Congratulations! and 2010 Meeting Dates

Congratulations to Ed Root, Jack Carr, Bucky Bolton and Jim Arnold for their assignment in the 2009 class A baseball championship game. They were stars on PCN! Well done gentlemen!

2010 Baseball Meeting Dates
(Tentatively at Troy HS)
Feb. 7 2:00 p.m.
Feb. 21 1:00 p.m. (Interpretation Meeting)
Mar. 7 2:00 p.m.
Mar. 13 Tentative District IV Clinic
Mar. 14 1:00 p.m.
Mar. 21 2:00 p.m. (Mechanics Meeting)
Apr. 11 1:00 p.m.
Apr. 18 2:00 p.m.
Apr. 25 1:00 p.m.
May 2 2:00 p.m.
May 15 Tentative Banquet

Look Like a Professional

Just a reminder. Even though it has been cold and wet so far this season, that is no reason to look like you just came from a garage sale when you go on the field. Remember that you should not wear a long sleeve shirt underneath your short sleeve uniform shirt. Wear an accepted jacket over your long sleeve shirt. Long sleeve uniform shirts should only be worn by the home plate umpire. If it is too cool for a short sleeve shirt on the bases, wear a jacket. If we are insisting that the players and coaches wear their uniforms correctly, we need to as well. Keep your shoes shined and cleaned. It may mean cleaning them after every game but besides knowing what you are doing you need to look like you do, too.

Chest Protector and Shin Guards

I have some items I am willing to part with. I have a Honig's chest protector that has served me well for the past 7+ years. It is still in very good shape. I also have some Diamond shin guards that I haven't used for a while. They are also in good shape. I am willing to part with them at a VERY NOMINAL price. In other words, tell me what you will give me for them and they are yours. For a new umpire, you can't go wrong with the Honig's protector. I also have three pair of Heather gray umpire slacks that the waist shrunk over the winter! They are 32 W and about 32 L. One pair is base and the other two are combo. They are for the taking. (NC)

NFHS baseball rules changes

Not many changes by NFHS in the rules this year. Most of them appear to be clarifications. These are NFHS rules and do not include PIAA interpretations. Those will be forthcoming following interpreter meetings.
* Non-permanent lines (1.2.2): Added a line that requires non-permanent lines (chalked lines) to be white.
*Batter permitting pitched ball to touch him (7.3.4): Change clarifies that if a batter allows himself to be hit by a pitched ball, the pitch counts as a ball or strike. He remains at bat unless it is ball four or strike three.
* Umpire uniform requirements (10.1.9): The requirement that pants be "heather" gray has been changed to just gray. Over time pants may change to just gray and companies are selling different shades of gray.
EDITORIAL CHANGES
* Intentionally pitch at a batter (6.2.3): wording changed from throw to pitch.
*Live ball touches base coach (3.2.3): Accidentally was replaced with unintentionally. Ball remains alive in this case. If the coach interferes intentionally in foul or fair territory the ball is dead and the appropriate penalty applied.

NTL baseball meeting times

Baseball umpires: Here are the meeting dates and times for our meetings for the 2009 season.
Feb. 8 1:00 p.m. Troy High School
Feb. 15 2:30 p.m. Troy High School (mandatory interpretation meeting)
Feb. 22 1:00 p.m. Troy High School
Mar. 1 2:00 p.m. Troy High School
Mar. 8 1:00 p.m. Troy High School
Mar. 14 9:00 a.m. Danville High School (PIAA District IV Clinic)
Mar. 29 2:00 p.m. East Troy Fields (mechanics meeting)
Apr. 19 1:00 p.m. Troy High School
May 3 2:00 p.m. Troy High School
May 16 6:00 p.m. Doc's - Canton (tentative umpire banquet)

Remember you are required to attend 6 meetings plus the interpretation meeting!

August 23rd is the District IV umpire picnic with the Williamsport Crosscutters. Game time is 5:05. Kurt needs a $5.00 deposit for those planning to attend. Looks like fun. Send checks to: Kurt Reichenbach, 575 Third Street, Northumberland, PA 17857. Needs checks by Feb. 1.