Why would you do that???

[BigUmpire]

I guess the only logical thing I can think of is that the umpires a much closer to the bases in softball than in baseball, so they might as well clean them off as they go by.  In baseball, the umpires are typically inside on the grass and its easier to just have a player swipe it off with his glove.  

Thats it?

[NCAAump2]

That's the best I've got...its a better reason than "just because it's not done."  

[zm1283]

I'm not the grounds crew.  That's why it's not done in baseball.  I can see the bases just fine even with dirt on them.  

[HokieUmp]

 

At upper levels of baseball (JUCO and above) (as far as I have been taught) you would be laughed off the field if you, as the base umpire, went to brush off the bases.  In baseball, its just simply not done.  

I always struggle with "its just simply not done"

As my family has always " He sure asks why a lot"

 

 

How about:  "Because we're not sissy-men."  Better?       

[BigUmpire]

 

 

At upper levels of baseball (JUCO and above) (as far as I have been taught) you would be laughed off the field if you, as the base umpire, went to brush off the bases.  In baseball, its just simply not done.  

I always struggle with "its just simply not done"

As my family has always " He sure asks why a lot"

 

 

How about:  "Because we're not sissy-men."  Better?       

 

Always an interesting "comment" from this guy.

[umpire_scott]

I'm not the grounds crew.  That's why it's not done in baseball.  I can see the bases just fine even with dirt on them.  

 

It's not about being the grounds crew, it's about managing the game.  If the field becomes unplayable due to rain, who makes the decision to stop play?  Once we take the field it is our responsibility to make the sure the field is as playable as possible.  We are expected as plate umpires to clean the plate.  Why?  I can see the plate fine from where I'm at. 

 

I have accepted that it's not done in baseball, and I do not bring a plate brush with me on the bases.  But truthfully I really don't think there is a "reason" behind this other than "it's just not done".  None of the other "reasons" on here really hold water.  Being closer to the bases is not a factor because in softball you brush them between innings.  I think the main reason is because at the higher levels (JUCO and above) the fields are such that it would never really be needed.  Usually it would never be needed even in high school at most of the high school fields I have worked at.  Plus I do think that baseball umpires have an ego and they don't want to do anything that softball umpires do.

[noumpere]

The pitcher might need to see the plate and that might be tough if theres dirt on it because its supposed to be flush with the ground.  And you don't want the catcher doing it with his glove because then you get the dirt and dust in your eyes.  So that leaves the umpire.  and even then 90% of the time I do it its to give the catcher or batter a break after being hit or just a force of habit that starts the next half inning.  I certainly don't clean it most of the time because I need to see it.

 

For the bases they are raised and even on the dustiest fields I can always tell where the base is and so can the players.  If they cant then they take care of it because we don't have the same issue with the catchers glove.

[umpire_scott]

The pitcher might need to see the plate and that might be tough if theres dirt on it because its supposed to be flush with the ground.  And you don't want the catcher doing it with his glove because then you get the dirt and dust in your eyes.  So that leaves the umpire.  and even then 90% of the time I do it its to give the catcher or batter a break after being hit or just a force of habit that starts the next half inning.  I certainly don't clean it most of the time because I need to see it.

 

For the bases they are raised and even on the dustiest fields I can always tell where the base is and so can the players.  If they cant then they take care of it because we don't have the same issue with the catchers glove.

 

I get all the reasoning about why it's not as necessary.  I don't get the reason that it is frowned upon and considered "smitty".  I worked with a guy just the other day that brushed the pitching plate every couple of innings.  Didn't think anything about it.  If I'm on the bases I like it better if the bases are clear and highly visible.  I want the coaches, fans and players to easily see the bases.  It makes for better baseball.  I do think that part of my responsibilty is to make the entire baseball experience as good as it can be for all involved.  There is a reason that the bases. chalk lines, and pitching plate are white.  If I can kick the bases between inninngs to get them as close to their original color I'm going to do that.  To think that act would make me a worse umpire rather than a better umpire is one of the most absurd things I've ever heard.

 

In most jobs it's considered a positive thing to go "above and beyond".

[JaxRolo]

What it boils down to is :

 

DON"T DO IT!!!  

[BigUmpire]

What it boils down to is :

 

DON"T DO IT!!!  

What ever the Chief says, GOES!

[scrounge]

 

The pitcher might need to see the plate and that might be tough if theres dirt on it because its supposed to be flush with the ground.  And you don't want the catcher doing it with his glove because then you get the dirt and dust in your eyes.  So that leaves the umpire.  and even then 90% of the time I do it its to give the catcher or batter a break after being hit or just a force of habit that starts the next half inning.  I certainly don't clean it most of the time because I need to see it.

 

For the bases they are raised and even on the dustiest fields I can always tell where the base is and so can the players.  If they cant then they take care of it because we don't have the same issue with the catchers glove.

 

I get all the reasoning about why it's not as necessary.  I don't get the reason that it is frowned upon and considered "smitty".  I worked with a guy just the other day that brushed the pitching plate every couple of innings.  Didn't think anything about it.  If I'm on the bases I like it better if the bases are clear and highly visible.  I want the coaches, fans and players to easily see the bases.  It makes for better baseball.  I do think that part of my responsibilty is to make the entire baseball experience as good as it can be for all involved.  There is a reason that the bases. chalk lines, and pitching plate are white.  If I can kick the bases between inninngs to get them as close to their original color I'm going to do that.  To think that act would make me a worse umpire rather than a better umpire is one of the most absurd things I've ever heard.

 

In most jobs it's considered a positive thing to go "above and beyond".

 

 

Would you like to work the concessions stands too? I'm sure that would make the entire baseball experience more enjoyable for all involved. Perhaps greet spectators as they entire the bleachers. Escort them to their seat and wipe down the seat for them. Deliver a drink or two. Now we're talking!

[BigUmpire]

 

 

The pitcher might need to see the plate and that might be tough if theres dirt on it because its supposed to be flush with the ground.  And you don't want the catcher doing it with his glove because then you get the dirt and dust in your eyes.  So that leaves the umpire.  and even then 90% of the time I do it its to give the catcher or batter a break after being hit or just a force of habit that starts the next half inning.  I certainly don't clean it most of the time because I need to see it.

 

For the bases they are raised and even on the dustiest fields I can always tell where the base is and so can the players.  If they cant then they take care of it because we don't have the same issue with the catchers glove.

 

I get all the reasoning about why it's not as necessary.  I don't get the reason that it is frowned upon and considered "smitty".  I worked with a guy just the other day that brushed the pitching plate every couple of innings.  Didn't think anything about it.  If I'm on the bases I like it better if the bases are clear and highly visible.  I want the coaches, fans and players to easily see the bases.  It makes for better baseball.  I do think that part of my responsibilty is to make the entire baseball experience as good as it can be for all involved.  There is a reason that the bases. chalk lines, and pitching plate are white.  If I can kick the bases between inninngs to get them as close to their original color I'm going to do that.  To think that act would make me a worse umpire rather than a better umpire is one of the most absurd things I've ever heard.

 

In most jobs it's considered a positive thing to go "above and beyond".

 

 

Would you like to work the concessions stands too? I'm sure that would make the entire baseball experience more enjoyable for all involved. Perhaps greet spectators as they entire the bleachers. Escort them to their seat and wipe down the seat for them. Deliver a drink or two. Now we're talking!

 

Here we go.

[Mike Prince]

I carry a can of white spray paint in my ball bag too so I can repaint the bags after I brush them off...:)

[umpire_scott]

 

 

The pitcher might need to see the plate and that might be tough if theres dirt on it because its supposed to be flush with the ground.  And you don't want the catcher doing it with his glove because then you get the dirt and dust in your eyes.  So that leaves the umpire.  and even then 90% of the time I do it its to give the catcher or batter a break after being hit or just a force of habit that starts the next half inning.  I certainly don't clean it most of the time because I need to see it.

 

For the bases they are raised and even on the dustiest fields I can always tell where the base is and so can the players.  If they cant then they take care of it because we don't have the same issue with the catchers glove.

 

I get all the reasoning about why it's not as necessary.  I don't get the reason that it is frowned upon and considered "smitty".  I worked with a guy just the other day that brushed the pitching plate every couple of innings.  Didn't think anything about it.  If I'm on the bases I like it better if the bases are clear and highly visible.  I want the coaches, fans and players to easily see the bases.  It makes for better baseball.  I do think that part of my responsibilty is to make the entire baseball experience as good as it can be for all involved.  There is a reason that the bases. chalk lines, and pitching plate are white.  If I can kick the bases between inninngs to get them as close to their original color I'm going to do that.  To think that act would make me a worse umpire rather than a better umpire is one of the most absurd things I've ever heard.

 

In most jobs it's considered a positive thing to go "above and beyond".

 

 

Would you like to work the concessions stands too? I'm sure that would make the entire baseball experience more enjoyable for all involved. Perhaps greet spectators as they entire the bleachers. Escort them to their seat and wipe down the seat for them. Deliver a drink or two. Now we're talking!

 

 

Really??  I assume you don't need me to tell you how stupid this is?  None of the things you mentioned occur on the playing field, and there are already people in place to perform those duties.  Obviously MLB umps don't have to worry about it because they have a grounds crew.  Maybe the issue is that too many umpires that aren't MLB umps think they are.  Sorry if you think that kicking a base clean between innings is beneath you.  I gladly do it, and think everyone except potentially my partner appreciate it.

[umpire_scott]

I carry a can of white spray paint in my ball bag too so I can repaint the bags after I brush them off...

 

All I need to carry to kick a base clean is the shoe on my foot.

[scrounge]

 

 

 

The pitcher might need to see the plate and that might be tough if theres dirt on it because its supposed to be flush with the ground.  And you don't want the catcher doing it with his glove because then you get the dirt and dust in your eyes.  So that leaves the umpire.  and even then 90% of the time I do it its to give the catcher or batter a break after being hit or just a force of habit that starts the next half inning.  I certainly don't clean it most of the time because I need to see it.

 

For the bases they are raised and even on the dustiest fields I can always tell where the base is and so can the players.  If they cant then they take care of it because we don't have the same issue with the catchers glove.

 

I get all the reasoning about why it's not as necessary.  I don't get the reason that it is frowned upon and considered "smitty".  I worked with a guy just the other day that brushed the pitching plate every couple of innings.  Didn't think anything about it.  If I'm on the bases I like it better if the bases are clear and highly visible.  I want the coaches, fans and players to easily see the bases.  It makes for better baseball.  I do think that part of my responsibilty is to make the entire baseball experience as good as it can be for all involved.  There is a reason that the bases. chalk lines, and pitching plate are white.  If I can kick the bases between inninngs to get them as close to their original color I'm going to do that.  To think that act would make me a worse umpire rather than a better umpire is one of the most absurd things I've ever heard.

 

In most jobs it's considered a positive thing to go "above and beyond".

 

 

Would you like to work the concessions stands too? I'm sure that would make the entire baseball experience more enjoyable for all involved. Perhaps greet spectators as they entire the bleachers. Escort them to their seat and wipe down the seat for them. Deliver a drink or two. Now we're talking!

 

 

Really??  I assume you don't need me to tell you how stupid this is?  None of the things you mentioned occur on the playing field, and there are already people in place to perform those duties.  Obviously MLB umps don't have to worry about it because they have a grounds crew.  Maybe the issue is that too many umpires that aren't MLB umps think they are.  Sorry if you think that kicking a base clean between innings is beneath you.  I gladly do it, and think everyone except potentially my partner appreciate it.

 

 

You may be right. Why, I was at a freshman game the other day and remember saying to my bleacher neighbor "this is such a great game, the bases are so clean!!".

[LMSANS]

Getting close to closing time

[BigUmpire]

lock it.

[mstaylor]

I used to kick bases when they were slid into, dig them out and replace them when they were knocked loose. I decided that it was silly, let the players do it, looks better and I don't get dirty. Softball does it and that is fine,I choose not to. As far as the baseball experience, not many job. My job is to enforce the rules, maintain order and call balls and strikes.

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

[Aging_Arbiter]

I DON'T CLEAN BASES   ~ Bumper Sticker

[BigUmpire]

I DON'T CLEAN BASES   ~ Bumper Sticker

Funny bumper sticker as I look at your avatar.

[Aging_Arbiter]

 

I DON'T CLEAN BASES   ~ Bumper Sticker

Funny bumper sticker as I look at your avatar.

 

 

That's Home plate Stimey!  Notice the balloon protector, backwards cap & paint brush?!??  Get your bases right!  Whadda ya think this is, Soccer?

[BigUmpire]

 

 

I DON'T CLEAN BASES   ~ Bumper Sticker

Funny bumper sticker as I look at your avatar.

 

 

That's Home plate Stimey!  Notice the balloon protector, backwards cap & paint brush?!??  Get your bases right!  Whadda ya think this is, Soccer?

 

Sorry cant see that well.

[Aging_Arbiter]

 

 

 

I DON'T CLEAN BASES   ~ Bumper Sticker

Funny bumper sticker as I look at your avatar.

 

 

That's Home plate Stimey!  Notice the balloon protector, backwards cap & paint brush?!??  Get your bases right!  Whadda ya think this is, Soccer?

 

Sorry cant see that well.

 

 

Sorry cant see that well.~ Bumper Sticker

[blue23ll]

I don't clean off anything but the plate. I don't clean bases or the rubber. I don't fix divots in the mound, and I don't rake the infield. I don't replace bases that fly off, nor do I dig out the peg with a screwdriver. I drink beer and smoke cigars, is it 5 o'clock yet??