2015 Baseball Umpire Clinic

“Tough Calls”Presented by

State InterpreterDan Deshaies

ddeshaies@auburnschl.edu

Cell Phone #: 576-5835

Home Phone #: 926-5106

Rain & Weather

Rule: In rain situations the umpire must wait at least 30 minutes before calling the game. In thunder (sound) or lightning (sight of) the umpires must wait at least 30 minutes from the last sight/sound.

Mechanics: Umpires get to a safe/dry spot (press box/dugouts etc) and time the situation. If available check weather forecast. Use your lineup card to time.

If game is to continue, use diamond dry in ball bags. Two

towels should also be available to use. One towel for HP and one for

balls.

Batter Hit By Pitch or Ball Hits Bat

Rule: Must make attempt to avoid pitch if they can. Curve must recoil; riding fastball might not have time. In 99% of the time must make recoil action away from the ball.

Penalty: Call pitch, stay in box unless strike 3 or ball 4.

Mechanic: “TIME” Read the situation, then award first or call it foul. If ball goes into fair territory do not call time right off, as it could be a fair ball.

Good pre-game will have partner call time if PU does not

and he sees it go from bat to batter. Umpires read the

batters reaction. Why go for help if in pre-game you said partner would call time if he

saw it?

Batted Ball Hits Batter Or Dirt

Pulled Foot – Swipe TagsMake a call! If coach request BU to check and you are not sure call in partner, talk over situation, and calling ump makes final call/signal.

Mechanics: As fielder is attempting tag or foot about to leave base BU should step or lean into base line. Do not stand locked in. Sell the call two to three times. PU should be up the IB line and set.

Running Lane ViolationsObstruction & Interference

• Watch and ENFORCE.• It is the PU call; BU is not in a direct line and is getting set for a call.

PU should watch the BR run all the way up the line, as that gives him a heads up there could be a problem coming up.

• Rule: The BR must have both feet within the 45-foot running lane; lines are good. If he does not then if he is hit or interferes with the throw it is interference. Call “TIME”, BR out and send all runners back to where they were at the time of the pitch.

Pickoffs At First Base

BU should be about

½ & ½, square topitcher/batter

andset. On pickoff

striveto take one step

to thepitcher then one

steptoward 1st Base,

get set,and make the

call.Never just turn

yourhead or not take

anystep(s).

Batter Crowding Plate

• If you can get your head between the bottom of the bat and the catcher’s head do it. If not try to get directly over the catchers head. If you still cannot see the pitcher/ball then go to outside of the catcher as a last resort.

• You have to be able to see the ball leaving the pitchers hand and follow it all the way to the plate to get any pitches right!

Other Notes• With runners on 1st Base and 3rd Base, BU is

in the B position.• With a full count, force play situation, and

two outs, the BU that is in the C position should move to the B position.

• Do not point to 1st Base on ball four.

Thank You

Have a Great

Season!