My New Umpire Site

My first reaction is that your site looks very professional and well done. I'm not an umpire (and don't want to be one) but I think it's really cool that you're taking the bull by the horns and putting up the site that you wish you had when you started out. I love the "Baseball Rule Myths Every Umpire Should Know" feature. Some great stuff there. My Dad and I like to quiz each other on rules and situations like that from time to time. Thanks for the ammo! I'm betting you'll get some much more detailed feedback from the umpires that are here. 

BTW, in the 2nd sentence of Myth #20 you state, "If the catch is not the third and player falls into dead ball territory, all runners will receive an additional base." I think you left out a couple of words there. Should it not say ...the third out and the player falls....? I know you didn't ask for editorial input but I can't help but notice these things.

Kovina Kris,

Thanks for the great feedback. And I really appreciate the editorial feedback. I stare at the site too much and often miss typos like this.

I'm glad you like the site

Aside from a number of grammatical errors which hurt the credibility of the site, there are a number of factual errors and assumptions/myths that will further hurt the credibility of the site  in the eyes of experienced umpires.  

One year's experience is not nearly sufficient to be advising umpires. Who, by the way, if professionally trained or work at high amateur levels, do not appreciate being called a color. Why not continue to train, learn and gain experience and become a better umpire and, potentially, a better advisor/trainer"?

Hi Jimmy,

Thank you for the feedback.

Best wishes.

@Jimmy03 - I'd be interested to hear which of the "Baseball Rule Myths Every Umpire Should Know" are incorrect. I think it would make for interesting reading and would be informative, perhaps even to some of your fellow umpires. Your call of course (pun intended).

I'd also love to get them corrected. These myths were researched but I understand my interpretation could be off.

You need to re-read my post.  I did not say the myths were incorrect.  I said: "...there are a number of factual errors and assumptions/myths that will further hurt the credibility of the site  in the eyes of experienced umpires."

See the difference? I did not read all the myths, figuring they were a copy of the list that has been making the rounds for the last 30 years.  I glanced at the site to see what a first year umpire could contribute on the internet that wasn't already available on sites by experienced veterans, schools or MiLB/MLB sites.

Hi Jimmy,

My goal is to provide accurate information for people who are considering becoming umpires. I personally know several people who want to umpire in youth leagues but aren't sure what to do first. These are people who love baseball but are young and don't know where to start.

If you are willing to point out any errors, I'd be thrilled to correct them.

Also, I'm sure college level umpires may take offense to being called 'Blue' but I am called it all the time and I rather like it.

I can't remember when I or any of my crews last wore blue.  You think I should be called "Black"?  Proper baseball etiquette is to call an umpire by his name or "umpire".  But perhaps first year umpires have yet to learn that.

Another reason for those aspiring to be umpires to go to credible sites designed and written by experienced umpires.  I could create a site for those wanting to successful martial artists, but having only been involved for a year, I understand the limits of my direct knowledge and expertise and I'd have take the word of others...not the best way to put my credibility on the line.

Hi Jimmy,

I appreciate your point of view. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.

Guys:

I umpired quite a bit 35-40 years ago.  I've just started back the past 6 months.  I've been reading my Red Book, quizzing on the rules and driving my partners crazy.  I've also searched the web and found some decent videos.  If anyone has web resources they can recommend I'd appreciate it.