Editor’s Message
Well, I am back again and hopefully better than ever. I have made the sacred sojourn once again there and back again from Cooperstown, the spiritual home of baseball and I am renewed. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped get out the August edition, especially Mike Chmar who took another turn in the big chair and made sure it all came together.
Dave Maher is in his usual spot with his President’s Message bearing the usual uber important information. Don’t miss Dave’s address featuring some upcoming local region training opportunities as well as another opportunity to donate to a great charity and be a part of what has become an annual tradition here in the DC area.
Calendar
2026 Calendar and Events being planned. Once plans materialize, notices will be sent via email and posted on this website.
Presidents Message
As I was re-reading my past messages, I noticed I hadn’t properly called out one of the guys who makes all of this happen. When you read Blue Crew News or go to the NVBUA website…
Rules
This is my first foray into this rules article stuff so bear with me. A fellow umpire asked me to do a quick article about what happens when a player is attempting to steal home and is hit by the pitch, as this happened in his game.
Sharing the Heritage
Recently, during a creative session for the Blue Crew News, I was talking with your brother and mine, Mike Chmar. The subject of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, came up…
Umpire Profile
Blue Crew Blues
Blues, be aware that Dave Stewart of the Baltimore suburbs is one of us, however, unlike many of us, young Dave wears many hats and each of them fits very well indeed. At the age of 34, Stewart is entering his third decade in officialdom. He’s worked games from Harford County to M&T Bank Stadium to SoFi Stadium and on to London’s Wembley Stadium. Suffice to say, Dave Stewart is having great fun!
He’s been umping baseball since age 13. First gigs were with the Cal Ripken version of Little League baseball where he worked games solo. At age 15, Dave moved up to travel leagues around the Belair community in Harford County. By design, umpiring became his part-time job during high school. Stewart doesn’t hesitate “…it was big fun….much better than working in McDonalds or other retail jobs.“
By 2025, Dave has scaled the ladder now working college baseball and football games. Plus, he is an official NFL keeper of the clock.
New Photo Gallery from Johnny Blaeuer
Johnny “Baseball” Blaeuer sent in some great photos of our brothers pre-game, in-game, and post-game. You know, I’m not saying Johnny plays and umpires a lot of baseball, but they say he once pitched to himself, called balls and strikes on himself, and then hit a fair ball over the fence off his own pitch and closed the at bat by issuing himself a four base award. He is…the most interesting baseball enthusiast in the world.
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