As has become tradition, when we come to the end of the year and a few days prior to Christmas, we like to take this opportunity to thank the HSBBW Umpire family for another wonderful year. The opportunity to come together, discuss, share and help others through this sport we all love, is outstanding.
First off, we always want to thank Julie (mn mom) for keeping the site up and running.......many of us do not know how much time and personal $$'s that it takes to keep this site open and for that we are grateful....
As Moderators, we are proud to say, that the "ask the umpire" forum has required almost no moderation.......that to me is a compliment to the umpires who post here. That does not mean we have not had our contested issues this year, but it does mean that they were handled like gentlemen.
We all understand that this is a Parent/Coach/Player site and that baseball is a passionate sport, and we have fielded questions from all with professionalism and without ill feelings...
Parents, Coaches and Players!....Thank you for giving us this opportunity to serve......
The umpire forum has seen its changes this year. The volume of questions seems to be trending down as the amount of umpire resource sites have expanded. We commit to being the resource for the members of HSBBW as long as we are needed…
We always like to thank the Umpires who have dutifully posted and contributed to this "Ask the Umpire" Forum. You all have been a credit to our calling and truly we are a band of brothers.
It is no secret that many of us who post here are actively posting and interacting on other Umpire only sites and the connections between us all grow tighter each year.
This year, I am saddened to be writing this without Michael S. Taylor….who moderated this forum with me for many years... Michael Steven Taylor, 55, of Salisbury, MD. died peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2014 in Knoxville, TN.
Mike’s passion was umpiring baseball. An active umpire for nearly 40 years, he officiated games at levels from Little League to college baseball. He was a leader in the Atlantic Coast Umpires Association and served on the Board of the Eastern Shore Baseball League. He sought to provide an atmosphere of fair play and uncompromisable sportsmanship at every game he worked. To hone his skills and knowledge, Mike actively wrote on several internet boards and is known throughout the Country by umpires for his acumen of the rules of the game.
I am indebted for his friendship, guidance and advice through the years I will miss my friend…..
I am proud to now moderate this forum with Matt13, who graciously agreed to take up the role after Mike’s untimely passing. Matt has the experience, knowledge and temperament that will serve the site well. He is a highly respected umpire with outstanding credentials! Many thanks to Matt13!
And to our Crew Chiefs:
Jimmy 03
Dash Riprock
NO site could ask for better umpires and gentlemen to lead this crew.
To our Senior Umpires:
3 Fingered Glove
Noumpere
Welpe
yawetag
Mr umpire
Pilsner
JJK
Pologreen
Jmoff
forestump
You have actively assisted those who came to this site looking for help and we are proud to post among you....your experience and knowledge is greatly appreciated. I know we have never had such a talented and experienced crew who regularly post and assist our members....
To our crew:
Hokieone
Cyclonehokiece
Archangel
New2ltva
Newumpire
Mrumpiresir
You have rounded out our crew with great knowledge and timely assistance. I always look forward to all your contributions.....
Also not to forget any of those who have contributed greatly and haven’t stopped in for a while or who remain infrequent, But have also posted:
Brian S
Oregonump
3rdgenerationnation
PSBlue
John F
tx-ump74
Otownmike
Piratefan
Navyump
Bhamump
Heyump7
Blue26
Jeff Connell
Lonblue
FVB10
Tallump
TW344
mcoll
ump6132
NJump
GAump
midwestump
TucsonBlue
amaump
therefump
bluezebra.....
If I have missed any umpire who posted I apologize but I appreciate your contributions.....
Best wishes my friends for a joyous blessed Holiday season and a wonderful and prosperous new year!
