Where to put accessories?

[Thunderheads]

...i never said you did. Did i ? Nope !! I never said you did. I do things my way, never take the phone out during a game. Put it on vibrator and if i need to look i go to a mens room. Never on the field.

No, not literally, you did not, but this comment CERTAINLY implies it:

So if I'm 40-50 miles from home and somebody has to get in touch with me for an emergency I should just let my wife know where I will be. Well what if it is your wife that the emergency is about.

That implies I don't have my phone, and that's what my point was, you missed the fact that I do in fact HAVE my phone with me, ....but not ON ME...big difference.......

[jomatiky]

No, not literally, you did not, but this comment CERTAINLY implies it:

So if I'm 40-50 miles from home and somebody has to get in touch with me for an emergency I should just let my wife know where I will be. Well what if it is your wife that the emergency is about.

That implies I don't have my phone, and that's what my point was, you missed the fact that I do in fact HAVE my phone with me, ....but not ON ME...big difference.......

I don't think what I said implies anything about what you said. If you took it that way I am sorry you feel offended. I respect your opinion and really have no problem with what you say. But I have my own opinion on the subject. I just feel a little bit better knowing in case of an emergency I can be contacted quicker than waiting till the game is over to go to my car and find something happened 2 hours ago. I have had situations where one of my assigner needed someone in an emergency to cover another game and he was desperately trying to find someone who could do it. It's just a preference. Like I said before, I don't stop in the middle of the inning to check my phone. I will either go to a mens room between innings or leave the field of play for a drink and just check the message. Everybody is entitled to his own opinion. And until the rule book states in no way should I have a phone (turned on or off) I will carry mine with me. It's little and nobody has a clue that I even have it.

[zm1283]

I don't think what I said implies anything about what you said. If you took it that way I am sorry you feel offended. I respect your opinion and really have no problem with what you say. But I have my own opinion on the subject. I just feel a little bit better knowing in case of an emergency I can be contacted quicker than waiting till the game is over to go to my car and find something happened 2 hours ago. I have had situations where one of my assigner needed someone in an emergency to cover another game and he was desperately trying to find someone who could do it. It's just a preference. Like I said before, I don't stop in the middle of the inning to check my phone. I will either go to a mens room between innings or leave the field of play for a drink and just check the message. Everybody is entitled to his own opinion. And until the rule book states in no way should I have a phone (turned on or off) I will carry mine with me. It's little and nobody has a clue that I even have it.

Until you go to the men's room or leave the field for a drink to check a message.

[jomatiky]

Until you go to the men's room or leave the field for a drink to check a message.

do you follow your partner into the mens room !!!!!!!!!!!!

[jomatiky]

I can not believe the number of items some people bring on the field. I might bring a drink on the field in some games (summer games.....more laid back). I usually hide my keys somewhere on my car. Other than a stopwatch in my back pocket when I'm on the bases, I bring absolutely nothing to the field.

WHAT DO YOU NEED A STOP WATCH ON THE BASES FOR ? AND WHY WOULD YOU BRING A DRINK ON THE FIELD ? YOU DID SAY ON THE FIELD. I'VE NEVER SEEN AN UMPIRE WITH A DRINK ON THE FIELD. WHERE DO YOU KEEP IT ? B)

[boyinr]

Okay lets all just face the facts. Some folks are going to carry a cell phone and others are not going to. Nothing that anyone says is going to convince either group that the other should do something differently.

Personally, I have never done this nor do I expect that I ever will. I do not call public works, the weather service, the newspaper, the fire department or the police. If a phone call needs to be made someone else better make it. I am there to call fair/foul, ball/strike, out/safe and adminstrate the rules of the game. If there is a need for a watch on the field (to time lightening/weather delays or a time limit) I will carry a stopwatch on the bases.

"And that is all I have to say about that" Forrest Gump

[jomatiky]

Okay lets all just face the facts. Some folks are going to carry a cell phone and others are not going to. Nothing that anyone says is going to convince either group that the other should do something differently.

Personally, I have never done this nor do I expect that I ever will. I do not call public works, the weather service, the newspaper, the fire department or the police. If a phone call needs to be made someone else better make it. I am there to call fair/foul, ball/strike, out/safe and adminstrate the rules of the game. If there is a need for a watch on the field (to time lightening/weather delays or a time limit) I will carry a stopwatch on the bases.

"And that is all I have to say about that" Forrest Gump

WELL SAID:hi5:

[jjb]

WHAT DO YOU NEED A STOP WATCH ON THE BASES FOR ? AND WHY WOULD YOU BRING A DRINK ON THE FIELD ? YOU DID SAY ON THE FIELD. I'VE NEVER SEEN AN UMPIRE WITH A DRINK ON THE FIELD. WHERE DO YOU KEEP IT ? B)

Don't yell, please: I can hear you.

In answer to the stopwatch question: we play timed games (1:40 in our League). We need to know when the time has expired. Some use a stopwatch, I have a wristwatch with a countdown timer. I'm constantly asked by the coaches "How much time is left, Blue?" It's my job to have an answer.

In answer to your question about drinking on the field: You're in NY: I'm in Texas. Games of 106-110 degrees are not uncommon here: try working 2-3 games without going through a gallon or two of water, and you will find that passing out looks extremely unprofessional. You seem very sensitive to that. I use a fabric-coated gallon jug with a carrying strap: I use a carabiner to attach it to the fence, and drink from it between each inning.

We'll have a couple Umpires go down with Heat Exhaustion every summer. I've been one of them, and, trust me, it's truly unpleasant. To prevent it, we drink water constantly. If that makes us Smitty's, then, so be it. C'mon down and work a couple games for us: you'll be a Smitty, too.

The jug has a pocket for my cell phone. It's used for emergencies, and if I need something. I'm not nearly arrogant enough to stand there with my arms folded, while a coach is yelling for somebody to call 911 for his kid. I also have no problem taking 20 seconds of my busy life between innings to make a call for the lights to finish a game. (You really want something to yell at me for? I'll tell you: sometimes, at the end of an inning, I'll even pick up the bat and hand it to the 3rd base coach as he goes by.) I don't read my messages, I don't text, I don't use it to check the ball scores. I'll need it 3-4 times a season: when I don't need it, you'll never know I had it. Clear?

Look, I get it: some of you don't like what I bring to the field, and somehow I'm an embarassment to the uniform if I do a little bit more than call balls and strikes. I've told you why I think it's a good idea. I've asked y'all to tell me why it's a bad idea, and all I'm hearing is crickets, yelling and name calling. We're not on the same field, so let's leave it at that, shall we?

(is it me, or is this Board starting to resemble the others?)

[zm1283]

WHAT DO YOU NEED A STOP WATCH ON THE BASES FOR ? AND WHY WOULD YOU BRING A DRINK ON THE FIELD ? YOU DID SAY ON THE FIELD. I'VE NEVER SEEN AN UMPIRE WITH A DRINK ON THE FIELD. WHERE DO YOU KEEP IT ? B)

1. Time limit.

2. On the field doesn't mean in fair territory. It can stay next to the fence. Summer ball teams don't know to bring water to the umpires, especially enough water when it's 100 degrees.

It's not my fault you bring your wallet, keys, cell phone, wristwatch, spare change, pens, and mp3 player on the field with you to work a game.

[jomatiky]

1. Time limit.

2. On the field doesn't mean in fair territory. It can stay next to the fence. Summer ball teams don't know to bring water to the umpires, especially enough water when it's 100 degrees.

It's not my fault you bring your wallet, keys, cell phone, wristwatch, spare change, pens, and mp3 player on the field with you to work a game.

I don't have a mp3 player and I didn't know teams were suppose to bring enough water for the umps. I usually bring my own. just my B)

[boyinr]

(is it me, or is this Board starting to resemble the others?)

I sure hope not. This board has always been a place for friendly discourse and sharing of opinions in a respectful manner. If your post is anything other than that please take it to the "other place" and you can be insulted and chided by the amaturer umpiring experts and waterwalkers.

We have all had partners that do things or bring items to the field that we ourseleves would not do. If my partner asks my opinion on their on field mechanics or behavior then I will give him my opinion.

I am sure that I have done things in the past and will continue to do things that others may find amatuerish or smittyish. I always learn and sometimes change (after seeing one partner with his cheeks puffed out like a chipmonk, I no longer bring sunflower seeds on the field). I have never used a plate brush to clean the rubber or the bases, I don't go talk to the new pitcher. I will catch the ball if it is tossed to me at the end of the inning. I do wear sunglasses and sometimes they do end up on the top of my hat. I will move a bat if it is the way and I will hand it to one of the coaches at the end of the inning. I will bring a bottle of water to the field. I don't wear white socks that are visible. I have never worn my hat backwards or my shin guards on the outside of my pants. I don't converse with fans or spectators.

I show up on time with a clean and pressed uniform ready to do the best job I can at every game. I take this hobby seriously (as most on this board do) but, at the end of the day it is simply that. Just becasue I will never be a professional does not mean that I can't act professionally.

I found this board and come here often to learn and to share with others of a similar mind who enjoy the same things that I do. I have made freinds that I will likely never meet. I hope that it remains that type of place. Happy Thankgiving to everyone!!!!!

[zm1283]

I don't have a mp3 player and I didn't know teams were suppose to bring enough water for the umps. I usually bring my own. just my

At some levels, the teams will have players or team managers bring you water between innings.

[jnazz]

Boy, am I ever glad I don't own a cell phone!! As far as water goes, I always bring my 1 litre bottle of water to the field unless I know the home players run water to the umpires. And personally, I am not in favor of bringing cell phones onto the field. From personal experience, I've found that the instant your partner's cell phone goes off the credibility as a crew goes down the toilet. There is nothing more embarassing.

[jomatiky]

Hmmm, let's see, ....how about I go to my car and call 911 ONLY if NO ONE ELSE has a phone.

Come on guys, let's not get too caught up in all of this.

Personal opinion here, this is mine: You don't need to have a cell phone on your person when doing a game. It's not right, or wrong, ....but it's my opinion.

It should have stopped here

[JamesC]

I know this discussion has probably gone on about 6 pages too long, but I just wanted to throw my opinion in. I personally think cell phones do not belong on the baseball field. If I see a coach with one, I tell them to put it away. I won't bring one on the field, regardless. Also, from experience, if a more seasoned coach sees you with a cell phone, that just opens a whole new can of worms. More can stem from having one on the field than can from you not. The less attention you bring to yourself the better you're going to be. If you walk out there (not saying this is what anyone does, just an example) and at the plate meeting you pull out your cell phone and say, "I have 2:15 game time", the coach may not say anything at the moment, but may walk back and say something to his asst. coach. 3rd inning rolls around, banger at first and asst. coach thinks you miss it, "You too busy texting to see that one, blue?" Then you gotta run this guy. Something that probably wouldn't have happened had you never brought the phone out. Just a scenario, and my personal opinion. In no way trying to bash anyone. I definitely think this discussion has turned sour, and probably needs to be dropped by all parties for the sake of the board though.

[JaxRolo]

If I see a coach with one, I tell them to put it away.

Really? Why do you care if a coach has a cell phone. I really do not think thats our job.

[Guest]

Really? Why do you care if a coach has a cell phone. I really do not think thats our job.

Well let's see.

It can give a team an advantage, using the video and camera functions to steal signs. It can pose as a distraction, with the ringer going off at an inconvenient time or someone on the field blabbing away. And what if you've got a base coach buried with his nose in the thing and his batter sends a screamer his way?

Oh and let's not forget how much of a joke it is.

I fully endorse telling any coach who thinks he can text or talk while on the field to put it away.

[JaxRolo]

Well let's see.

It can give a team an advantage, using the video and camera functions to steal signs. It can pose as a distraction, with the ringer going off at an inconvenient time or someone on the field blabbing away. And what if you've got a base coach buried with his nose in the thing and his batter sends a screamer his way?

Oh and let's not forget how much of a joke it is.

I fully endorse telling any coach who thinks he can text or talk while on the field to put it away.

Perhaps you can cite a rule on this so I can properly explain it to a coach.

Do I need to call time when I hear a phone ring to make sure it doesn't belong to a coach?

[NovaScotiaBlue]

Perhaps you can cite a rule on this so I can properly explain it to a coach.

Do I need to call time when I hear a phone ring to make sure it doesn't belong to a coach?

Heres your rule reference 9.01 C

[JaxRolo]

Heres your rule reference 9.01 C

wrong! :2cents:

[LMSANS]

How about for you OBR types MLBUM "The use of cellular phones, walkie talkies, pagers or other portable communication devices during the game is prohibited. Laptop computers are not allowed in the dugout."

Fed (3-3-1f;3.3.1bb;3.3.1cc) & NCAA (5-2f) also have prohibitions against video equipment. Find me a cell phone today that cannot take video and I might allow it.

[JamesC]

Yea, all of the leagues I call in prohibit any and all handheld electronic devices inside the field by any uniformed player or coach. This includes cell phones. That's why I tell the coach to put away the cell phone.

[Thunderheads]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderheads

Hmmm, let's see, ....how about I go to my car and call 911 ONLY if NO ONE ELSE has a phone.

Come on guys, let's not get too caught up in all of this.

Personal opinion here, this is mine: You don't need to have a cell phone on your person when doing a game. It's not right, or wrong, ....but it's my opinion.

It should have stopped here

I AGREE!!

And, by the way, I understand your opinion on your last response to me, but it did imply I did'nt have a cell to make an emergency call. The reason it did was because you said, "if it's an emergency letting your wife know is enough?" That's all, and by the way, you didn't offend me, ..it's just 'opinion talk' ..and it's all good!;)

[jomatiky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderheads

Hmmm, let's see, ....how about I go to my car and call 911 ONLY if NO ONE ELSE has a phone.

Come on guys, let's not get too caught up in all of this.

Personal opinion here, this is mine: You don't need to have a cell phone on your person when doing a game. It's not right, or wrong, ....but it's my opinion.

I AGREE!!

And, by the way, I understand your opinion on your last response to me, but it did imply I did'nt have a cell to make an emergency call. The reason it did was because you said, "if it's an emergency letting your wife know is enough?" That's all, and by the way, you didn't offend me, ..it's just 'opinion talk' ..and it's all good!

...Jeff, these are all different opinions. Some of them are right on, some are really funny and some are ridiculous, but just opinions. Like I stated you have yours, I have mine and I guess everybody else has one or two too. These blogs are just something to do while waiting for spring and the sound of bats hitting balls to arrive up here in the northeast. I hope everybody takes these statements with a grain of salt. I never want to offend anyone. Thanks for your reply, Joe:cheers:

[Thunderheads]

...Jeff, these are all different opinions. Some of them are right on, some are really funny and some are ridiculous, but just opinions. Like I stated you have yours, I have mine and I guess everybody else has one or two too. These blogs are just something to do while waiting for spring and the sound of bats hitting balls to arrive up here in the northeast. I hope everybody takes these statements with a grain of salt. I never want to offend anyone. Thanks for your reply, Joe:cheers:

My pleasure Joe!! Thanks for the response, ...and AMEN ...here in Michigan ...I know what it's like!

I'll repeat what I said ...it's all good! ;)