The following article “Keep the Game Moving” was written by one of my best friends, Jim Bard of Chambersburg, PA. Jim mentored me in the early 1980’s and was the reason I became an umpire and have remained an umpire. He has been an umpire since 1969. I consider Jim one of the best and most knowledgeable. As …
The first responsibility of an umpire is “Getting the Call Right”. Our ultimate goal as a Baseball Umpires is to get the call right. Your pride as an umpire is very important. However, your dignity is not as important as making sure you are making the correct call. All umpires, at any level, should have the …
It is very important for umpires to understand Catch and Carry in baseball, especially amateur baseball. The Official Baseball Rules (OBR) do not address specifically the situation of a fielder carrying a live ball into Dead Ball Territory (DBT). The term used in baseball in the awarding of bases is “catch and carry”. However, during …
When check-swings occur, umpires must consider the following: 1. Did the batter “break” his wrists, “roll” his wrists or swing through the ball? 2. Did the batter bring the barrel of the bat over the plate or in front of his body? If you, as an umpire, are convinced that the batter offered at the …
Knowledge and Calling These Four Rules Separate the Good Umpires From the Best Umpires! 1. CALLING BALKS WHEN YOU SEE THEM. 2. CALLING OBSTRUCTION, 3. CALLING INTERFERENCE. 3. KNOW THE AWARDING OF BASES. “What makes a good umpire one of the BEST UMPIRES? Steve Oakes of Claysburg, Blair County, PA is one of my best friends and …
There are many myths of Baseball that contradict the Rules. As a baseball umpire you must know the most common myths of the game. As you proceed in your umpiring career you will be questioned on them. There are many coaches, players and fans that believe them to be true rules. However they are quite the contrary. …
What are the qualities of Great Umpires? What does it take? This is a list of ten key elements that will help you the baseball umpire to be a great umpire. This is what it takes. 1. Always have a desire to improve. Approach everything you do as an umpire on the ball field seriously. 2. Be …
Time limits game restraints. One of the differences in Baseball as opposed to other sports is that there is no clock. However time limits and game restraints do at times restrict the time a baseball game is played. Some of these game limits are Darkness, Rain, and sometimes situations that are beyond control. For example in the 1989 World …
Game Management Principles One for umpires are good tips for umpires of every level. Remember the umpire must manage the game and to know key principles is vital. DO NOT COMPETE WITH YOUR UMPIRE PARTNER/S Umpire as a team effort. Always work at being the best partner that you can. If your partner has a problem, the …
In Game Management Principles Two we discuss “Play Anticipation” and what play anticipation allows. Play anticipation allows: The umpire getting into proper position. Allows the umpire to focus on elements pertinent to the call. Remember, surprise reduces the chance of getting the play correct. Watch for these surprises: Dropped ball on an infield fly There …