Category Archives: Ump News
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 [...]
Why Voluntary Release Matters
From the Yankees-Indians game on June 26, 2012, our 3rd Base Umpire comes hustling up the line to see what happens and then…calls the Batter Out! Some questions: 1. Do you see the baseball in Wise’s glove when he stands up? 2. Do you have voluntary release? 3. For those guys who work at levels [...]
Strikeout Legends
The called 3rd strike is one of the last remaining bastions of independence for Umpires. If you’re like me you admire the guys who have a great one. Unfortunately, I’ve always looked pretty bad with mine. I’ve practiced it in the mirror, tried different things on the field and worked on trying it with one [...]
To Signal or Not to Signal, That is the Question
I’m as big a fan of girls’ softball as I am of my annual prostate exam but there is a lot to be discussed in this particular play. 1. Why in the world did this umpire signal safe? 2. Is this a situation that even counts as an “appeal”? 3. Doesn’t the runner have to [...]
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 – [...]
Preparing for Inclement Weather
With the severe weather that’s hitting Dallas today (on a Tuesday when there are a lot of High School and College Games on the schedule), it’s a good time to review how to deal with inclement weather (and specifically, lightning). Proactive Planning 1. Assign staff to monitor local weather conditions before and during events. 2. [...]
Developing our New Generation of Umpires
I had lunch with a good friend of mine the other day and he shared with me that his son (Luke), at just 11 years old, had made his first $25 as an umpire working a Little League game. I was thrilled to hear this! Luke has been playing select ball for a few years [...]
A Legend Passes
Umpiring Icon Harry H. Wendelstedt died this morning at 73 years old. He had been battling cancer for the past 10 years. His career as an umpire spanned from 1966-1998. Thanks for all that you did for the game and for Umpires of all ages, Harry. We found this great video on YouTube about Harry. [...]
That’s Not My Fault
I am a member of TASO (Texas Association of Sports Officials). This spring’s pre-season umpire meetings have included a conversation of something that TASO is requiring us to implement: waiver cards. Apparently this is something that Football Coaches and Officials have been using for this past season and everyone seems to agree that it’s a [...]
