Editor’s Message
This edition of Blue Crews News is a bevy of very relevant and interesting information for you to enjoy while the summer season winds down!
There are so many umpires within our association that not only do great work for us, but they also do some pretty cool other things within baseball. As much as we would love to celebrate all of the fruits of their hard work, in an effort not to exclude anyone, we just want to say congratulations to all those killing it out there!
Calendar
Association Meetings
- Monday, Sept 14 - Virtual - 7:00 pm
Save the Date
- Saturday, December 6 - 2025 Association Banquet, Vienna Legion Post 180, 330 Center Street N, Vienna, VA – 7:00 pm
Presidents Message
As we wind down the dog days of August, I have a couple of announcements for you. First, please remember the membership meeting on September 14th. There will be lots to go over.
Rules
This month, the rules committee was asked to write about obstruction. There’s more than one type of obstruction in baseball that we need to be aware of during a play.
Mechanics
The first mechanical lesson every umpire should be taught is the responsibilities of batted balls. It is always good to remember that lesson at every level and know what you are responsible for before every pitch.
Legal Thoughts
By now, you have all heard about the New Jersey Little Leaguer who, on July 16, 2025, flipped his bat 20 feet into the air after hitting a home run in the finals of his team’s sectional tournament.
Umpire Profile
Blue Crew Blues
Blues, this is the day when young Andrew Klinger strides, of course, he’ll stride and gracefully too, over the threshold to open a huge new chapter of his life. He’s taking off his umpire gear, picking up his books, and entering the classrooms of the University of Virginia. “I will definitely miss this chapter of my life,” acknowledges Andrew, “but I’m ready for the next.” Charlottesville, stand by!
Poor us. Anthony Mayer, however, puts it all into proper perspective: “That’s my boy! Am I going to miss him? Selfishly, for me—yes. But for him—not at all. He’s going to be just fine.”
Klinger is so young, he’s been with us only a few years. During that short time, he’s been turning many heads. It was Rob Porter who sooo fortuitously first spied Andrew while coaching his son’s Arlington Little League team in 2019. Upon observing the very young, but astute, LL Blue, “Rob came and found me after the game and gave me his card.” recalls Andrew. Just another great call Rob Porter!
Umpire Resources
Need to get new umpire equipment or update your uniform? Check out our “Umpire Resources” section with “Adamczyk’s Attic.” Ron Admaczyk has compiled a great list of options to help you get what you need. If you have any additional suggestions, send us a note and we will include it.
2025 Fall Clinics
2-Umpire Clinics
September 25-28 | Fairfax, VA
October 9-12 | South Jersey
3-Umpire Clinics
September 25-28 | Piscataway, NJ
October 2-5 | North Carolina
Oct 30 – Nov 2 | Fairfax, VA
4-Umpire Clinics
September 17-21 | Cortland, NY
Oct 30 – Nov 2 | Fairfax, VA