MLBUM

[jnazz]

How often is the MLBUM released? Would it be worth waiting untlil a newer edition comes out (ie: will a 2011 editon be issued?)?

[Guest]

I believe they print it every year - I have the 09 version, and they printed a new one last year. I don't see why they'd break from pattern and do this just once.

On one of the first few pages, they also print a list of changes from the previous edition. Like textbooks, they often turn out to be insignificant in the grand scheme of things, so you should have good re-use value.

Personally, I would advise looking into the PBUC Manual. If you can only get one, get this one - nearly all of the interpretations are identical, word for word, but the difference is the first two sections - specific and detailed guidelines for on and off field behaviour / appearance etc. For instance, guidance on handling ejections, handling ground rules, what to do during a national anthem, how and where to stand between innings, how to dress on the way to the ballpark, etc.

While these guidelines are published by PBUC and are in no way binding to anyone not under contract with them, they certainly provide very good guidelines on how to look and act like a professional.

[yawetag]

On one of the first few pages, they also print a list of changes from the previous edition. Like textbooks, they often turn out to be insignificant in the grand scheme of things, so you should have good re-use value.

I wonder if past-issue owners can get a copy of these pages. This way, you can print it and place it in the book, while marking the sections that have changed. This makes it so you can use the same book for a few years. I've done the same with my OBR book.

[Guest]

On one of the first few pages, they also print a list of changes from the previous edition. Like textbooks, they often turn out to be insignificant in the grand scheme of things, so you should have good re-use value.

I wonder if past-issue owners can get a copy of these pages. This way, you can print it and place it in the book, while marking the sections that have changed. This makes it so you can use the same book for a few years. I've done the same with my OBR book.

While it'd be plausible and extremely convenient, I don't see that happening. The manual's primary purpose is to educate MLB umpires and I virtually guarantee you that they receive a new copy every year. They're marketed to the public to make an extra buck. The target market is very small - dedicated hardball umpires, so to offer the revisions to previous versions for free would be bad business

[yawetag]

While it'd be plausible and extremely convenient, I don't see that happening. The manual's primary purpose is to educate MLB umpires and I virtually guarantee you that they receive a new copy every year. They're marketed to the public to make an extra buck. The target market is very small - dedicated hardball umpires, so to offer the revisions to previous versions for free would be bad business

Yes and no. Eventually, your manual's going to get a little full of handwritten changes, so you'll want to buy a new one. As it is, most umpires aren't buying a new one every year anyway -- I'll probably buy a new OBR this year and my last one is the 2007 copy.

To me, it's the same as an Errata page given with textbooks. Simply give a couple-page document giving a list of the changes (not necessarily the full text of the change), and it will help those that have bought your book keep it somewhat up-to-date.

[jnazz]

I believe they print it every year - I have the 09 version, and they printed a new one last year. I don't see why they'd break from pattern and do this just once.

On one of the first few pages, they also print a list of changes from the previous edition. Like textbooks, they often turn out to be insignificant in the grand scheme of things, so you should have good re-use value.

Personally, I would advise looking into the PBUC Manual. If you can only get one, get this one - nearly all of the interpretations are identical, word for word, but the difference is the first two sections - specific and detailed guidelines for on and off field behaviour / appearance etc. For instance, guidance on handling ejections, handling ground rules, what to do during a national anthem, how and where to stand between innings, how to dress on the way to the ballpark, etc.

While these guidelines are published by PBUC and are in no way binding to anyone not under contract with them, they certainly provide very good guidelines on how to look and act like a professional.

Ok great. I have the PBUC manual, so maybe I'll wait.