Matt, i have been an umpire for 9 years now. This is by far one of the fairest shakes that an umpire has gotten. You are 100% correct about the statements that start with "you" the job of an ump is thankless and an artform which many dont understand. Appreciate you being fair to the umpires.
I was a soccer referee. That is like Football to the rest of the world, but there isn't any money so it doesn't stink as much. Great thankless job. I loved the story of a basketball referee in the 1930's doing a high school basketball game in Kentucky in a small Appalacian town. The crowd was really getting nasty when the school prinicpal took the mic. The two refs were quite worried, and they thought that he was going to calm them down. The principal said, there was a game to be played and they needed to finish. But they were so corrupt they could take them outside after the game and beat them up.
As an ex pro umpire of 8 years, this is one of the BEST commentaries I have seen on umpires. There is so much ignorance out there. You are SPOT ON with your analysis.The reason the umpires in the ACC are better than low A ball umpires is because most of those guys are ex-pros who reached a high level and got released.
That was a really great umpire from someone that has been there and seen it. I have umpired most levels of baseball (thru a couple of small college) and softball (international fast pitch and slow pitch tourneys) in my career. I was away from it for about 20 years and just got back into again this year. I have seen lots of umpires that are good and lots more that while not bad are just lazy and those that do not believe in looking professional when walking on the field. Bucket list would be to do 1 MLB game before my time on earth is up! I had Joe West in an ASA Umpire school once many, many years ago and I like the man but to each his own. By the way I am 69 years old and probably in better physical shape now than when I worked games 20 years ago. Again great jog on umpires and yes it is a thankless job in youth ball.
Something for people to keep in mind in regards to umpires is that they get promoted through the minor leagues just like the players do. Frequently the umpires in the lower-level minor leagues are guys who are just starting to get in to pro umpiring. They're in their early 20's, and around the same age as the players. They'll usually spend 1-2 years at a level and then move up to short season and low-A, then go up to high-A and double A after a handful of years in the minors if they are performing well. There was a guy in our D-II baseball conference who was a catcher, first-team all-conference player, but never got a shot in pro baseball. His last year playing in college was 2011, and he has been umpiring ever since and is in Triple-A right now. Just as much of a grind as the players, considering the umpires rotate through the ballparks in the league just like the players do.
Matt, interesting point about having better umpires in the ACC than in low A ball. But when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. College umpires in D-1 are almost all former pro umpires that had several years in Double-A and Triple-A before they were cut loose. The D-1 conferences hire them because they have all that experience and they're all probably in the their upper 20s at the youngest all the way up through their 50s and 60s. So, yes, they have a lot of knowledge and experience that will make them better, more consistent umpires. But the umpires you saw in low-A ball were probably no more than 18 to 20 years old in many cases. It's quite common for a guy to graduate from high school at 18, go to pro school in January and February and be working at the lowest levels of pro ball before his 19th birthday. So -- no experience except what they got in pro school. They are quite literally learning on the job. In many cases, those umpires are younger than the the players.
Curt low A umpires although now professional, do not nearly have the experience of ACC guys. To get assigned to the ACC, you need far more amount of experience. Guys given contracts although passing Wendkestadt, do not even close have that experience. That is why they start at low A.......
@@dougthegreat1808 Doug, I think you and I are agreeing, right? Pro umpires at the lower end are almost always young guys with little experience while D-1 guys generally have some years of pro ball before being picked up for a major conference staff. So, we're on the same page here, right?
I umpired dizzy dean when I was in high school during the off season (we werent allowed to play little league if you were rostered the season before) I had a big zone but it was consistent. No matter the zone if its consistent that's all that matters Swing the bat
Matt, you have a very good conversational Style. When I watch a video it always feels like we're just sitting down on the couch and I just asked you the question that you're about to answer. Your honesty is appreciated as well. So nice to give people a realistic picture of all that goes into being a baseball player. I wasn't going to say anything but since you brought it up, I was thinking that if you were to be a little bit more careful with your language your videos could be super useful even for young kids. No big deal though.
Matt viewed your message. We stated good input to players dealing with Umpires. The Good Umpires don't like missing missing a call at any time. And by the way the plate and catchers have many conversations throughout the game.
My only experience with baseball is 12 or so years of city league (summer ball) and one year of high school. Still, I think the umpire experience is universal to players. I seen to recall we had the same 3 or 4 umps every year, and definitely the same for each evening (the same guys would be out first game through last, usually 5:30-11:00 or so). One time I had an experience similar to you where the guy called a strike before the catcher had the ball. This one was so bad I actually had time to foul it off...it never even reached the catcher! Other than that, only one time do I even remember a coach telling me I right about a blown call! Even at the lower levels, only two confirmed crap calls? Props to the umps. Sorry for all the times we joked about you wanting to get home early.
Your exactly right I’m a umpire my self and I’m only 22 and it’s not easy specially when you get to highschool ball in Nc or any there State the higher level of ball the faster the game is and the calls are harder to make
I'm 21 and have been umpiring since I was 15. Started in tball and now I've been umpiring high school baseball for 3 years. Truly one of the most rewarding and satisfying jobs I've ever had. I had some terrible high school baseball umps so I'm trying to do right by these kids and call a fair game. Sometimes this gets the stands and coaches chirping but once I've been to a venue more than once the coaches and players come to really enjoy my zone because a ball is a ball and a strike is a strike: how it should be. The part about conversing with the ump and not looking at him is something that coaches should teach. I don't toss players or coaches until they start trying to make a spectacle out of it. If their respectful, I'm respectful. The only pet peeve I have is when the coach yells to the catcher "where was that pitch?!?" It's annoying and incites the fans to get involved. Great vid man!
JGarcia I had a bit of a bigger zone when I was umpiring and I flat out told coaches if its close its a strike so get your boys swinging. As long as you're consistent coaches dont care how big your zone
I remember when Tim Timmons was in the New York-Penn League. I remember him being one of the best in the league that year, and of course, he moved up from there.
Tom Glavine made it to the HOF livng 6-12" off the plate.I was a coach in LL...got banned out of the league for setting a bad example for the players. I yelled the F word one too many times. The next year I became a Umpire. It was really fun.
Joe West, Angel Hernandez, and CB Bucknor are definitely the worst. Strange thing is West is not actually that bad but he has to be the center of attention which keeps putting him in weird situations where he comes off as an ass. On the other hand, Hernandez and Bucknor are all over the place, one game they'll be decent and then the next they just completely forget the rules (Bucknor) or stop paying attention constantly. (Hernandez)
@@dgcanehdian Joe West has been umpiring so long that yes, he indeed thinks the game is about him. His ego does not allow him to be seen and not heard as a good umpire should be. I think Joe's job performance has gone way down in recent years.
Recently discovered your channel... really good and insightful vids! As an umpire (HS, Legion down to LL) for 20 plus years, I really appreciate your comments regarding how hard umpiring can be. Thanks again for all your postings!
I coach 14U and with our Friday night practices we show UTUBE stuff for some fun time. This video will be played this Friday night. Yes it's an older video but it's funny and informative. Keep up the good work.
Best umps I ever seen were at little league Richmond Hill in Queens, and then in Memphis little league. Strict zone, very consistent. Never got any bad calls.
My team mate and best bud was a September call up with the Royals in 97 as a catcher. His first game behind the dish was against the Chisox and legendary Tim Mclellan was doing the plate. Tim told my buddy Andy, welcome to the majors and you must have impressed and worked hard. Mclelland said don't block me out or else you won't get the call. Another thing he said was that it's Ozzie Guillen day here (in Chicago) and Ozzie will not strike out today unless he goes down swinging. Andy said he framed two nice strikes on Ozzie and did not get the strike call. Andy had to go out to his pitcher (can't remember if he was a 40 man call up) and explain what was happening...that he had to pitch to contact and not try to get a punch out. Interesting stuff
That’s the great thing about umpiring/reffing any sport. Most of the time, if you call it by the books, every player on both teams will hate you. It’s like how basketball refs are pretty liberal with the 5 second count on inbounds passes. Or football refs letting a few small holds go uncalled. I ref a few sports and sometimes (like when the ball goes out in soccer), 95% of the time you don’t even need to make a call, the players will know themselves. But sometimes they don’t and they look at you, and you better be sure! Great videos Matt!
Damn i watched one of your videos and now i feel i got to watch them all !! Interesting stuff, i wish i could find more like this for nfl also. Thanks Antonelli
How would you deal with a slump? make a video on that or how to get better mental toughness, also were there certain pitchers that hated to pitch when certain umpires when they know their gonna be the HP ump? Did you ever make your mind up to swing before the pitcher threw the ball? I have noticed that most umps don't know north and south but call east n west better. But do umps give certain pitchers or hitters better calls because of their name? I've seen double plays where the 2nd baseman didn't even touch 2nd base he missed it by 2 feet and the runner was called out, I figured that was so they wouldn't get injured being taken out. I have talked to a minor league ump before he said as long as a player didnt say you he was okay.
Rule #1 as a catcher. Never turn around to jaw an umpire. Always look straight ahead. Rule #2 Block everything, keep them clean, chat them up in between innings or batters. You'll get a few extra calls.
If there is any chance you might see this, Matt, or anyone else that might have insight: Is the rash of 'bad' off the plate called strikes in the MLB today partially due to the young umps with less than a few years experience still clinging to the wider minor league strike zone? We see this soooo much more with the use of the home-plate box on TV and, invariably, many of the umps are young.
Had to laugh about your comment regarding the umps at Eugene (Emeralds). One of my favorite old ball parks (Civic Stadium) and teams but that was a long time ago.
I discovered your channel today and have been listening while working. Sure helps the time pass by while hearing really cool stories about your baseball career. Have you thought about getting one of the players you played with to join you on one of your videos?
Good stuff Matt. I umpire High school in my area but had done some European pro ball officiating. Always talking to the players just like you said. Keeping it professional and love helping the kids move up the ladder. Keep putting out the content.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for saying that umpiring is not easy! I'm a 13 year old, and I umpire kids that are 8-12. When parents yell at me, i turn around and let them know I'm not afraid to throw anyone out (which normally shuts them up 😂). I also don't allow the players to give me body language. I do that because I want them to develop good habits for future baseball when they don't get the call to go their way. I have a story about this lady who would NOT stop dropping every curse word in the book and smoking behind home plate. I told her she's not gonna be smoking at my game, and made her go to the road. Now unfortunately, I don't think I could say anything about her mouth that needed 50 bars of soap shoved down it, because that's just freedom of speech; unlike the smoking which was on school grounds. You are also very right about the bad calls. You feel normally feel very bad when you make one. Thank you so much for taking time to read my comment! :)
First of all, Awesome to hear about a young umpire in the game, especially one that proudly stands his ground! I'll start with dealing with parents/spectators, 'usually' it's fairly obvious which team the trouble spectators are from, so personally I address the coach in between innings (unless extreme circumstances, in which case call time and address him (ideally out the front of the dugout, away from the team)) and inform him that he needs to control his fan/spectator/parent/etc. Tell them something along the lines of "This behaviour/language is unacceptable, especially for a junior game and as the coach, he needs to make sure it stops, immediately." Now, depending on your local rules, if it continues there are a few possible courses of action. 1. Eject the spectator (which can then lead to putting in a report on that club/team). 2. Tell the coach/manager if he doesn't remove the spectator IMMEDIATELY then HE will be ejected (for failing to follow an umpires orders) & his team will forfeit the match (once again this depends on LOCAL playing rules & conditions, please don't go forfeiting teams when it isn't in your LPR, as that is one way to earn a bad rep REAL quick). (Also worth noting, if neither team claims ownership of a toxic spectator then it is naturally the responsibility of the HOME team). (Also worth noting #2. Don't just go about threatening to eject parents, I can appreciate it would get results, but it's just not the right way to go about it.) As for Players body language, I appreciate where you're coming from with being strict on them, certainly not a bad thing. However a key thing to remember about Baseball, is that it is a very emotional game, allow for kids to be upset, however still stay on top of it so they don't go too far. I'm sorry for the essay and a half, if you have ANY umpiring or baseball questions feel free to get in touch, I'd be more than happy to help :) Tldr: Game management advice, PM me with any related or unrelated baseball questions.
The game belongs to the umpire. There is no "freedom of speech". Freedom of speech applies to the government, not baseball, organizations, companies, or anyone else. If I'm umpiring a game, no one at any level, league, or organization will be permitted to swear... In the stands or on the field.
Back when i used to umpire I only ever had to toss one player, this was i think the 15/16 year old league, and this one pitcher was just not finding the strike zone, and he was starting to get mad and say stuff to me, mostly the normal stuff, "come on, man, that was a strike!" "I'm not getting anything today" and so on, and y'know that's fine whatever, but when he said "You're the worst f***king ump I've ever seen" that's when i had to toss him, you can't drop an F-bomb on the field. The coach came out of course to ask what I tossed his pitcher for. He looked like he might have been considering getting himself tossed in solidarity, but when i told him what his pitcher said his demeanour relaxed and he was like "yeah you had to toss him for that". So that's my big ejection story, I tossed a couple of coaches over the years but that was the only player I ever ejected from a game.
What adjustments do teams make if any, to hitting or pitching based off the umpire's tendencies for calling balls or strikes? No matter what level of play, each umpire have different tendencies to call certain pitches balls or strikes not to mention some may have a strike zone so huge that hitters damn well need a telephone pole to hit it. Just wondering how hitters adjust to such a big strike zone or a pitcher adjust to a smaller zone.
I called some HS a couple of years. Close pitches are just that, they can usually go either way. Sometimes they just look more like a strike than a ball, sometimes the other way. Sometimes you know you might have missed it. I've told batters, "That was real close, I wouldn't take it again." It is pretty hard to be perfect. I can only imagine how hard it must be track a pitch 100mph moving like a snake coming in.
@@AntonelliBaseball why would this guy care about cups! Ok I get it, it's a joke. A bet he would love to be the one in the locker room giving "cup checks" LOL
Do you think there will come a time where technology as it is will call balls and strikes based on the batter's actual strike zone instead of the home ump?
Back when Brad Ausmus and Roy Oswalt were playing with the Astros and Bruce Froemming was umpiring, one game you could see Ausmus jawing at Froemming but looking forwards of course - Froemming was squeezing Oswalt and missed a high in the zone fastball, and not for the first time. Ausmus signals for the same pitch but doesn't really reach for it and it nails Froemming square in the top of his mask, knocking him down. Of course, trainers come out to make sure Froemming is okay, and he was. I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure it was on purpose. You ever see or hear of anything like that?
I have seen it a few times where it seems like it was on purpose. Tough to tell though! Thanks for watching our vids and commenting! I really appreciate it!
@@AntonelliBaseball Hey, man -thanks for the response and thanks for the content. It's fascinating stuff and very informative. I've been involved with the television side of baseball since 2000 and seen a lot, but there's still a lot of "mystery" to the nuts and bolts of becoming and being a ballplayer at that level. You've answered a lot of stuff I'd wanted to ask ballplayers but really couldn't because they were working, I was working, and it just wasn't really appropriate to start a conversation like that when we're at the ballpark trying to get our work done. Keep up the good work and thanks again!
5:30 hits the nail on the head- all the armchair QB's should try umping. Even beer-league softball game Umps catch tons of flak. I forgive all of them missing close calls/pitches; I only get mad at the ones who like to flex their authority!
Hey Matt what we're your thoughts playing in Syracuse, NY? That is my hometown and I go to Chiefs games a lot. Was the stadium nice for minor league stadium. What did you do in Syracuse for fun?
When I played in weekend warrior pick up games, we umpired ourselves and I HATED it because it was TOUGH. I always wanted a few replays with different angles. Umps don't get that luxury (and neither did I but our stupid games didn't matter). However, you're Major League umpires for a reason! You're the best and that's why you get the big bucks. My job is tough too, but our customers don't care, they want the best product. Fans want the best baseball possible. And ya know what the toughest job of all is...hitting a baseball! 30% is the best in the world! That's a pathetic F (and my dad beating the crap out of me) in school!
Pgh Kid I had a guy ring me up on a ball legit in the left handed batters box. All I did was ask him if the pitch clipped the strike zone and he started getting mad! He was a real tool
You should make your thumbnails more appealing. I thought I was getting the same video from you in my feed because the only thing that changes is that quote box and that's too small to notice.
I would love to be a MLB umpire. I have no idea how to do that... severely injured ex Soldier and Police Officer with no money to go to the school I looked up online...
Well when playing in those games I was able to see what the umpires were like. It didn't take long to notice a difference. Maybe a few games. Thank you for watching our stuff and commenting!
What most people don't realize is that minor league umpires are working their way up through the system to get jobs in the majors just like the players.
He didn't say effin' he said the real word. I got young kids on here so I'm not gonna say it. Next sentence: HOLY SHIT!
Brady Connor When did he say it
Haha I think one is worse than the other lol
Antonelli Baseball nothing kids don't hear at 12 yr old on the bench love the channel
haha, I was thinking the same thing... it’s not the words, but the timing
Antonelli Baseball That depends, to religious people who believe in the Ten Commandments, saying “holy ****” is much worse than any regular curse word
Matt, i have been an umpire for 9 years now. This is by far one of the fairest shakes that an umpire has gotten. You are 100% correct about the statements that start with "you" the job of an ump is thankless and an artform which many dont understand. Appreciate you being fair to the umpires.
Thanks!!! And thanks for watching!!
I was a soccer referee. That is like Football to the rest of the world, but there isn't any money so it doesn't stink as much. Great thankless job.
I loved the story of a basketball referee in the 1930's doing a high school basketball game in Kentucky in a small Appalacian town. The crowd was really getting nasty when the school prinicpal took the mic. The two refs were quite worried, and they thought that he was going to calm them down. The principal said, there was a game to be played and they needed to finish. But they were so corrupt they could take them outside after the game and beat them up.
As an ex pro umpire of 8 years, this is one of the BEST commentaries I have seen on umpires. There is so much ignorance out there. You are SPOT ON with your analysis.The reason the umpires in the ACC are better than low A ball umpires is because most of those guys are ex-pros who reached a high level and got released.
Well said Matt. I enjoyed working with you in AAA when I umpired. This is good stuff keep it up.
Thanks!!!
Ball
Mark Lollo Mark what’s up bud. Good to see your name. It’s been a long time. I went to Jimmy’s in 2005 came to see you in NH at one point.
When I saw the thumbnail I thought you were Jomboy
BrUh ThAt wAs A bAlL hOw R u So StUpId???111!!!??
Doesn’t say the F word, says “shit” 4 seconds later
Haha that seems not as bad as the F word to me lol. Thanks for watching and commenting!
😂😂😂😂😂
"That's a ball, I didn't swing at it"
Me whenever I strikeout
Mr. Votto will let you know when you throw a strike
Walking is great, you're driving up the pitch count and getting on base!
That was a really great umpire from someone that has been there and seen it. I have umpired most levels of baseball (thru a couple of small college) and softball (international fast pitch and slow pitch tourneys) in my career. I was away from it for about 20 years and just got back into again this year. I have seen lots of umpires that are good and lots more that while not bad are just lazy and those that do not believe in looking professional when walking on the field. Bucket list would be to do 1 MLB game before my time on earth is up! I had Joe West in an ASA Umpire school once many, many years ago and I like the man but to each his own. By the way I am 69 years old and probably in better physical shape now than when I worked games 20 years ago. Again great jog on umpires and yes it is a thankless job in youth ball.
I umpire college ball this is a great honest video...People dont understand how difficult it is.
Something for people to keep in mind in regards to umpires is that they get promoted through the minor leagues just like the players do. Frequently the umpires in the lower-level minor leagues are guys who are just starting to get in to pro umpiring. They're in their early 20's, and around the same age as the players. They'll usually spend 1-2 years at a level and then move up to short season and low-A, then go up to high-A and double A after a handful of years in the minors if they are performing well. There was a guy in our D-II baseball conference who was a catcher, first-team all-conference player, but never got a shot in pro baseball. His last year playing in college was 2011, and he has been umpiring ever since and is in Triple-A right now. Just as much of a grind as the players, considering the umpires rotate through the ballparks in the league just like the players do.
Matt, interesting point about having better umpires in the ACC than in low A ball. But when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. College umpires in D-1 are almost all former pro umpires that had several years in Double-A and Triple-A before they were cut loose. The D-1 conferences hire them because they have all that experience and they're all probably in the their upper 20s at the youngest all the way up through their 50s and 60s. So, yes, they have a lot of knowledge and experience that will make them better, more consistent umpires. But the umpires you saw in low-A ball were probably no more than 18 to 20 years old in many cases. It's quite common for a guy to graduate from high school at 18, go to pro school in January and February and be working at the lowest levels of pro ball before his 19th birthday. So -- no experience except what they got in pro school. They are quite literally learning on the job. In many cases, those umpires are younger than the the players.
Curt low A umpires although now professional, do not nearly have the experience of ACC guys. To get assigned to the ACC, you need far more amount of experience. Guys given contracts although passing Wendkestadt, do not even close have that experience. That is why they start at low A.......
@@dougthegreat1808 Doug, I think you and I are agreeing, right? Pro umpires at the lower end are almost always young guys with little experience while D-1 guys generally have some years of pro ball before being picked up for a major conference staff. So, we're on the same page here, right?
@@curtlewis2795 yes exactly!!
This was a HILARIOUS video Matt! Loved it!
Thanks!!! Thanks for watching!
I umpired dizzy dean when I was in high school during the off season (we werent allowed to play little league if you were rostered the season before)
I had a big zone but it was consistent. No matter the zone if its consistent that's all that matters
Swing the bat
Staying in touch with teammates
Good question!!! I'll put it up!
Matt, you have a very good conversational Style. When I watch a video it always feels like we're just sitting down on the couch and I just asked you the question that you're about to answer. Your honesty is appreciated as well. So nice to give people a realistic picture of all that goes into being a baseball player. I wasn't going to say anything but since you brought it up, I was thinking that if you were to be a little bit more careful with your language your videos could be super useful even for young kids. No big deal though.
Thanks!!! I try my best with the language lol. Sometimes they slip out. Thanks for watching!!
"Can't say the f word I got little kids on here"... "holy SHIT"
WolfieRapps Aye bro I love ur vids
That's not Wolfie...
3B thats not not him
Haha!
Matt viewed your message. We stated good input to players dealing with Umpires. The Good Umpires don't like missing missing a call at any time. And by the way the plate and catchers have many conversations throughout the game.
I'm an 11 year umpire vet of High school and juco. Good stuff!
My only experience with baseball is 12 or so years of city league (summer ball) and one year of high school. Still, I think the umpire experience is universal to players.
I seen to recall we had the same 3 or 4 umps every year, and definitely the same for each evening (the same guys would be out first game through last, usually 5:30-11:00 or so). One time I had an experience similar to you where the guy called a strike before the catcher had the ball. This one was so bad I actually had time to foul it off...it never even reached the catcher! Other than that, only one time do I even remember a coach telling me I right about a blown call!
Even at the lower levels, only two confirmed crap calls? Props to the umps. Sorry for all the times we joked about you wanting to get home early.
I’m a College Umpire and I 100% agree with what you said.
Thank you for saying that bit about umpiring being hard... as an umpire its likenomg finally someone understands what we have to go through lmao
Man this is the coolest info to hear from a player. This channel is the best, thanks Matt.
Thanks so much!!! Thanks for watching our stuff and commenting!!
Excellent video. One of your best.
« I cant say the word i got kids watching » two second later « holy shit that guy is good
Your exactly right I’m a umpire my self and I’m only 22 and it’s not easy specially when you get to highschool ball in Nc or any there State the higher level of ball the faster the game is and the calls are harder to make
Thanks for sharing!
Love your insider stuff explained so anyone can understand. Please keep making these.
I'm 21 and have been umpiring since I was 15. Started in tball and now I've been umpiring high school baseball for 3 years. Truly one of the most rewarding and satisfying jobs I've ever had. I had some terrible high school baseball umps so I'm trying to do right by these kids and call a fair game. Sometimes this gets the stands and coaches chirping but once I've been to a venue more than once the coaches and players come to really enjoy my zone because a ball is a ball and a strike is a strike: how it should be. The part about conversing with the ump and not looking at him is something that coaches should teach. I don't toss players or coaches until they start trying to make a spectacle out of it. If their respectful, I'm respectful. The only pet peeve I have is when the coach yells to the catcher "where was that pitch?!?" It's annoying and incites the fans to get involved. Great vid man!
JGarcia I had a bit of a bigger zone when I was umpiring and I flat out told coaches if its close its a strike so get your boys swinging. As long as you're consistent coaches dont care how big your zone
you are a moron I had an ump tell my team those exact words. Did you umpire in Pennsylvania?
Can you do a vid on what players and umps talk about after a strike out??
Mr.J P that would be cool
It is honestly almost the same as the talk I put in here. Usually just one saying its a ball and one saying its a strike lol. Thanks for watching!
Antonelli Baseball yea man! Thanks for making really good videos!
Pretty good... a lot of players never quite "get it"... sounds like you eventually did. Good insight and advice for young players...
I remember when Tim Timmons was in the New York-Penn League. I remember him being one of the best in the league that year, and of course, he moved up from there.
can you do a video on the best teammates you had in the major leagues? talent wise or just good people
Tom Glavine made it to the HOF livng 6-12" off the plate.I was a coach in LL...got banned out of the league for setting a bad example for the players. I yelled the F word one too many times.
The next year I became a Umpire. It was really fun.
Your videos are very insightful. I'm glad I found them. Thanks.
Thanks so much! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Also I subscribed and clicked the bell. Your experience validates your work you do today. Keep it up.
Can you talk about your opinion on dipping and was dipping allowed off the field in the minors?
I can't believe I missed this video. I know I asked for a video on this a couple times. Thanks and still love the videos.
Thanks!!!
“I’ve gotta watch the language I’ve got kids watching this.”
Less than 10 seconds later: “I was like, holllllly shit”
😆🤣😂🤷♂️
Joe West & Angel Hernandez are jokes, but generally the umpires are very good.
Joe West has a good zone but he's a dick and fat and slow and physically embarrassing, and thinks the game is about him.
Joe West, Angel Hernandez, and CB Bucknor are definitely the worst. Strange thing is West is not actually that bad but he has to be the center of attention which keeps putting him in weird situations where he comes off as an ass.
On the other hand, Hernandez and Bucknor are all over the place, one game they'll be decent and then the next they just completely forget the rules (Bucknor) or stop paying attention constantly. (Hernandez)
@@dgcanehdianI agree with you but you should add Kerwin Daley to that list.
@@dgcanehdian Joe West has been umpiring so long that yes, he indeed thinks the game is about him. His ego does not allow him to be seen and not heard as a good umpire should be. I think Joe's job performance has gone way down in recent years.
Recently discovered your channel... really good and insightful vids! As an umpire (HS, Legion down to LL) for 20 plus years, I really appreciate your comments regarding how hard umpiring can be. Thanks again for all your postings!
Thanks!!! Thanks for watching!
"I gotta watch out, I got young kids on here.. anyway, I was like holy shit, I gotta put the tag on!" lol
Matt, I'm enjoying your insight. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks!!!! Thanks for watching!!
I coach 14U and with our Friday night practices we show UTUBE stuff for some fun time. This video will be played this Friday night. Yes it's an older video but it's funny and informative. Keep up the good work.
Best umps I ever seen were at little league Richmond Hill in Queens, and then in Memphis little league. Strict zone, very consistent. Never got any bad calls.
My team mate and best bud was a September call up with the Royals in 97 as a catcher. His first game behind the dish was against the Chisox and legendary Tim Mclellan was doing the plate. Tim told my buddy Andy, welcome to the majors and you must have impressed and worked hard. Mclelland said don't block me out or else you won't get the call. Another thing he said was that it's Ozzie Guillen day here (in Chicago) and Ozzie will not strike out today unless he goes down swinging. Andy said he framed two nice strikes on Ozzie and did not get the strike call. Andy had to go out to his pitcher (can't remember if he was a 40 man call up) and explain what was happening...that he had to pitch to contact and not try to get a punch out. Interesting stuff
Very interesting! Thanks for watching and commenting!
That’s the great thing about umpiring/reffing any sport. Most of the time, if you call it by the books, every player on both teams will hate you. It’s like how basketball refs are pretty liberal with the 5 second count on inbounds passes. Or football refs letting a few small holds go uncalled. I ref a few sports and sometimes (like when the ball goes out in soccer), 95% of the time you don’t even need to make a call, the players will know themselves. But sometimes they don’t and they look at you, and you better be sure!
Great videos Matt!
Any C.B. Bucknor stories?
Do a video on rule 5 draft for this. Great videos I enjoy
Damn i watched one of your videos and now i feel i got to watch them all !! Interesting stuff, i wish i could find more like this for nfl also. Thanks Antonelli
Haha thanks!!! Thanks for watching our videos and for commenting!!!
How would you deal with a slump? make a video on that or how to get better mental toughness, also were there certain pitchers that hated to pitch when certain umpires when they know their gonna be the HP ump? Did you ever make your mind up to swing before the pitcher threw the ball? I have noticed that most umps don't know north and south but call east n west better. But do umps give certain pitchers or hitters better calls because of their name? I've seen double plays where the 2nd baseman didn't even touch 2nd base he missed it by 2 feet and the runner was called out, I figured that was so they wouldn't get injured being taken out. I have talked to a minor league ump before he said as long as a player didnt say you he was okay.
Rule #1 as a catcher. Never turn around to jaw an umpire. Always look straight ahead. Rule #2 Block everything, keep them clean, chat them up in between innings or batters. You'll get a few extra calls.
Absolutely!! Totally agree! Thanks so much for watching and I really appreciate you commenting!!
If there is any chance you might see this, Matt, or anyone else that might have insight:
Is the rash of 'bad' off the plate called strikes in the MLB today partially due to the young umps with less than a few years experience still clinging to the wider minor league strike zone? We see this soooo much more with the use of the home-plate box on TV and, invariably, many of the umps are young.
Had to laugh about your comment regarding the umps at Eugene (Emeralds). One of my favorite old ball parks (Civic Stadium) and teams but that was a long time ago.
Haha they were brutal at times lol. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I discovered your channel today and have been listening while working. Sure helps the time pass by while hearing really cool stories about your baseball career.
Have you thought about getting one of the players you played with to join you on one of your videos?
Thanks! I have thought about it. Hopefully will do it soon! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Love to hear more stories kinda like that umpire one
Will do!
Good stuff Matt. I umpire High school in my area but had done some European pro ball officiating. Always talking to the players just like you said. Keeping it professional and love helping the kids move up the ladder. Keep putting out the content.
“You” are right ,the minute it’s made personal you lose any leash you may have had
Thank you, thank you, thank you for saying that umpiring is not easy! I'm a 13 year old, and I umpire kids that are 8-12. When parents yell at me, i turn around and let them know I'm not afraid to throw anyone out (which normally shuts them up 😂). I also don't allow the players to give me body language. I do that because I want them to develop good habits for future baseball when they don't get the call to go their way. I have a story about this lady who would NOT stop dropping every curse word in the book and smoking behind home plate. I told her she's not gonna be smoking at my game, and made her go to the road. Now unfortunately, I don't think I could say anything about her mouth that needed 50 bars of soap shoved down it, because that's just freedom of speech; unlike the smoking which was on school grounds. You are also very right about the bad calls. You feel normally feel very bad when you make one. Thank you so much for taking time to read my comment! :)
When I umpire I’m allowed to warn them if they swear and if they don’t stop then I can throw them out
First of all, Awesome to hear about a young umpire in the game, especially one that proudly stands his ground!
I'll start with dealing with parents/spectators, 'usually' it's fairly obvious which team the trouble spectators are from, so personally I address the coach in between innings (unless extreme circumstances, in which case call time and address him (ideally out the front of the dugout, away from the team)) and inform him that he needs to control his fan/spectator/parent/etc. Tell them something along the lines of "This behaviour/language is unacceptable, especially for a junior game and as the coach, he needs to make sure it stops, immediately." Now, depending on your local rules, if it continues there are a few possible courses of action. 1. Eject the spectator (which can then lead to putting in a report on that club/team). 2. Tell the coach/manager if he doesn't remove the spectator IMMEDIATELY then HE will be ejected (for failing to follow an umpires orders) & his team will forfeit the match (once again this depends on LOCAL playing rules & conditions, please don't go forfeiting teams when it isn't in your LPR, as that is one way to earn a bad rep REAL quick).
(Also worth noting, if neither team claims ownership of a toxic spectator then it is naturally the responsibility of the HOME team).
(Also worth noting #2. Don't just go about threatening to eject parents, I can appreciate it would get results, but it's just not the right way to go about it.)
As for Players body language, I appreciate where you're coming from with being strict on them, certainly not a bad thing. However a key thing to remember about Baseball, is that it is a very emotional game, allow for kids to be upset, however still stay on top of it so they don't go too far.
I'm sorry for the essay and a half, if you have ANY umpiring or baseball questions feel free to get in touch, I'd be more than happy to help :)
Tldr: Game management advice, PM me with any related or unrelated baseball questions.
The game belongs to the umpire. There is no "freedom of speech". Freedom of speech applies to the government, not baseball, organizations, companies, or anyone else. If I'm umpiring a game, no one at any level, league, or organization will be permitted to swear... In the stands or on the field.
Back when i used to umpire I only ever had to toss one player, this was i think the 15/16 year old league, and this one pitcher was just not finding the strike zone, and he was starting to get mad and say stuff to me, mostly the normal stuff, "come on, man, that was a strike!" "I'm not getting anything today" and so on, and y'know that's fine whatever, but when he said "You're the worst f***king ump I've ever seen" that's when i had to toss him, you can't drop an F-bomb on the field.
The coach came out of course to ask what I tossed his pitcher for. He looked like he might have been considering getting himself tossed in solidarity, but when i told him what his pitcher said his demeanour relaxed and he was like "yeah you had to toss him for that". So that's my big ejection story, I tossed a couple of coaches over the years but that was the only player I ever ejected from a game.
Did you know any players who drank or smoked?
Angel most players drink. They used to smoke too. John lackey can slam six beers in five minutes bro. He's my idol
Yeah definitely. I don't know a lot that smoked, but most players will drink after games. Not a lot, but have a casual drink
Chris Benoit's Daycare he was actully Cuban.
That just shows how ignorant you are. LOL
I just started umpiring youth baseball this year and I can attest that it can be hard at times.
I believe it! Thanks for watching!
What adjustments do teams make if any, to hitting or pitching based off the umpire's tendencies for calling balls or strikes? No matter what level of play, each umpire have different tendencies to call certain pitches balls or strikes not to mention some may have a strike zone so huge that hitters damn well need a telephone pole to hit it. Just wondering how hitters adjust to such a big strike zone or a pitcher adjust to a smaller zone.
"This is amazing, I love the Major Leagues" 😂
Haha yup!!!
Can you do a video about why the minors leagues wear helmets styles than major league
I actually don't know the answer. I'm assuming it has something to do with the MLB agreements vs MILB.
www.milb.com/milb/news/ask-milbcom-whats-the-difference/c-13103998
What's the process when u get traded
I called some HS a couple of years. Close pitches are just that, they can usually go either way. Sometimes they just look more like a strike than a ball, sometimes the other way. Sometimes you know you might have missed it. I've told batters, "That was real close, I wouldn't take it again." It is pretty hard to be perfect. I can only imagine how hard it must be track a pitch 100mph moving like a snake coming in.
I agree!! Thanks for commenting!
Have you ever read "The Umpire Strikes Back" by Ron Luciano?
I haven't! I'll check it out though. Thanks for watching!
does the catcher ever try to distract you while you swing like saying stuff like "yo momma is fat"
no
Hahaha I never had one do it, but I'm sure they are out there lol
I absolutely love to do stuff like that when I'm catching against friends. Love talking to the other team's players
I’m sorry to me that is unsportsmanlike conduct and personally in my opinion if it happens there should be consequences but not trying to pick a fight
Hey batta batta hey batta batta swing!
Can you do a video on players wearing a protective cup?
Infielders do, outfielders not really. Thanks for watching!!!
@@AntonelliBaseball why would this guy care about cups! Ok I get it, it's a joke. A bet he would love to be the one in the locker room giving "cup checks" LOL
Do you think there will come a time where technology as it is will call balls and strikes based on the batter's actual strike zone instead of the home ump?
I did a video on that recently. Thanks for watching and commenting!
If you get an injury that requires surgery does the team pay for that or does the player have to pay for it?
TheGAMINGJoker team duh
Can you help me with a question my son has?? His question is why don't umpires give interviews and do they get in trouble for bad calls??
Calling safe or out on the bases seams like a really easy job. Do you like instant replay in baseball?
I think there are certain plays that are tough. I personally don't mind instant replay. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Chris Baker why don’t you sign up to umpire locally and try it. Than come back and tell me how easy it is
So why did that 2nd base ump call him out when he knew Matt missed the tag? I'm confused.
I always go full Bryce Harper when I get a bad call. Immediate toss
Hahaha! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I would toss you too............
Back when Brad Ausmus and Roy Oswalt were playing with the Astros and Bruce Froemming was umpiring, one game you could see Ausmus jawing at Froemming but looking forwards of course - Froemming was squeezing Oswalt and missed a high in the zone fastball, and not for the first time. Ausmus signals for the same pitch but doesn't really reach for it and it nails Froemming square in the top of his mask, knocking him down. Of course, trainers come out to make sure Froemming is okay, and he was. I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure it was on purpose. You ever see or hear of anything like that?
I have seen it a few times where it seems like it was on purpose. Tough to tell though! Thanks for watching our vids and commenting! I really appreciate it!
@@AntonelliBaseball Hey, man -thanks for the response and thanks for the content. It's fascinating stuff and very informative. I've been involved with the television side of baseball since 2000 and seen a lot, but there's still a lot of "mystery" to the nuts and bolts of becoming and being a ballplayer at that level. You've answered a lot of stuff I'd wanted to ask ballplayers but really couldn't because they were working, I was working, and it just wasn't really appropriate to start a conversation like that when we're at the ballpark trying to get our work done. Keep up the good work and thanks again!
Nice video Matt
Thanks and thanks for watching!
5:30 hits the nail on the head- all the armchair QB's should try umping. Even beer-league softball game Umps catch tons of flak. I forgive all of them missing close calls/pitches; I only get mad at the ones who like to flex their authority!
Hey Matt what we're your thoughts playing in Syracuse, NY? That is my hometown and I go to Chiefs games a lot. Was the stadium nice for minor league stadium. What did you do in Syracuse for fun?
I enjoyed it! Stadium was nice. Not a ton of fans at our games, but still fun. And didn't do a lot for fun haha! Thanks for watching and commenting!
7:25 I’ve got young kids on here.. then says holy shit.. lmao
Inspiration to play baseball
When I played in weekend warrior pick up games, we umpired ourselves and I HATED it because it was TOUGH. I always wanted a few replays with different angles. Umps don't get that luxury (and neither did I but our stupid games didn't matter).
However, you're Major League umpires for a reason! You're the best and that's why you get the big bucks. My job is tough too, but our customers don't care, they want the best product. Fans want the best baseball possible.
And ya know what the toughest job of all is...hitting a baseball! 30% is the best in the world! That's a pathetic F (and my dad beating the crap out of me) in school!
Good Video!
Thanks!!! Thanks for watching!
Do you happen to remember who the field ump was that yelled at you for missing the tag?
I can't remember his name. I remember the face though lol
I had a bad experience this year w an umpire, I was pitching this year, and the ump moved out the way of a lot of pitches during 3/4 of the game
Pgh Kid I had a guy ring me up on a ball legit in the left handed batters box. All I did was ask him if the pitch clipped the strike zone and he started getting mad! He was a real tool
That's terrible! Thanks for watching!
Cole Whisnant obviously if he called you out he felt it did so you asking that comes across as being a wise ass showing him up.
what is your thought process in the batters box?
I've made a few videos on that in the past if you check out our old videos. Thanks for watching!!
how are the coaches in the minors and mlb?
would you reccomend adult baseball, NABA / MSBL for 18+ who are prepping for college or transitioning into college or headed into college ball
It really depends on the league. I've seen some good ones and seen some that are not so good. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Did you ever get tossed for arguing w/an ump?
Doesn't single A only crew with 2 field umps?
You should make your thumbnails more appealing. I thought I was getting the same video from you in my feed because the only thing that changes is that quote box and that's too small to notice.
Are there NL and AL umps?
In umpire school they teach you to call strikes ‘line to line’ in single A
How to get a ball in batting practice?
Did you get butterflies before every game? Also describe the biggest situations you've played in
Yeah absolutely! I'll try to throw something up for you. Thanks for watching!
Why didn't you hit in the major leagues ? Can you do a video where you breakdown your major league swing.
Yes I did about a year ago or so if you go back through our vids you will find it. Thanks for watching!
I would love to be a MLB umpire. I have no idea how to do that... severely injured ex Soldier and Police Officer with no money to go to the school I looked up online...
So in your vast 28-day Major League experience, how are you able to compare major league and minor league umpires?
Well when playing in those games I was able to see what the umpires were like. It didn't take long to notice a difference. Maybe a few games. Thank you for watching our stuff and commenting!
@@AntonelliBaseball You're welcome.
What about drug usage throughout high-school to mlb?
Just found your channel who did u play for?
Padres, Orioles, Yankees, Indians, and Nationals. Thanks for watching!
What most people don't realize is that minor league umpires are working their way up through the system to get jobs in the majors just like the players.