What Makes a Good Umpire?

In my honest opinion, there are two key things that make someone a good umpire. Those two things are consistency and positioning. Consistency Consistency usually applies to the plate umpire. Every umpire has his own zone when behind the plate. Yes, there's a predetermined strike zone according to the rule book, but the reality is …

Umpire Pregame

The following article focuses on the two man umpiring crew, however pregame talks should take place before every game. One of the most important things to know as an umpire is where your partner will be on any given play. There's nothing more embarrassing than having two umpires at the same base making two different …

Batting Out of Order – What’s the Penalty?

Situation In the top of the second inning, with one out and base runners on first and third, the batter hits a ground ball up the middle and into center field. The runner scores from third and the runner from first advances to second base on the apparent RBI single. Before the next batter enters …

Why Did I Become an Umpire?

I'm asked all the time, "How did you get started?" It's simple. I was forced into it. In 2013, I decided to try my hand at managing a Little League baseball team. It seemed like something fun to do in my spare time. How hard could it be? Fill out a lineup card, make some …