Editor’s Message
Greetings, NVBUA/MAC umpires,
Before summarizing yet another jam packed edition of the Blue Crew News, I wanted to take a moment and talk about the relationship dynamic between crew chiefs and the umpire or umpires on their crews and a display of class and grace that I experienced recently that exemplifies the very best our association has to offer in the realm of amateur umpiring.
I was assigned a Varsity double header and my chief reached out to go over our pre-game communications. Initially, he said he would take the first plate and then the following day he messaged me again and said the first game was a great matchup…
Calendar
Association Meetings
- Monday, Sept 14 - Virtual - 7:00 pm
Save the Date
- Umpire Night @ Capital One Ballpark, Tysons VA (June or July TBD)
- Saturday, December 6 - 2025 Association Banquet, Vienna Legion Post 180, 330 Center Street N, Vienna, VA – 7:00 pm
Presidents Message
I’d like to take this time to bring you up to date on some of the initiatives you have been hearing about, so let’s jump right in. Next Association Meeting – we have moved the membership meeting to May 18th.
Mechanics
Proper plate mechanics in the two-umpire system are very important and often overlooked. Plate umpires can be so laser focused on balls and strikes that it can be forgotten that tracking the baseball properly is only the first step!
Rules
Umpiring collision plays is one of our more challenging umpiring calls we make. NFHS and State Associations place great emphasis on player safety. Although HS baseball playing rules are in place to prevent, discourage and…
Umpire Profile
Blue Crew Blues
Blues, your indefatigable Profile Correspondent is thinking BIG for the forthcoming April Umpire Profile. I’m thinking real big! I’m also thinking youthful. Once upon a time this whippersnapper of an umpire had to be driven to his games. Actually, he’s still being driven to his games. Enough said…for now. But please stay tuned for the April 28 edition of Blue Crew Blues! –Gary Reals
Umpire Resources
Need to get new umpire equipment or update your uniform? Check out o “Adamczyk’s Attic.” Ron Admaczyk has pulled together a great list of options for you get what you need. Also, find other informative items in our Umpire Resources drop down menu in the main navigation.
BCN Staff/Contributors
- Editor – Robert Fobian
- Co-Editor – Tim Strutzel
- Co-Editor – Mike Chmar
- Presidents Message – Dave Maher
- Mechanics – Paul Porto
- Rules – Greg McEvoy & Vin Vena
- Umpire Profile – Gary Reals
Letters to the editors welcome at [email protected]