Coverage of third:
Third base coverage by the plate umpire continues to be a major sticking point for our board. The plate umpire needs to be much more proactive in covering third rather than reactive. When the ball is hit and the plate umpire does not have fair/foul responsibilities they should begin to move (hustle) down toward third base in foul territory. Once they are about three quarters of the way up the line they should read, is there going to be a play on the lead runner at third. If not then they should move (hustle) back to the plate area. If the umpire is proactive they’ll be in great position for any play at third and they are also going to be in great position for any plays at the plate. The worst thing that’s going to happen is the plate umpire is going to hustle and show everyone he’s working hard and part of the crew.

Between Innings:
This is an area where I see a lot of umpires look real sloppy. #1 plate and base umpires should only be getting together once or at most twice a game between innings to talk. The crew needs to continue to umpire between innings. The plate umpire needs to keep the game moving, players tend to hustle more if they know the umpire is standing there watching. If the umpire is walking around talking to their fellow umpire players tend to walk and players don’t warm-up the pitcher when the catcher was on base. The base umpire should be watching the infielders, watch how they throw to first. Does one out of every two throws go to the fence? How is the first basemen fielding the throws? Positioning between innings is another thing that we look sloppy, the plate umpire should move a quarter of the way up the foul line. Whether it is the first or third baseline is your personal preference. If one coach is coming out each half inning and talking about plays or shooting the breeze move to the other foul line next half inning. If you’ve had a coach question (argue) a call move to the other foul line. The base umpire should move a couple of steps onto the outfield grass midway between first and second. This is going to accomplish two things, one is you’re not going to have to dodge baseballs when the team in the first base dugout send someone out to warm-up the right fielder and it gets the base umpire away from anyone who may want to question (argue) a call.

Uniform:
Take pride in yourself. I’m not saying shoes should be spit shined, but they should be cleaned. Shining them once or twice wouldn’t hurt. Uniforms should not look like you pulled it out of a pile in the backseat. Uniform shirts should be able to be and stay tucked in. If not maybe it’s a message you’re not the size you were five years ago. Over time shirts fade and should be navy not royal blue. Bottom line–take as much pride in your appearance as you do in getting the call right.

Consistency in Rule Enforcement
No one wins if we don’t consistently enforce rules. Players don’t know what the expectations are from game to game. Coaches are going to be much more likely to question an umpire when enforcement does take place.

Overall I think we do a great job. I question whether any other state has a more dedicated and professional group of umpires. Remember, we can all always work on our signals, mechanics and rules knowledge. Keep up the good work!


Keeping your equipment clean is very important! Here are some hints:

Caring for your


Uniforms & Equipment

 

Shirts & Slacks

·         Machine wash warm with like colors, gentle cycle. Do Not Bleach.

·         Tumble Dry Low — Remove promptly and hang up or fold.

·         Cool Iron*   only, if necessary.

·         *Items with patches or numbers: Cool Iron on the reverse side on top of a clean terry-cloth towel.

·         Caution: Avoid unnecessary prolonged sun exposer to clothing to prevent fading (ie. leaving shirts on seat or hanging in back window of car). Use a garment bag or cover with a cloth (at least down to the shoulder level)

Caps

·         Brush cap with stiff bristle brush to remove dirt and dust.

·         Spot clean cap with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly. Place in a cap shaper (or stuff with a cloth) to retain shape while it dries

·         Most caps are washable, including the wool ones. Use a cap shaper designed to be washed to protect the cap if you place it in the washing machine

·         If washing a wool cap, use Woolite (or a similar product) instead of soap.

·         NEVER dry a cap in the dryer. Place it in a cap shaper or stuff with a cloth to retain its shape while letting it dry.

·         Use a hat liner to hold its shape between games.

·         Allow cap to completely dry of perspiration before storing. This is especially important if it gets wet due to rain.

·         It is not recommended to store in plastic bags since moisture in caps can cause mildew. Use a hat keeper or a cardboard box instead.

Umpire Jackets and Plate Coats

Umpire Jackets

·         Machine wash cold with like colors, gentle cycle.

·         Do Not Bleach. Line Dry or Tumble Dry Low —

·         Remove Promptly and hang up or fold.

·         Cool Iron Only, if necessary.

Plate Coats

·         Professionally Dry Clean Only

Caution: Avoid unnecessary prolonged sun exposer to clothing to prevent fading (ie. leaving jacket on seat or hanging in back window of car). Use a garment bag or cover with a cloth (at least down to the shoulder level)
Shoes

·         Brush soles of shoes with stiff bristle brush to remove dirt.

·         Wipe shoe uppers with a soft cloth to remove dust, dirt and moisture.

·         Store in a cloth shoe bag to keep clean. It is not recommended to store in plastic bags since moisture can cause mildew.

·         Keep a spray bottle of water and a couple of old towels/rags in your gear bag. Spray water on the shoes to remove dust or dirt.

·         If your shoes get muddy, wipe/scrape off excess mud and then use the spray bottle (or take them inside when you get home) to remove the remaining dirt. You can let it dry first; it will work just as well when you are ready to clean them. Just remember to use the water sparingly.

·         Protect shoes using leather conditioners (such as Shoe Polish or Water stop or Parade-grade shoe polish) to ensure long wear ability. Follow leather conditioner directions to maintain polished appearance.

·         For patent leather (or shoes treated with Leather Luster), clean with a soft cloth and water only. If you want to increase the "shine" you can use a spray furniture polish.(Pledge is recommended.

·         Check shoestrings often. Keep a spare set in your gear bag.

Baseball Umpire Protective Equipment

Chest Protectors and Leg Guards

·         Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt.

·         Allow to dry thoroughly of sweat and perspiration before storing.

·         Replacement straps can be purchased when they wear out.

·         Caution: It is possible for rust to form on metal parts of equipment if put away damp.

Umpire Face Masks and Pads

·         Wipe frame clean with a damp cloth to remove. Leather and Suede pads can be spot cleaned only using products specially designed to clean leather and suede (Caution: Don't use Saddle Soap. It will irritate your skin).

·         Allow to dry thoroughly of sweat and perspiration before storing.

Baseball and Other Accessories

·         Indicators & Brooms — wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Allow to dry thoroughly before storing.

·         Ball Bags can be machine washed same as slacks.

·         Cool Collar — Hand wash in cold water with mild soap. Line Dry Only.

·         Belts — wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Allow to dry thoroughly of sweat and perspiration before storing.

Here are some suggestions that I hope can help your umpiring. These also came from the handout that I previously made accessible as a download.  As always, your comments and suggested additions/changes are greatly appreciated.  This is a learning area which works best when parties interact.
Umpire Suggestions
    Set high expectations! Work to please yourself and demonstrate confidence in your abilities. By doing so, you will earn respect and the next umpire that works that team’s games will be more believable. The effort and performance of the last umpire crew can make it easy or difficult for the next crew.
    Keep the ball alive. Baseball is the greatest of the ball sports because the ball is alive even during times of little action. Rules govern what everyone must do during live ball situations.
    If the ball is alive, watch it closely – DO NOT look away! Don’t rest until time is out! Sweeping the plate is a good time to take a deep breath and mentally gear up for the next chunk of time that you will be focused.
    In the B & C positions, square your body to both the plate and the pitcher. In the “A” position, be square to the plate for check swings and pitched/batted balls striking the batter
    Look over your shoulder with a runner on 2nd or runners on 1st and 2nd base when the pitcher commits to home. It will help you with one of the game’s most difficult and important calls—the steal of third.
    Keep yourself busy out there. It is much easier to focus when you have that inner mental and physical energy. There is plenty to do. Be a hawk, but know when to interrupt play. Often it is better for your board interpreter/secretary to communicate with the school/coach than you being “the enforcer”.
    Use your loud voice, “Did he go?,” when you signal ask your partner to rule on a check swing.
    Plate men run up the baselines one-third or half the way with no runners on base and then run back to your position, stop, put on your mask, communicate with your partner(s), and take your position.
    Practice your calls and stances (and putting on your mask) in front of a mirror.
    If you ask to see the ball on a tag play, you’d better be calling an “out”.
    Have real slow timing on tag plays! See the ball, the possession by the fielder, the tag, and the voluntary release of the ball.
    Have slow timing when judging the catch of the batted ball. Often times by seeing it all and having slow timing, you can go by the player’s reaction if you have to guess. Yes, guessing, rather I should say experienced and educated guessing, is part of a two-man crew’s job.
    Dead heats at 1st base are outs. Close does not constitute safe! The runner must beat the ball to a base when forced and avoid being tagged. Outs are good for the game (and you!).
    Umpiring is a lonely job, but you have the best seat in the stadium. Getting together 2-3 times between innings should be plenty.
    Critique yourself after every game, not after every call! You need the confidence and positive energy to survive the game!
    If you feel anxious as a play is unfolding, this emotion will effect your timing and lead to missed calls.
    If a coach/spectator gets in your head, you cannot do your job to the best of your ability. Deal with the situation if necessary for the good of the game.
    Use your voice and signals to communicate. Mechanics sometimes require both voice and signals, other times just one or the other.
    Everyone makes mistakes! Whether or not you choose to learn from those mistakes is what matters most!
    Catalog close plays at first in your mind so you have that continuum (easy out‡ less than a step ‡ extremely close ‡ banger/dead heat ‡ close safe ‡ easy safe) giving you something to compare too when you judge every close call in the future.
    After calling a play, bounce out of that area to cover other runners at other bases or quickly return to your “home” position.
    Be aware of obstruction and interference and know how to rule on them appropriately.
    Have simple straightforward answers for players and coaches who ask about your calls and use rulebook language whenever possible.
    You are only as good as your last call. Make sure that your last call(s) were good ones!
    Coaches, Players and fans don’t care about the last game you called just the one you’re about to.
    DO NOT bring attention to yourself. With each batter approaching the plate, communicate with your partner enough to do be prepared to do your job properly.
    DO NOT cross your arms on safe calls.
    DO NOT point to first when a batter gets his fourth ball. If he doesn’t know enough to go there, he should stay at the plate longer. (Just kidding! Use your voice!)
    DO NOT work the bases from the B & C positions as though you could be sitting on a stool and simply spin around to make calls.
    DO NOT react to fan’s comments verbally or physically. This is not always easy. If absolutely necessary, use the rulebook to remove crazed parents/fans.
    DO NOT take your eyes off the pitcher when he has the ball.
DO NOT be too quick to rule on a batter being struck by a batted ball when you are the base umpire. Use slow timing to let the player help you make the call. It is tough to be positive to rule that any ball strikes a batter/runner.