Welcome to February's
"Fairball" e-Newsletter

As we move forward with the new Fairball newsletter, how are we doing? What can we do to help you as a volunteer umpire? What would you like to see included in the newsletter? Let us know and we will see if we can accommodate you and make the newsletter bigger and better. Send your comments and/or recommendations to: fairball@LittleLeague.org. This newsletter will only be as good as you make it.
 

Local League Recruiting Volunteer Umpires

In, 2004, Little League International convened a focus group at the 23rd International Congress held in Virginia Beach, Va. The purpose of the focus group was to develop a means to aid leagues in developing their individual volunteer umpire programs.

Read more here.

Off Season Preparedness

Now that the Little League season is fast approaching, there is not much time for volunteer umpires to get ready for the baseball and softball season. Lets focus on the three main areas you should be addressing prior to the games beginning.

Read more here.

For the Love of the Game

In 1999, Kevin Costner starred in a movie called For Love of the Game. At the time, the movie was generically specific for boys in baseball.  

Read more here.

Stump the Ump: Myths of the Game

Learn more here.

Explanation of Catcher's Interference

Rule 6.08 (c) in the 2010 Little League Baseball rulebook states that [t]he batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out.

Learn more here.

Registry Members-Only Section Added to Umpire Site

Recently, user names and pass codes were issued to current Little League Umpire Registry members to access a registry members-only section of the website. The members-only section is located under the umpires link.

Currently on the members page are downloads of the 2009 Rules Instruction Manual as well as the 60- and 90-foot Field Mechanics Manuals.

Little League International plans on providing additional training opportunities in the months to come through presentations and articles specifically related to umpiring. 

Please send an e-mail to fairball@littleleague.org and suggest training topics you believe would benefit Little League Umpire Registry members.

Official Communications

Thinking about conducting an umpire clinic for your district or league? Want to brush up on rules and mechanics for your own information? There are now videos available to help you with those training or brush-up sessions. Rules Made Easy with a workbook, See A Balk, Call a Balk, Basic Umpire and the Two Umpire System," "60 Diamond Mechanics, Behind the Plate with John McSherry and for your scorekeepers clinic, How to Keep Score in Baseball & Softball, Interested? Call Al Kaplon: 805-496-8123. Or mail your order in to: Official Communications, 2899 Agoura Rd #172, Westlake Village, CA  91361. You can also order On-line at: www.videoump.com .
These are outstanding videos and should be in every umpires library. Al and his videos are licensed with Little League Baseball, Inc. Give Al a call and add these videos to your library. Als videos also are available through the Little League Baseball Order Department at 570-326-1921, ext. 361 or 362.

Thinking about some new equipment for the 2009 season? Need a new chest protect or shin guards? Thinking about changing to a different colored shirt for next season? 

                      HONIGS

Honigs continues to offer a complete line of Little League Umpire shirts, tee shirts, jackets, mock turtleneck shirts, etc. Give Honigs a call to help that special someone prepare for the coming season. For more information, current catalogs contact Honigs at: 800-468-3284, or www.honigs.com .