Umpire 101: Ball Management (pt. 1)

[@fixeshousestuff9159]

As someone who is returning to Umpiring after a long hiatus, I have found your videos and content to be especially valuable and very well done. I look forward to more as they are produced.

[@indyref]

I am 57-years-old and was an ex-pitcher & ex-catcher. I still have a good, accurate arm. I throw nearly all the balls back to the P @ the appropriate time. That being said, do what you're most comfortable with in terms of providing the ball to be put into play.

[@davej3781]

my umpire association had us playing with non-NOCSAE baseballs, as long as they still had the NFHS authenticating mark, and reporting only back in 2021. starting 2022 we were instructed that the game was not to be played at all without proper baseballs, but we could give teams up to 30 minutes to provide proper baseballs. I believe this directive came from the state sports federation, but I wouldn't swear to it.

[@tamhodgson]

Regarding playing with unmarked baseballs. It is our association understanding that the markings indicate that these baseballs have been manufactured to an approved standard, which will ensure that the baseball and NFHS approved bats (BBCOR .50) combined, will not allow a hit ball to exceed a set exit speed (I believe it’s 94mph). This is done to allow high school pitchers to be able to react and defend themselves against a line-drive directly at them. An umpire who allows unapproved baseballs to be used, has accepted the liability for a pitcher being injured, potentially severe facial injuries. I am in California which is admittedly a lawsuit happy state. We do not allow games to play without the proper baseballs. If a player uses an unapproved bat, that’s on the coach. The baseballs are the only equipment that attach a liability to the umpire. If one team doesn’t have the proper baseballs, usually lower levels, they can get them from the Varsity team or the opposing away team has some. We do everything we can to get the game played, but using unmarked balls puts the pitcher at risk. We don’t play.

[@1969EType]

It's not a "strange part of the rulebook"...NFHS is doing everyone a favor with the baseballs here by saying all they need to have are the 2 stamps. By having the 2 stamps, that's a quality assurance mark so everyone knows the balls are approved for play and we don't need to measure circumference, diameter, mass, weight, height of stitches, number of stitches or anything else about how that baseball is constructed or appears.

[@rayray4192]

You may not care personally Patrick that a ball is tossed to you under hand from less than ten feet but it sets a bad precedent. Players must always hand a ball to an umpire as a show of respect.

[@rayray4192]

An important message. Players and coaches throwing baseballs to home plate looks sloppy and it actually delays the game. It’s ridiculous.

[@davej3781]

yes, I much prefer when the home team has a designated "ball-bringer", or when the batter coming to bat brings a ball or two.

[@rayray4192]

@@davej3781 I always thank players that hand me balls. They know it’s disrespectful to throw an umpire a ball. And rolling a ball is hyper rude. Baseball is a game of little rituals, protocol, and etiquette. Smart coaches teach their players to respect umpires. You don’t have to like umpires but you must respect them, and helping keep the game moving by good ball management is a way to show respect for the umpires and the game.

[@cousinjimmy2638]

On the rare occasion they want me to throw a ball, I just say "I'm old, y'all need to do that." Lightens things right up if it is tense.

[@rayray4192]

@@cousinjimmy2638hope you are well and happy. I’m talking about coaches throwing foul balls or otherwise out of play balls to home plate because they think they are helping . It’s dangerous, delays the game, and looks amateurish. It’s backyard baseball. I’m not talking about umpires throwing balls, which also should never be done. I know an umpire who throws balls to home plate. He’s an idiot.