Please recommend...

[Ros@]

..... me your 10 books an umpire HAS TO HAVE in his/her personal collection.

(Ommit Knotty Problems as I already have that one)

And if possible, pls state the reason WHY.

Thanks, :HD:

[boyinr]

I would start with the PBUC "Manual for the Two Umpire System". This is a great mechanics reference and applicable at most all levels of big diamond baseball.

I also just read "As They See'em" by Bruce Weber. That book explained a lot about the system of MiLB and MLB umpiring and the personalities involved.

[kcfan102]

Here are mine:

Major League Baseball Rulesbook - Does it need an explanation?

Jaksa and Roder Rules of Baseball - A very comprehensive rewrite of the official rules. Lots of good information and lots of endorsements by the big guys.

More Than 100 Problem With The Official Baseball Rules - Points out problem with the rules. Very good read.

Jim Evans Maximizing The Two Umpire System - A very very very good explanation of the two man system and umpiring in general.

As They See 'Em - My favorite non-educational umpire book. Weber offers a great insight into professional umpires.

Major League Baseball Umpire Manual - Lots of good info.

PBUC Umpire Manual - Some more good info.

CCA Manual - Mechanics for two, three, and four man crews.

Ruling Over Monarchs - We have the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum here in KC and this book combines that history with that of black umpires. Great read.

Baseball's Narrowest Door - If you want to make it to the bigs, read this first.

Whenever I read books about baseball, I NEVER hate them. For some reason, even if the writing or story isn't that good, I end up loving every book I read. I have no connection with any of these links. These are my favorites, yours might be different.

[Ros@]

Thank you both for your answers.

I started to make a list and soon will start with my collection.

[jnazz]

The Official Rules of Baseball Illustrated by David Nemec - this book explains all the rules, the reasons the rules were created, and when and why certain rules were changed.

[widac]

The rules interp book I use the most is Baseball Rule Differences, by Carl Childress.

[ump81]

Guys, more than the rules and mechanic stuff I have always liked the stories and autobiography stuff, here are some in my collection:

Planet of the umps-Ken Kaiser

Jocko-Jocko Conlan

Mr. Ump-Babe Pinnelli-very old

Best Seat in Baseball, but you have to stand- Lee Gutkind

Umpires-John Skipper

Men In Blue-Larry Gerlach

Center field on fire- Dave Phillips

Fall of the Roman Umpire-Ron Luciano

Remembrance of swings past-Ron Luciano

Three and Two-Tom Gorman

There's ten, I can think of a few more but I have read all of these ones. Call em as you see em. Ump 81

[Ros@]

Now, I have to be honest... I rarely read any autobiography stuff.

I like more books that helps you interprete the rules.

Thanks again guys.

Especially to you Stan!