We sure do, Fever. We wear plate shoes, which are heavier because of their contruction. They're steel-toed and have metatarsal guards also made of steel.

Several different vendors make and sell these, but I personally wear the Gerry Davis style, which is a cross between high-top and low-top shoes--kind of a mid-top, if you will, even though they're technically listed as "high-top." It provides great ankle support because of this.

The newest type of plate shoe is the high-gloss, patent leather ones by Gerry Davis. These are quite impressive, to say the least, and almost all MLB umpires wear this specific style.

For what it's worth, click here to check it out:
PLATE SHOES

Got it, blue. I responded there.

I was in a bar watching the Mets lose to the Yankees last night. During a break in the action, a woman sitting nearby asserted that she had once seen "a balk called on a catcher." Her boyfriend, the bartender, and all the other males around--including me--politely told her she was mistaken: Only pitchers balk.

But she insisted she had seen it.

I skimmed through the official rules this morning, but I couldn't see what she might have been talking about.

Any guesses about what she might have actually seen? Maybe she just hallucinated. Or do we owe the lady an apology?

I believe it's rule 7.07D and it's a catcher's balk. If the catcher leaves his "box" behind the plate, before the ball is pitched, then it is a balk on the catcher.
This actually was called in a Mets/Reds game several years ago during a suicide squeeze. (I think during the Dallas Green error)--I remember McCarver trying to explain the ruling, and as usual had no clue what he was talking about.

I think it was also called in a Braves game once, where Eddie Perez was set up like well off the plate trying to get Maddux those outside corner calls.

Josh

Shea,

Your male friends are correct. ONLY the pitcher is charged with a balk. There is no such thing as a "catcher's balk." This is a misnomer. Furthermore, the rule to which js below refers is generally not called, as it was instituted at a time referred to as the "dead ball era" of baseball earlier in the 20th century.

If the catcher leaves his area before the pitcher is released, we usually just advise him to be more careful and not to jump out too soon.

Ump:

1/What can you say about those electronic devices used to "check" MLB umpires for accuracy? Have they been employed for your games?

2/What is the most difficult situation in which you've made a call that didn't go over as well as expected?

blue,

Regarding #1, you're referring to the Questec system. It's a joke. It's used in 10 different parks. Ralph Nelson was just fired over it, and Sandy Alderson might be on the way out because of it, too.

Regarding #2, the worst situations I've been in have been when I blew the hell out of a call and had to eject someone as a result of it. Believe me, I'm my toughest critic. I HATE it when I miss a single pitch or call. It bugs me. It also bugs me when I have to eject someone because of an argument resulting from a kicked call.

In these situations, was it after the game seeing a replay when you realized you were wrong? Because if you realized it right away, you could have just reversed the call, correct?

But did you say "I'm sorry" afterwards?

Joe,

The only time we're going to reverse a judgment call is if we called it too soon to begin with. For example: If I call a runner out sliding into second, but the ball immediately pops out. Put aside the fact that proper umpiring is to be patient and not anticipate.

If I called him out then I'll immediately reverse the call. In almost all judgment situations, our original call must stand, as bad as it may be.

Canmark, no, I've never apologized for kicking a call. I've turned potential volatile situations into calm or even humorous discussions with a few well-placed words, but I've never apologized.

Umpring must be, in that way, like performing: once a note is sung, there's no way to take it back.

Makes one very conscious of doing it correctly the first time...

Ump, this is a really goofy question, but here goes. Have you ever been "accosted" by a mascot, or had any run ins with one? I know mascots pick on the umps from time to time, in a playful, happy, loving sort of way, of course.

For what it's worth, I've (sort of) accosted a (sort of) mascot. At a Memphis Redbirds game, the Chick-Fil-A cow was doing some kind of promo, and everytime he would walk past us (we were in the front row) my friends and I would scream some sort of beef cut or dish, i.e. "Fil-A Mignon!!!" or "Beef Stroganoff!!!" Finally he turned to us and started miming something to the effect of, "Do you want a piece of me?!?!" (probably not the exact phrase he would have used but you get the idea). Not sure why I'm telling you this...

I understand that when the ball comes into contact with a fan in the field of play fan interference is called. Is there any interference called if a hit ball comes into contact with a base coach? The case I am talking about is a ball hit fair over the bag then hits the coach in foul territory.

Hmmm...a little introspective curiosity, Bill? wink

-----------

Philly,

Coach's interference is called only if the first or third base coach blatantly and avoidably hinders a fielder attempting to field a batted or thrown ball. So, in your scenario, he is not guilty of interference.

We use the terms "blatantly and avoidably" to truly determine if the coach can be blamed for interference or not. If a coach is trying to avoid getting out of the third baseman's way, for example, but the third baseman slams into the coach while trying to catch a pop up, the contact is blatant, but is it avoidable? No. Therefore, we're not going to penalize the offense here.

Another form of coach's "interference," though not a true "interference," per se, is when a coach physically assists a runner in some manner. Say R2 is rounding third trying to score when the coach runs in front of him and grabs him to prevent him from going home and getting nailed. Here, R2 would be declared out but the ball would remain live.

[ June 25, 2003, 11:08 PM: Message edited by: The Umpire ]

Hello Ump. I don't know if you have answered this one before. My friend and I were watching the Orioles/Phillies game last night. One of the Orioles got a base hit single. While the Orioles player was standing on first base, and the Phillies were talking on the mound, the umpire and Orioles player were smiling and laughing and having a (seemingly) lengthy conversation.

1. Is it allowed to joke around with a player every now and then while play has been halted (while the game is still in progress)?

This led to a discussion about whether MLB discussed bias with you. For example, if I was hired, I would have to go out of my way to not be biased in favor of my Yankees, and not to screw up on a call on those Red Sox. I remember reading years ago in Dave Pallone's autobiography that he was a Red Sox fan. However, he was a National League ump, and interleague play was not yet in the equation except in the World Series.

2. Does MLB ask you whom your favorite and least favorite teams are? Or do you simply take an oath that you will be fair to everyone? If I was an umpire that was a Yankees fan, would I still occasionally get a Yankees game to call?

Cattle,

We're encouraged to be approachable and pleasant with MLB players and other such personnel. We don't need to be reminded, of course, that we have an impartial job to do, but we have no problem in occasionally conversing with someone on the field.

Having said that, permit me to emphasize one thing: No matter how jovial one might be, the players would turn on an umpire in a heartbeat. Truthfully, we don't really give a rat's patootie about them in the sense that we're not concerned about how much they might love us or like us, etc.

No, we're not asked about our favorites, and no, we don't take an oath. The only conflict of interest situation that may arise is if there's a relative on a team. For example: MLB Umpire Jim Wolf's brother pitches for the Phillies. Because of this, Jim will never work the plate when his brother's pitching.

Certain things are obvious.

Ump:

How are you guys fed during games? Is there an stadium employee cafeteria where everybody eats, or do you go out afterwards (everyone for him/herself)?

Does everyone in the organization (I guess, with the exception of management) eat together at meals?

blue,

It depends, to be honest with you. In many parks, we are provided with nice meals in our umpire's room. Many other times we go out for a meal after a game.

In addition, different guys do different things. While some guys like to eat at the park, others prefer a main meal out afterward. Among those who eat out there is still more diversity: Some guys like to go out and eat alone, or with a friend who happens to live in the city in which we're working. Many of us other guys will go out and eat with some or all of our crew members.

So, in a nutshell, there is no consistent time/place where we eat.

Hey thanks, Ump.

I'll wanna get back to you when I've gotten an MLB rules book from my local bookseller.

Enjoy a happy day.

Just be sure to get the correct version. wink

There are a few abridged versions, or ones that do not have the case notes incorporated within. Look for "Official Baseball Rules" 2003 edition, published by The Sporting News.

This year's edition has a picture of an Anaheim Angels and SF Giants player on the cover.

[ July 05, 2003, 09:35 PM: Message edited by: The Umpire ]

Got it

Ump,
I have a question about how you handle the hot weather.
For the first time ever in 13 seasons, not only did I have to leave my game Sunday evening, but was carted off the field in an ambulance after suffering a heat stroke. I was drinking plenty of water (almost every half inning) so that wasn't the issue.
When I'm at ball games and can observe umpires in between innings, I occassionly see them get water from the home team, but maybe only once or twice a game---
how do you guys prevent yourself from incurring more heat exhaustion--especially on those really hot fields (st. louis when they had turf always comes to mind).

Thanks

Josh

Josh,

For one thing, be sure to wear the proper attire, specifically your undergear. For example: I wear Under Armour* attire, especially behind the plate. Their T-shirts are made of a microfiber material that is specifically designed to wick away moisture and sweat away from you and to keep you cooler. Trust me, it's the best thing I have ever worn. UA attire alone will keep your body temperature a few crucial degrees cooler than it would if you didn't wear it.

MacDavid sells competitive products to Under Armour, but UA is by far the superior of the two. Note that UA's leggings do not have a cup pocket while MacDavid's does. No big deal there, for you can always wear an individual jock on the UA leggings.

I also do not eat any big meals or hot meals before games. Instead, I make sure I have light but important meals: fruits and vegetables are big on my list. I also drink a LOT of fluids beginning several hours before my game. Plus, I utilize a good sun block like Coppertone's sport. It comes in a dark blue container. I use the 48 SPF one. This particular lotion is best for those in athletic contests, as it actually helps to keep your body a bit cooler. I can't stress enough the need to apply it quite liberally to all your exposed skin: Arms, hands, elbows, face, forehead, nose, front and back neck, and yes, even your ears. Bathe yourself in it; you'll be happy you did.

Lastly, make sure you do ample stretching before your games so you can loosen up your muscles.

Good luck.

*Under Armour attire can often be purchased at area Sportmart or Sports Authority stores. If you cannot locate it there, go to Gerry Davis Sports to order it.

[ July 08, 2003, 03:40 PM: Message edited by: The Umpire ]

Umpire - I want to get back to William1865's question.

Any interesting mascot stories to share with us?

I can't help but think of that commercial for a prescription drug with the recurring line "gotta go, gotta go". If it isn't too personal, after all those fluids, what if you have to go? A Phils game recently lasted 17 innings, that is a long time to hold it in.

Should we chant "Ump25, Ump25" at "Gay Community Day" with the Phillies on 8/12???
wink wink

Interesting stories? Probably; but whether I wish to share them here, well...that's a different story.

Indeed it is, and considering I go often enough, yikes!

Considering I was just there not too long ago, I don't think I'll be there anytime soon. I guess you'll just have to gawk and wonder. wink

What does the yellow line on top of the outfield walls signify? I always thought that if a fly ball hit the yellow line then it was a homerun. However, I have seen fly balls that have hit the top of the wall and bounce back onto the field and no homerun was called. :confused:

Bill,

The yellow line serves to define where the boundary is between live ball and dead ball area, and the ruling as to if it's a home run, live and in play, or anything else is determined by each individual park's ground rules. Generally speaking, however, a ball would have to go above the yellow line to be a home run. Again, check the ground rules in your local park for more info: GROUND RULES FOR MLB PARKS

During the Jays-Red Sox game tonight, Todd Jones (I believe it was) pulled a sheet of paper out of his back pocket while on the mound, glanced at it, then returned it. I gather this was info on the Jays hitters. I didn't really see anything wrong with it, but have never seen a player using a 'cheat sheet', so to speak, before. I'm just wondering if there is any rule allowing/disallowing this.

Nothing covers this, canmark, and there's really nothing illegal about it.

Hey Ump -

While watching Sportscenter, they showed a pitcher (can't remember who, now) standing on the mound, fiddling with the ball behind his back prior to his wind up. He loses control of the ball and it falls to the ground. Ump calls a Balk. Why?

Boston,

He would have had to been standing on the rubber, and not just the mound.

When a pitcher in contact with the rubber drops the ball, and:

(a) There are runners on base, it is a balk if the ball does not cross the foul line. If it does, it's just ruled a ball.

( There are no runners on base, it is "no pitch," or nothing, if the ball does not cross the foul line. If it does, it's ruled a ball.

You have two outs, and at least one runner on base. On the play, the ball is hit, the third out is made, and a runner crosses the plate (not necessarily in that order).

What's the simplest way to express whether the run counts?

Response moved to the folder on runners, as it applies to that subject matter.

[ July 28, 2003, 07:16 PM: Message edited by: The Umpire ]

Although I have a pretty good grasp of how waiver trading works, could you fully explain it for me and for everyone else on the board. I feel its good to bring it up since we're now in waiver trading season and with several contenders with serious needs remaining inactive leading up to the deadline, were bound to hear alot about it in the next month. Thanks

marlins,

My apologies, but you are asking a question that is not in my area of expertise (thank God ). We don't really concern ourselves with trading deadlines, waiver rules, etc.

Perhaps a search on MLB.com or ESPN.com might help.

[ August 01, 2003, 10:46 PM: Message edited by: The Umpire ]

Hey Ump, have you seen the recent McDonald's ads? This may only be a regional promotion, but they're offering baseball cards (Yankees around here, but I haven't seen any Met spots) with a Value Meal purchase or something.

Anyway, the commercial features a trio of umpires comparing their freebees, but are having difficulty reading the players' names and stats because all three are...nearsighted. A cute ad, but are you offended by this possibly stereotypical portrayal of your colleagues? I'm guessing "no," but thought I'd ask anyway.

Fever,

No, I have not seen the ads, and no, I am not offended. I don't let it get to me, for I've seen and heard stuff many times before. Actually, I would have hoped they would have been more creative, for referencing umpires' eyesight is rather unoriginal.

Umpire Tim Welke admits he blew a call at first base in a Colorado Rockies game.

Ump, what do you think of your fellow umps publicly admitting they made a mistake? Personally, I think it's good.

Canmark,

While I personally do not believe we should constantly go around apologizing for any mistakes we make--we're human, for crying out loud, so people know we're going to err once in a while--I am of the philosophy that we must not be so arrogant to think we're perfect.

I never liked the "old school" guys who took it personally when someone dared to question them. That's BS. If I screw up, I have no problems owning up to it. Truthfully, I believe that may actually help me to not screw up in the future. We learn from out mistakes, like: Was I in the wrong position? Did I anticipate that play too much? Did I turn my head too soon? etc.

I also believe that if we comment on our mistakes, we ought not to do it proactively, meaning, we shouldn't go around pointing it out. Instead, if someone asks us, then an honest and sincere answer should suffice.

Ump: First, I want to thank you for taking the time to answer the questions you get here--I've been a baseball fan for more years than I care to count and your responses here have greatly increased my enjoyment of the game. My question is based in the ejection of Jeremy Burnitz from the Dodgers/Braves game this past Saturday. It came after the final out of the ninth inning. That's right--the umpire ejected Burnitz for arguing after the game had ended!! Now, normally, when a player is ejected, it's for the rest of that particular game, but when it happens after a game's completion, is there any consequence for the player?

~Adam

Adam, ejections cannot "occur" after a game has ended. I'm sure the umpire in question simply got caught up in the heat of the moment, so to speak, and his adrenaline made him forget that the game had already ended. Of course, if a player bumps or contacts an umpire after a game has ended, said player is still subject to discipline by the Commissioner's office.

Thank you, BTW, for your kind words. It is truly my pleasure to answer your questions and those of others here on Outsports. Why, it even melts the cold ice around my stone heart to learn that someone enjoys baseball even more because of this little section we have here.

[ August 04, 2003, 11:03 PM: Message edited by: The Umpire ]

Ump,
Have the major leagues ever considered a mandatory punishment for being ejected?
I know NFHS has one (2 games), but I"m not sure about NCAA.
Anyway, what does stop a player from totally crossing the line in the 9th inning, knowing that by getting tossed doesn't hurt his team.

Josh

Hi Ump,

Yesterday on my way to work I was listening to a sports radio show, and they were speculating about Mike Piazza coming back to play first base for the Mets rather than catcher. This led one of the commentators to say, in a very matter-of-fact way, that first base is the 'easiest position' to play on a baseball team. He didn't elaborate on this, so I'm just curious whether this is a 'known fact' or simply that guy's opinion. I haven't followed baseball long enough to understand why first base would be the 'easiest' position. Any thoughts?

I'll wait my turn for your answer it looks like Josh is ahead of me in the line.

Josh,

Any penalties--whatever they might be--resulting from an ejection would be up to the Commissioner's Office to decide, then up to the Players Association to appeal, which they do 99.9% of the time. This entire required process is part of the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement, where the Players Association has the final say on stuff, to be honest with you.


Marc,

It's rather difficult for me to say which position is the "easiest" to play, or which is the "hardest." Let's face it: They all pose their challenges, each in its own unique manner. Having said that, I do not think first is the "easiest" at all. First basemen have a lot of stretching, bending, twisting, and other tough stuff to do.

Over the years, it has become somewhat of an accepted axiom that right field is the "easiest," if there even is, of course, an "easiest" position. Even back in Little League or Pony League days, who did the manager put in right field? Usually the worst kid on the team, and why? Because that was considered a fluff position, and one where the least amount of action was thought to occur. Of course, it's all a matter of opinion.

With respect to the toughest position, I think that's a given--catcher. Especially on a hot day.

[ August 13, 2003, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: The Umpire ]

This game just happened and I'm still steamed, so forgive any heated language that may come from this post.

I have heard on SEVERAL occasions over the years that umpires are supposed to make a decisive call and stick with it, even if they get the call wrong. I have heard that one of the long-time edicts for an umpire is to NOT change a call.

However, in tonight's Orioles-Yankees game, Aaron Boone hit a deep fly ball to left field that landed well into the seats. By the looks of the replays, it was clear as day that the ball was fair. However, third base umpire Jeff Nelson made a LATE call (which was his strike one) and called it FOUL (which was his strike two) and immediately called the rest of the umpires in for help even though he had the best view! (Strike three: Get your ass back to the dugout). This of course after Yanks third base coach Willie Randolph and manager Joe Torre were arguing along with Boone that the ball was fair.

After the conference, the umpires CHANGED THE CALL to a fair ball and the Yanks led the game 5-3.

It's not so much the fact the Os lost the game that I am livid about; I'm angry that the call was changed and the umpire was so damn indecisive. Am I right to be as upset as I am over what I consider an ASININE way of handling the call? Mike Hargrove uncharacteristically did a killer imitation of Lou Piniella after he was thrown out of the game. I suspect I might have been suspended if I were managing the team.

As I see it, the object is to get it right. If the umpire had enough doubt that he decides to ask for help, and the result is that the call is correct, then so be it. Sure, it's nice to be decisive, but if you're decisively wrong that's not a plus.

Destiny, the call was not, as you mistakenly believe, a delayed call.

One of the most difficult judgment calls to make is that of a long home run hit high and right near a foul pole that itself is of a construction which results in difficulty judging the ball fair or foul. Camden Yards is just such a place.

Immediately after the ball was called foul, Umpire Nelson explained he was going to seek help from the home plate umpire Tim Tschida. Tim was brought in, as were the other two umpires of the crew, to seek his opinion. Because Tim was positioned right along the line in a stationary position, and did not have to turn and move to judge the ball, he happened to see the ball better than did Mr. Nelson.

Umpire dignity, or appearance, or ego takes a back seat when it comes to getting the call right in this situation. Furthermore, per Official Rule 9.02©, "No umpire shall criticize, seek to reverse or interfere with another umpire's decision unless asked to do so by the umpire making it." Because Nelson went to Tschida to seek his input, what he did was both by the rules and the proper procedure.

The MLB Umpire Manual of Procedures & Interpretations specifically explains that when an umpire seeks help, he does so right after making the call, and not after a lengthy argument with the manager or coach. Furthermore, the conference is to take place away from players and managers.

Managers are NOT entitled to a second opinion simply because they dispute a call. They're entitled to an explanation if the call is reversed, but they must not argue about the reversal of a call when the ultimate decision is obviously correct.

Having said this, there are some judgment calls that are not reversible at all.

It sounds like you are an upset Orioles fan who would prefer that the ball be called foul and a legitimate home run erased.

I'll have to look at the length of time it took for Nelson to make the call again to be sure.

Now that I know what the rule is, I'm not AS upset as I was when I wrote that post. I'm still pretty steamed, but if there were instant replay in baseball, that call would have gone in the Yankees favor, and rightly so.

I was under what is clearly a mistaken impression about the expectations for an umpire. Next time, I'll know to be more upset at Julio for giving up that home run and for setting it up by not putting guys away when he should have.

And yes, I'm an upset Orioles fan.

Ump, as you told me last week, not to believe everything that the commentators say. This was another example. If you were watching the game on television as I did (and I suspect that Destiny Rules did, too, unless he was at the game) through the Orioles broadcast last night, Buck Martinez, whom I honestly believe is one of the best broadcasters in baseball, and Michael Reghi, were immediately telling viewers that this was a "delayed call". I thought that although there was clear hesitation on Nelson's immediate call, the fact that he did enlist the assistance of the other umpires in the game made this "reversal" fair whether Hargrove liked it or not. Of course, I was a happy Yankee fan, and I honestly don't know how I would feel this morning if the call wouldn't have been reversed. I am still pissed off about Boone's base hit being called foul in Kansas City on Wednesday when I honestly saw chalk kick up when the ball landed.

Your sentiments are shared, Destiny....while I, too, was initially upset that the call was "reversed" after seeing the replay it was obviously a HR and I have to give credit to third base ump Nelson for asking for help....color commentator Buck Martinez (who I agree, cattledog, does an exceptional job and is one of the best in the business) immediately confirmed that it was fair "by at least ten feet" and acknowledged that Nelson was conferring with the home plate ump as Torre and Randolph were beginning to vehemently dispute the call.

While the O's appear to have a good nucleus of young players who are performing reasonably well offensively along with what I believe will be a decent starting rotation in years to come their bullpen is absolutely horrendous!....Julio actually was lucky to have escaped Boone's heroics earlier in the at bat when Aaron hit a line drive down the right-field line that was just inches foul and would have easily scored the two runners on base and tied the game -- and what does the "arsonist" do but give him a "room service" pitch that the .125 hitter (at least thus far with the Yanks anyway) slams for a 3-run homer two pitches later! :mad: ....with the exception of Kerry Ligtenberg (who has been inconsistent himself lately) the O's bullpen has cost them AT LEAST 15 games this season, particularly Julio who now has SEVEN BLOWN SAVES and an 0-5 record as the team's closer eek! ....the Baltimore fans and media keep talking about the O's signing Vlad Guerrero this off-season (who would obviously be a major asset to any team) but IMHO their double-headed GM's (Flanagan/Beattie) should first concentrate on signing 2-3 quality relievers to shore up that bullpen.

The fact that Camden Yards is still the absolute best ballpark in baseball to enjoy a game almost makes up for the frustration and disappointment of seeing this team continually blow one lead after another in the late innings.

[ August 16, 2003, 10:08 AM: Message edited by: gamecock ]