Category Archives: Rants
The Quickest Hook
What’s the fastest hook you’ve ever had? I got a coach in the plate conference once (it was a Doubleheader and he didn’t want to let go of a call I had made in Game 1. Other bonus questions: 1. Do you have more patience with a Pitcher who can only throw once a week [...]
Helping out as the Home Plate Umpire
I’ll admit, one of my favorite comebacks when I’ve got a coach who’s upset about a call is, “Coach, I’m in the best position possible to make that call in a 2 man system”. It’s an argument that the coach really can’t argue with (usually because, even if I was out of position, they don’t [...]
R.I.P. 3rd to 1st
Last week Major League Baseball voted to make the 3rd to 1st move by Right Handed Pitchers a balk starting next season. Anyone else hoping that this stupid move is outlawed at the High School and College level soon too? Is MLB stepping over the line? Is this move “part of the game”? BTW – [...]
You Just Look Lazy
Tuesday Morning Rant: If you’re one of those guys who feels entitled enough to stand in the infield during the game, here’s the proof that you just look lazy. If you need a demonstration of what it looks like to be “hands on knees set”, these kids can show you.
Intentional Contact, Obstruction, Malicious Contact or Baseball?
The sheer number of videos we’ve received this spring from concerned parents and coaches confirms for us that Malicious Contact isn’t being called consistently at any level of baseball (this isn’t confined to just High School). With that said, this play will challenge any level of umpire. Some things to consider when watching this video: [...]
The Importance of Foot Positioning
Improper foot position from the mound must be addressed at the high school levels. More and more, we see pitchers winding up from an improper starting position with their feet. Basically, some pitchers are preparing to wind up with the non-pivot foot in front of (and not in contact with) the pitcher’s plate. Some umpires [...]
Give Credit To The Men In The Arena
This excerpt is from Theodore Roosevelt’s speech, “Citizenship In A Republic”. He delivered it in 1910 in Paris, France. It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who [...]
The Cost of Umpiring
My wife and I go back and forth on the argument of if umpiring baseball is a profession or a hobby. I insist that it is a profession because I get paid to do it. A hobby is something you spend a lot of money on and, while it is enjoyable, you don’t ever get [...]
Hey Man, Got a Dip?
About 5 years ago the NCAA changed their rules on tobacco. The rule was amended to read: 3.11 [Tobacco Rule]: The use of all tobacco products by student-athletes and game personnel (e.g. coaches, umpires, athletic trainers, managers) is prohibited at the site of the game competition. Penalty – Disqualification of the offending individual and head [...]
An Open Letter to the Guy in the Back Row
The first umpire meetings of the year are starting in Chapters around the country and I have bone to pick with those guys who sit in the back row and make smart-ass comments: you’re not helping. Umpire meetings are about umpire training, rules clarifications, a chance review the points of emphasis, etc. None of us [...]
