NEW FOR 2025! Movements from the C Position — Two-Umpire System
Once the ball is hit, the base umpire should make a quick initial read to identify any possible plays at third or second base, and after judging no play on the base runner(s), start moving in the direction toward first base while the ball is being fielded. While moving toward first base, it is important to also move away from the fielder’s throwing lane so that the umpire will have plenty of clearance and can turn their head early into the play. This is best achieved by orienting your chest-to-ball as the play develops so you understand exactly where the fielder is when they execute the throw.
This movement towards first base will allow the base umpire to gain as much distance possible toward first, allowing them the ability to make meaningful adjustments, when necessary, and to view all aspects of the play at first base. A general rule of thumb, the further away the batted ball is from the base runner(s) the quicker the base umpire can release from their starting position and begin their movements towards the play at first base.
With the bases loaded, the base umpire must hold their initial position longer until they read where the third out is going to occur. If the third out is going to occur at first base, the base umpire needs to gain as much ground to first base as possible for credibility purposes on a close play at first base.
This mechanic, and how we should be handling the drying agent on the bat handle rule change will be discussed at the first membership meeting.
2025 Cage Training in Virginia
Prime Time Baseball
5380 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, VA 22304
https://www.primetimebaseball.co
January 25
February 1, 8, 15, 22
March 1
8:00 – 10:30 P.M.
(March 1 is currently for umpires new to our association and/or new to our training)
Dominion HS – Loudoun County
March 1, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon – cage training with live pitching.
Full gear required to participate
IMPORTANT NOTES:Cage session MUST be scheduled (no walk-ins)! Sign up via Yang Xie ([email protected]) Must sign up by 8:00 P.M. the Thursday prior to scheduled cage session with first/second choice for that weekend. Yang will confirm the slots for the cage sessions.
- First assigned time 8:00 pm
- Last assigned time 10:20 pm
- Enter through the door on steps.
- Arrive 10 minutes prior to scheduled time.
Yang will send out two emails. The first will provide confirmation of receiving the request. The second will notify you of your time slot for that Saturday evening.
The second email will be sent out sometime on Friday evening. Please check your email either late Friday night or early Saturday morning, and let Yang know ASAP if you cannot make the time that has been assigned to you.
2025 Cage Training in Maryland
We are currently working on the sites, time, and logistics. The information will be communicated at that time. Many thanks to our Maryland Training Staff !
Fundamental Mechanics of Umpiring
“Fundamentals of Umpiring” is by invitation only. For new umpires, please use the button below to begin the process of joining MAC-NVBUA. Current umpires, please reach out to Dave Maher or anyone on the training committee for a schedule of classroom or field sessions.
Maryland
Session | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Jan 27 | Monday |
Virginia
Session | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Feb 10 | Monday |
Table of Contents
Issue #1 – January 20, 2025
Letters to the editors welcome at [email protected]