school verify this?