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The Umpire's Call |  |
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Greetings Fellow Umpires and Coaches! Welcome back to The Umpire's Call, a monthly (January - May) eNewsletter for amateur baseball umpires, coaches, and those interested in becoming baseball umpires. Games are begriming and muscles that have been dormant are rearing their ugly aches. In this issue we want to touch upon pace of the game, pre-game conferences, and mechanics for the base umpire on a pick-off move to 1st base and steals of 2nd base and 3rd base in a two umpire crew. The Umpire's Call is a light look at all levels of baseball umpiring, youth league through college, placing emphasis on recruitment of new umpires, early preparation for the upcoming season, and education and training for all.
Our Mission:
As high school and college basketball tournaments signal the end to the winter sports season much emphasis has been put on the three person officiating basketball crew. While college basketball games at all levels have used three officials for a long time, the three person officiating crew is now making an appearance and taking a stand in high school basketball, and I am thrilled to see it and glad that the the need was recognized. It is now time for high school baseball coaches, athletic directors, and the FED to realize that the game of baseball has improved and reached the level that necessitates three umpires for all varsity level high school contests. Of course the first objection will be cost, and the second objection will be where are we going to find additional qualified umpires, and so on. In football 5 or 6 officials cover 22 players, in basketball 3 officials cover 10 players, in baseball 2 umpires cover as many as 13 players and if you figure the square footage of the playing area, and that umpire mechanics limit the home plate and base umpire to very restricted areas of the diamond, well we could go on for hours. Young umpires can gain experience and qualified umpires can be developed in a 3-umpire system, it is like kissing, there is only one way to get better! The best first step is for high school baseball coaches to stand together on this issue and demand that their game move forward as have other high school sports.
Many, many replies to the topic of shortage of umpires, the majority were questions as to where to find new candidates and when found, implementing the next step. My stock response was to go at it in the grass roots fashion. Beat the bushes to see if there is any interest and when interested are found; provide training to both old and new umpires. This article speaks volumes: Umpire Shortage is Getting Worse As mentioned in the February issue of The Umpire’s Call, the Association of Minor League Umpires (AMLU) is currently in contract negotiations with Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation. Current information that I have received about the this labor issue is available at The Umpire's Call Web Log. The group has turned down the latest management proposal and it appears will not work spring training games. My opinion, voiced against working as replacement umpires, caught the ire of a few readers, but yet was in agreement with far more. If you work as a replacement you are a wannabe. Complete umpire school, do well, earn a contract, and then you can be a prospective Major League Umpire. Those that cross the lines are wannabes and will always be. Where are the Major League Umpires? The AMLU needs their support.
Pre-game preparations should begin days prior to the scheduled contest. This may seen tedious if one works a very full schedule, but proper planning prevents... Umpires should make contact with each other at least 2-3 days prior to the scheduled date of the contest. If traveling separately to the game, discuss departure and arrival time. Home plate umpire should email the Athletic Director or their designee to confirm the date and your scheduled arrival time. Make sure the AD has daytime contact numbers for both umpires in case of weather problems. With the abundance of cell phones, this should not be a problem. Umpires who work JV, sophomore, and freshman games should follow this procedure as well. It is a good habit to have, it displays your professionalism, and keeps your name out in front of those who assign and hire. Upon arrival, umpires need to contact game management to let them know you are onsite.
Game day- Umpires’ pre-game conference
Umpires on-field
Umpires/Coach pre-game conference
With a runner on 1st base only, the BU is in B position. As the pitcher contacts the rubber prior to the set position, the umpire should be in his/her set position - shoulders square to the batter, hands on knees, weight on balls of the feet, eyes on pitcher/ball. Umpires must discipline themselves to obtain the best angle versus distance from the play. This very much applies in covering a pick off move to 1st base. As the pitcher throws to 1st base, the umpire’s move begins with the left foot, Step towards the plate with the left foot, turn toward 1st base and follow with the right foot. The umpire is now square to 1st base and set for the call. One step is all you are going to get, that is why we emphasize the angle versus distance. Many umpires will move toward 1st base thinking they need to be as close as possible This does not allow the umpire to get the best angle, the umpire needs to move toward the plate (to obtain the best angle), turn, plant, and make the call. No matter how close the call I recommend the umpire give a signal and be verbal. If the runner is easily back and safe, give a controlled safe sign and announce calmly that the runner is safe. This reassures all that are interested that you know what the call is and aware of the situation – it will help in future plays. If nothing is said or signaled, it may indicate to a questioning few that you may not know if the runner was out or safe, and give them license to voice their opinion! Take that out of the game by using your voice and hands. If it is close, especially if the runner is out, be emphatic, loud, and large. Step towards the plate, turn, and make the call.
Stealing of 2nd base, runner on 1st only, BU umpire is in B position As the pitcher contacts the rubber prior to the set position, the umpire should be in his/her set position - shoulders square to the batter, hands on knees, weight on balls of the feet, eyes on pitcher/ball. The key to successfully covering a steal of 2nd base is to keep your eyes ball until it is out of the catcher’s hand and you are certain the thrown ball has passed you and will not hit you. As the steal of 2nd base occurs follow the ball out of the catcher’s hand, open up your body and take a step with your right foot toward 2nd base. Keep your eyes on the ball, follow with a step of your left foot carrying your body toward 2nd base. When the ball has passed and you are certain the ball will not hit you, take another step with your right foot, turn your eyes to the base and the action, square yourself to 2nd base by planting your left foot and get set for the call. Remember obtain the best angle versus distance. Footwork is right, left, right, get square and come set for the call. Again, always make a call with signal and voice appropriate to the closeness of the play.
Camps, clinics, newsletters, and umpire associations are welcome to post their news in The Umpire's Call. The following have been submitted for 2006, some are returnees and a few new ones as well. Hey Blue! is a monthly eMagazine for baseball umpires. Twelve solid pages each month specifically about umpiring and how to be a better official. Email Kent Walker, writer and publisher for a sample copy - $15.00 for 12 issues Dave Mekelburg produces UmpNews.com a huge collection of information and articles covering all levels of baseball umpiring - a must see. Mark Wehrwein invites umpires to sign up for Fed Play of the Day sponsored by the Greater Huntsville, AL Umpire Association The Toughest Fair/Foul Quiz in the World! With acknowledgements to Richard Siegel Midwest Umpires Association will include The Umpire's Call as a link on their website.
Umpires that wish to buy, sell, or donate equipment (to new umpires) are welcome to send information. Please include item, size, color, condition, price, and your contact information and I will be happy to list. This is for private individuals only and NO DEALERS PLEASE! (unless you wish to donate) Minor league umpire Andy Russell, 608-780-7888 has for sale a Wilson Professional Gold chest protector model # A3210, black with the yellow Wilson logo on the chest and MLB logo under the Wilson logo. It has never been worn. Retail price is around $250.00, selling price $125.00 firm, shipping included. Woody Miller is looking to purchase a "Plus POS Ultra Lightweight Umpires Mask" Fred Abboud is looking of a used pair of plate shoes size 12.5 or 13, also looking for XXL umpire shirts – various colors. Contact by email, home phone 402- 991-4524, or work phone 402-444-6846.
Tom
Procopio is looking for powder blue and red
baseball umpire shirts, size XXL. Jeff Schmidt writes that he would really like to have some umpire gear if it is donated, or available at a reasonably cheap price. He is a starting umpire and is looking for caps, chest protectors, mask, new shirts etc.
Stealing of 3rd base, with runner on 2nd base only or runners on 1st and 2nd base BU umpire is in C position. As the pitcher contacts the rubber prior to the set position, the umpire should be in his/her set position - shoulders square to the batter, hands on knees, weight on balls of the feet, eyes on pitcher/ball. The mechanics of taking a base runner into 3rd base are almost the mirror opposite of the pick off play at 1st base. Once again the best angle vs distance is most important. Not knowing the runner is stealing is the umpires greatest liability, many times umpires are caught napping as they are on the left side of the infield, with a right handed hitter, with survival foremost on their mind. In the old, old days of umpire school we were taught to glance over our right shoulder as the pitcher broke his hands from the set position and delivered the pitch to see if the base runner was stealing. Else one may key off the catcher and his movement. Keep a keen ear as well. Footwork is to step toward the plate with right foot, turn and plant the left foot, get set and make the call. Again, always make a call with signal and voice appropriate to the closeness of the play.
Through my golf and travel business, USJT Sports Travel, I am very fortunate to be in touch with many opportunities both domestic and international. Below are a few ideas and opportunities that can become available based upon interest. Umpire Exchanges Umpires from different parts of our country, continent, or the world - visiting, touring, instructing, and umpiring at amateur tournaments. This would be a great community project and experience for an umpire association. Let me know your interest in traveling, hosting or both. Umpires that golf and golfers that umpire! Three golf experiences for baseball umpires, their family, friends, and colleagues. Of course non-golfers are welcome! Target dates August/September 2006, and spring 2007 1. Golf and MLB, top-quality golf courses in or near Major League cities. Golf during the day and baseball at night - does it get any better? 5-7 days, programs - call for details. 2. Golf Scotland, a fully escorted experience to the "Birthplace of Golf", St. Andrews, Scotland. Play Carnoustie - host of the 2007 British Open, St. Andrews Links Courses - New, Eden, and Jubilee, outlying courses Ladybank, Scotscraig, and Crail. Ballot for the Old Course! For the true golfer - travel to the country that lives the history of golf. Call me to plan the trip of a lifetime! 3. Golf and MLB Spring Training 2007, top - quality golf courses combined with spring training games. Programs available in Florida and Arizona, please call for details. Use these trips as an end of the year reward for your crew, association, or just yourself. Wish to go at a different time of year? Contact me to custom plan a golf/baseball trip to any destination in the U.S. or golf to Scotland and Ireland!
Does your umpire association or local youth baseball
league experience any of the following problems? Designed for young umpires as well as veterans, Youth Baseball Umpire Clinics, a division of USJT, has just completed its 6th year of educating baseball umpires with a comprehensive "HANDS ON" format. NOT "sit and listen, take notes, watch a video" instruction - YBUC participants come dressed for activity and take an active part in learning pre-game responsibilities, consistent umpiring techniques, on field positioning, and proper game administration.
2006 Schedule YBUC is still accepting bookings for 2006 season Basic Umpiring 90' Diamond Mechanics and Basic Umpiring 60' Diamond Mechanics are outstanding educational resources for umpire associations and youth leagues. They are sold separately for $29.95 plus shipping and are available on VHS or DVD. Please contact YBUC office to purchase. Credit cards accepted.
Thanks for reading our March 2006 issue - I do need to get information from your associations a bit earlier, which will allow me to get the April and May issues out a bit earlier as well. Keep the comments coming!
Please forward The Umpire's Call to your colleagues; just use the link at the bottom. Best wishes to all on a great 2006 season
All 2004, 2005, and 2006 issues of
The Umpire's
Call
are available at U.S. Junior
Tours web page.
My best regards, Scott
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