Posts by Raul Ortega
Video Replays from “New York”
In 2014, MLB unveiled their state of the art Replay Operations Center, a 900-square-foot room at the offices of Major League Baseball Advanced Media in the historic Chelsea Market building. It’s a technological marvel, outfitted with state-of-the-art video equipment. And it’s the nerve center of Major League Baseball’s expanded replay system. Unfortunately, PHBA is unable…
Read MoreSaying Farewell to Shawn Draper
There is sadness on the fields of Mudville this week. Not because the might Casey has struck out but because a friend, colleague, mentor, and former leader of PHBA’s Blue Crew community and Umpire Leadership Team has called their last ball game. On Sunday past, Shawn Draper, a charter member of the Umpire Leadership Team,…
Read MoreWelcome Message from Board President, Brian Turner
Hello PHBA Families, I am excited to get the 2023 Spring Season rolling at PHBA! Spring is my favorite season and watching the players learn to love the game that has treated many of us so well is a big reason why. I look forward to seeing friends, reconnecting with people I only see at…
Read MoreSunday, February 18, 2024 – Blue Crew Field Day Training2 0730-1600 (730AM-4PM)
When: Sunday, February 18 Time: 0730-1600 (730-4PM) Where: PHBA ‘Sports Complex’ aka Snack Shack & PO Fields Field Day training is mandatory for all PHBA umpires. The Field Day is broken out into 3 segments designed specifically for the proficiency LEVEL assigned each umpire prior to the Field Day. Segment 1 – LEVEL 1 –…
Read MoreSaturday, February 17, 2024 Blue Crew Classroom Clinic2 10-1200 (10-Noon)
When: Saturday, February 17 Time: 10-1200 (10 to Noon) Where: PHBA ‘Sports Complex’ aka Snack Shack The LEVEL 1 classroom clinic is mandatory for any volunteer umpire NEW to PHBA. Step 1 of 2-step process to qualify as a PHBA umpire. Provides the basics for being an entry level Base Umpire prior to the mandatory…
Read MoreSaturday, February 10, 2024 – Blue Crew Field Day Training1 0730-1600 (730-4PM)
When: Saturday, February 10 Time: 0730-1600 (730-4PM) Where: PHBA ‘Sports Complex’ aka Snack Shack & PO Fields Field Day training is mandatory for all PHBA umpires. The Field Day is broken out into 3 segments designed specifically for the proficiency LEVEL assigned each umpire prior to the Field Day. Segment 1 – LEVEL 1 –…
Read MoreMonday, February 05, 2024 – Blue Crew Classroom Clinic1 19-2100 (7-9PM)
When: Monday, February 05 Time: 19-2100 (7PM-9PM) Where: PHBA ‘Sports Complex’ aka Snack Shack The LEVEL 1 classroom clinic is mandatory for any volunteer umpire NEW to PHBA. Step 1 of 2-step process to qualify as a PHBA umpire. Provides the basics for being an entry level Base Umpire prior to the mandatory Field Day…
Read MoreHow does the Blue Crew stay sharp in the offseason?
The Umpire Leadership Team (ULT) continues to meet twice a month during the offseason in preparation for the upcoming season. The ULT examines existing PHBA rules along with changes to Major League Baseball and USA Softball rules which may impact PHBA. The team encourages Blue Crew discussion about the rules, reviewing current tough plays and…
Read More2023 Season Rules!
The PHBA Baseball and Softball rules for the 2022 season have been updated and posted on the Rules page. Key changes to this season’s rules include but are not limited to: Softball American 2023 The Dropped Third Strike is no longer in effect for Softball American. Baseball Pioneer 2022 Removal of overthrow pitch rule –…
Read MoreScrimmages with Umpires
Get your teams ready by scheduling a friendly scrimmage with bonafide umpires. Remember, scrimmages are now allowed within the state guidelines. It’s a great way to get the kids ready for the season by doing away with the 1st game jitters before Opening Day. The umpires need to dust off the armor and brush out…
Read MoreThe OVERTHROW Rule is Dead!
The Overthrow Rules 4.11 for both Pioneer divisions have been rescinded and revamped to encourage the kids (and especially the coaches) to make a play on the runners instead of simply getting the ball back to the pitcher to “kill the play.” In previous years, attempting plays and missing promoted the kids simply running the…
Read MoreWhen Does 3=1? [Coach-Pitch]
The rule for the number of coach pitches allowed was changed in 2020. So how many pitches does a coach really get to throw during coach pitch? This one seems simple enough, and yet the math never seems to add up for most coaches and umpires. This has been the rule for softball for years,…
Read MoreBatting Cages are Open
Sign-ups for batting cages has gone digital once again. Team managers are allowed to reserve one batting cage up to ONE week in advance. Cages are open Mondays through Sundays. Check the calendar for available time slots. Cage #1: Closest to PO2 is for softball teams only Cage #2: Middle cage is for baseball teams…
Read MoreCoach Pitch Interference
The rule for coach pitch interference was changed for baseball in 2020 and is now consistent with softball rules. The coach should make every effort (think Neo in the Matrix) to avoid contact with a hit or thrown ball. However, if the coach is hit by the ball, the ball is LIVE and play will…
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