The season is back in full force…I had a game on Friday and 3 today and one tomorrow..and my legs hurt. Still fun though, I think…

Just a heads up that there is a used Wilson Charcoal Chest Protector (my favorite) for sale over on Umpire Umpire. I have no interest in or connection to the seller – I just love the CP and would like to see an umpire in need get a good detail. FYI you can find the CP new for probably a bit less that $100. Here’s the link

and I had 2 firsts today. My first umpire assignment in January. And my first game indoors.

When I 1st heard about the proposed new rule eliminating the fake 3rd to 1st pickoff play, I didn’t really think much of it. Now, as Major League Baseball (and, presumably, Official Baseball Rules) make it official – it’s gonna be a pain in the neck!

If the NFHS does not implement the rule change, it makes it imperative for umpires working travel and recreational big field and 50/70 ball to determine which rule set the game is being played under. In 13 and 14 year old games, we see the 3rd to 1st move more than we see the hidden ball trick.  The rule will also have to be clarified and, as with any modification to the rules that have been tried and tested for over 100 years, there will be situations that aren’t covered. There’s a lively discussion about this over at Umpire-Empire.

It’s one of those silly things that are part of the game,  without having much effect on it.  As an umpire, I guess, I should like the rule change  – anything that speeds up the game. But I’m a traditionalist, for the most part – leave the game alone.

I’ve become interested in the Cycle for Survival event over the last two years, primarily through my friendship with Jeff Becker and his amazing daughter Sydney. Read Sydney’s great blog here. There are, I’m sure, thousands of kids just like Sydney out there, and it’s easy to be inspired to help where you can. So, if you find your way here…

I would appreciate your help with a cause I’m very passionate about. I’m riding at Cycle for Survival and every dollar I raise goes directly to fight rare cancer. Will you join the battle with me? Help me reach my goal by donating to my Cycle for Survival page.

Thanks for your support!

Donate today > http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR?px=2082941&pg=personal&fr_id=1813

The umpire community, and the human community, lost a good man this week with the passing of Ray Raiani.  While Ray and I were not close friends, I’ve known him for several years, worked a lot of games together, and traded plenty of assignments. Ray was a very well respected umpire and a pleasure to be out on the field with.  I liked him a lot and will miss him.

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 2,900 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 5 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

So, apparently, you will be able to wear a blue jacket with red piping when doing high school baseball in NJ in 2013.  This is in addition to the solid navy blue that has been the standard. My good friend Ray, over at MCM Sports Apparel, has a pretty good deal on the jackets. He’ll sew on the patches and even deliver them to you if you’re in Morris County, NJ (or near enough).  He’s also got pretty good prices on shoes and other umpire and referee gear. Shop local! Give Ray a call at 973-540-8482.

I just read in todays NY Times that NFL players don’t wear cups.  Surprising, right?