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!
For me, the month of August is a great time for reflection and fun. I look back on what’s already happened on the field, both good and bad, during the course of the year. I get to talk to my umpire buddies more often and BS about the great game of baseball, SO MUCH FUN! I also put together the feedback I’ve been given and really honed in on what I’m going to try and accomplish in the fall. Fall baseball is a great time for everyone to get better. There’s less stress, and it’s not nearly as hot on the field!
That being said, you’re here for BCN STUFF!!
In this edition, we’ve got Dave Maher’s message, some announcements and updates. Check out his current message.
Dave also wanted me to share that:
The NFHS Network has just released the link for the 2025-26 Officials Pass. This allows officials to subscribe to the Annual Pass for $39.99, which is a 50% discount from the $79.99/year it costs for others.
How it works:
The official will register at this link: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/officials-pass
Once the official registers, NFHS Network will confirm the official’s eligibility with the VHSL, and a link will be sent to subscribe for the year to each official. The link does require you to enter your state, so in Maryland, I assume it will verify you like it will in Virginia.
I just tried it (I live in Maryland), so I’m in “Wait and see mode”.
Gary Reals checks in with his umpire profile and this is a really good one. We get to hear about a guy who, literally, has his whole adult life to show us how good he will be! Read Gary’s latest umpire profile.
We tasked our rules guys to come in hot with obstruction, and Vin Vena wasn’t hindered one bit. Everything you need to know about Obstruction is here.
Mechanics and Training came through big time with some video footage and an article that will help you think! We appreciate the Mayer of Mechanics and Training for his efforts as well! Read here.
Lastly, but not never at the least, we have a human interest story about something that happened recently in the legal world that was related to baseball…… It proves that parents can be a little… much? We appreciate Steve Levine, umpire/attorney, for shedding light on the quiet relationship between the sport we love and the laws of the land. Read Steve’s article here.
Anyhow, that’s it for me! Enjoy your down time and stay cool!
Michael Chmar
Robert Fobian’s Humble Assistant here at BCN