Another from Texarkana, TX area

[AJtheUMP]

I have been calling games about 4 years as a volunteer. This will be my first season as a certified umpire and I am excited to get it started! I will call anything from ages 9-15 where ever I am assigned! I signed up because I stumbled across the forums on google and have already read many things that will help me this year! I look forward to having a valuable pool of experience to ask for help.

[JaxRolo]

Welcome! Ask Questions!

[Umpire in Chief]

Glad to have you!

[mstaylor]

While we are waiting for the season to start, think about your last couple and see if there are questions there.

[AJtheUMP]

For me the interference and obstruction calls were always confusing. I have been reading the forums like crazy on here the last two days. They are very helpful!

[yawetag]

For me the interference and obstruction calls were always confusing. I have been reading the forums like crazy on here the last two days. They are very helpful!

In what way? Give specifics and we'll help you through them.

[AJtheUMP]

Mostly on an interference when the fielder is considered making a play on the ball. Say: R1 goes early and hit goes to F4. Its a little slow so the ball is half way between F4 and the plate when R1 runs into him. He's setting up but would the ball be close enough to consider him playing it? I would think yes but am not certain. If he goes up to play it and boots it does him chasing it backwards and into the base runner make it INT or OBR? Do I judge whether he could have reached it without the collision?

[mstaylor]

On the first one, it certainly sounds like interference. On the second one, that's a little tougher. When a fielder misplays a ball he gets a step and a reach to corral it. Any more and it is obstruction. I generally advise guys to read the threads and once they think they uderstand it, ask a question about it. Many times I have thought I understood how to call something, later finding out I only thought I had it.

[Texarkana]

Welcome to the umpire fraternity. I live right up the road from you and will do anything I can to help you if needed. I know quite a few people down your way and called a JB playoff series this year down in Gilmer.

Just give me a shout if you need anything!