Must Haves

[umpirate]

I am new to umpiring and was wondering kf anyone coud put together a list of books that are must haves and needs for a new blue. Rule books, manuals, case books, and experience books. It doesnt matter. Thank you all for your time.

[johnnyg08]

I am new to umpiring and was wondering kf anyone coud put together a list of books that are must haves and needs for a new blue. Rule books, manuals, case books, and experience books. It doesnt matter. Thank you all for your time.

The Two Umpire System by Jim Evans

If you work more than one rule set you must own the BRD (Baseball Rule Differences by Carl Childress)

If you can get an MLBUM, get one (Major League Baseball Umpire Manual)

If you can't find a MLBUM, get a PBUC manual you can get it on Evans Umpire Academy website.

Others will add to this list, so I will simply stop here.

Good luck and have fun. Keep in mind, if these books are going to sit on your shelf, they're worthless. Gotta read them.

[kwiggie]

What level or levels of play are you working at?

[umpirate]

I have not umpired at all before and am trying to get into the high school level. However I am planning on starting at the bottom and work my way up. Does anyone have suggestions on the beat way to get started? I have thought about going to the PBUC School but have decided lately not to, my wife and I are proud parents of newborn twins so that threw a wrench into my plans for umpire school.

[UmpJeff]

I would recommend Jaksa/Roder's "The Rules of Professional Baseball: A Comprehensive Reorganization and Clarification". It breaks down the OBR book into laymans terms with excellent examples/situations. It also details the rules differences between MLB, NCAA, and NFHS. Everything I've read about learning the rules have recommended learning the OBR first, then focusing on the differences in whatever level you call.

[kwiggie]

If you are focusing on the High School level simply curl up to the NFHS rules\case and mechanics book that you will get prior to taking your test. Go work some games at the JV\Frosh level and see if this is for you. If you decide (after truly getting run out of your first ballpark) you want some more, then start investing in further education\resources as the others have mentioned.

[semper_fi_72]

If you have not umpired you do not and should not start in high school ball. Contact your local little league and start there.

High school umpires should have some experience and a good strong grasp of the basic fundamentals of umpire mechanics and the rules.

As with any thing, start at the boutin and work your way up.

[sdix00]

<br />I am new to umpiring and was wondering kf anyone coud put together a list of books that are must haves and needs for a new blue. Rule books, manuals, case books, and experience books. It doesnt matter. Thank you all for your time.<br />

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This is a good thread with the standard books.

http://umpire-empire.com/index.php/topic/3199-umpire-manuals/page__hl__