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MROS Interpreter’s Report

February 11, 2011

 

Hello fellow umpires.  I just wanted write a few lines and thank everyone who has assisted me with the new member training program.   I owe a lot to the members of MROS.  In the past five years numerous umpires have willingly provided me with guidance, knowledge and the opportunity to enhance my development us an umpire.  I intend to repay each of you by working very hard to provide the trainees with an enthusiastic learning experience. Through my executive board I intend to continue advocating for increased opportunities for each member.  If you have not volunteered to participate in the mentor program please consider doing so.  The trainees will soon be MROS members and our future partners on the field.

 

Now on to the business at hand: 

1.        If you haven’t already started its time to loosen up those muscles and to get ready for the rigors of the season.

2.       Read your rulebooks.  If you haven’t taken the exam you will notice several new testing methods.  Some of the questions take some thinking and as usual there are some trick questions.

3.       Please pay special attention to the new lineup card procedure.  During the pregame conference make sure the coaches double check their line-up cards before you accept them.  The starting players must have their first initial, last name, number, position and batting order number listed.  The substitutes must have their first initial, last name and number listed on the card.  Once you accept the lineup card as official any corrections result in penalties.  Help the coaches address these issues during the pregame conference.

4.        Take note of the new interference deletion.  Intent is no longer part of the equation.  With first base occupied and a batter strikes out, runs to first drawing a throw we must enforce the penalty.  Example:  The batter strikes out with a runner on first.  The batter runs towards first and the catcher throws the ball hitting the retired runner (in or out of the running lane).  The batter is out (on strikes), the ball is dead and the runner at first is also out. 

5.       In reference to the above we must make sure we verbalize the “out” when a batter strikes out and first base is occupied.

6.       Another area identified by coaches and evaluators that needs attention is our starting position in “A”.   The initial staring position should be between 18 and 21 feet from first base.  We should walk the line, observe the pitcher and be ready to get the best angle based on the direction of the hit.  Many coaches questioned me about how the base umpire could see dropped third strikes, dead balls and illegal pitches from 30 feet away.  I have witnessed it myself, so let’s work on this.

Thank you for your time.  If you have any questions please feel free to call or e-mail me.

 

Tim Beard

Secretary/Interpreter

 

 

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