Special Article
A Break in the Action …
Is it a Brake for the Umpires?
By Norm Gordon
One thing for umpires to remember, once we enter the field of play, we don’t get a break, get time off, time to relax, or time to let our mind wander. We are always on duty!
Players get to sit down every half-inning, coaches get to commiserate, fans get to go get a hot dog, but the umpires are always on the job. We have specific things to do between innings, during time-outs, and during other play stoppages.
Most of our duties during stops in play involve recording necessary information (substitutions, offensive and defensive conferences, warnings, dugout restrictions, ejections) but also, and importantly, observing the activities of participants during these periods of time.
Where Do I Go, What Do I Do?
Plate Umpire:
One of your most important duties between innings and during pitching changes is to keep the game moving.
- Take a position between the catcher and the on-deck circle where you can count warm-up pitches, and encourage the first hitter to be ready to enter the batter’s box as soon as warm-ups are complete.
- While the transition is taking place, observe the activities of players and coaches as they enter and exit dugouts, and make a mental note of any verbal or physical actions that might later impact the game. If necessary, shut down any gross misbehavior.
- Inform the pitcher and catcher when there are ‘2 more’ warm-up pitches to be thrown. You may want to step into fair territory slightly to make that announcement.
- Inform the hitter that it’s time for him to enter the batter’s box.
- Get in position and put the ball in play.
Base Umpire:
It is important to vacate the infield between innings..
- Be out of the way so the defense can warm up efficiently. Move to short right field and stand in a relaxed position to observe the between activities of both teams, with a primary focus on the team in the first base side dugout.
- During pitching changes, you should either vacate the infield, or maintain your presence on the infield in a deep B or deep C position. If you stay on the infield, be far enough from players and coaches so as to not encourage any exchange of chatter, positive or negative. If needed, encourage players to return to their positions when warmups are completed.
- Record any necessary information to use as a backup for the plate umpire in order to avoid any misunderstandings.
Where Do I Go to Have a Discussion with a Coach?
Although not a strict requirement, it is always good to meet a coach at the midpoint of the foul line closest to their dugout. This signals mutual cooperation and allows play to resume more quickly at the end of the discussion, rather than having the coach come all the way onto the field and then having to go all the way back to the dugout.
What if We Umpires Need to Get Together?
Anytime the two umpires need to get together to discuss a play, a situation, or a request by a coach, they should do so. It is best to find a position on the field (Between home and the mound? On the midpoint of the baseline?) where they can talk freely without eavesdropping or interruption. At the end of the discussion, and after rendering a decision, return quickly to your position for the next play.
Can We Get Together Between Innings for No Reason?
It’s probably best to not get together to ‘chat’ between innings, but sometimes we should if there is a question about a mechanic or a situation that has come up. Try not to get together in the next action break after a controversial call, as this can sometimes signal to the teams some equivocation about the decision.
The “Pay-Off”
Utilizing these guidelines will help keep the game moving, and give us more time to socialize, and take a break once the game is completed!