BBF 2011 LEAGUES
The British Baseball Federation has released the league and divisional structures for the 2011 baseball season that will begin for all leagues on Sunday 17 April.
51 adult teams will play at four levels and in ten divisions during the 2011 season. The flagship National Baseball League has expanded again this year, to ten teams and two divisions. more info
51 adult teams will play at four levels and in ten divisions during the 2011 season. The flagship National Baseball League has expanded again this year, to ten teams and two divisions. more info
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is Monday April 25, 2011 and will take place via Skype at 19:30 hours.
It's an Indicator...Not a Clicker
The umpire indicator is a staple for most amateur umpires. This information offers some tips to the new umpire on the proper use of the indicator.read more
ABUA GB Set 2011 Game Fees and Expenses
The ABUA GB Executive Board in consultation with our Membership have set the 2011 Game Fees and Expenses for all British Baseball Federation schedulled Games including Play-Offs and National Baseball Championships....2011 Fees
MLB umpire Ed Hickox gets a $775K jury award as a result of a foul ball injury
In 2005, umpire Ed Hickox was hit by a foul ball behind home plate. It knocked his mask off as it hit him in the jaw and caused broken bones and a concussion. Hickox sued Wilson, the mask’s manufacturer. Yesterday a jury returned a verdict in his favor to the tune of $775,000...more info
The Jim Evans Interview
Just after I had finished my “final” blog from JEAPU a couple weeks ago, I managed to get a quick chat with Jim and I started by asking what amateur umpires should strive for and what “pearls of wisdom” he could give. more
Umpire Recovery from Pat Shannahan on Vimeo.
Need An Umpire?
The umpires also are getting ready for the new season and we also need to get our game in shape. If you need your pre-season games umpired please get in touch and we will gladly help your club out....Contact The ABUA GB
Thomas Haywood reports from Jim Evans
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3+ Bonus Day 4 Day 5 Last Report
Thomas Haywood
ABUA GB veteran umpire Thomas Haywood a graduate of the Jim Evans Professional Umpire School is going back to Florida to take some photos and catch up with his instructors including former MLB umpire and owner of the Academt Mr. Jim Evans himself. Thomas will also be sending in daily reports of what he has been doing and inparticular on how one British Umpire is fairing with the camp and the Florida heat...Report
ABUA GB Midlands Clinic
ABUA GB are pleased to announce that Nottingham Rebels have agreed to host the Midlands Clinic Saturday April 16.2011. This clinic is open to all Midland Clubs for more info contact Shannon Henry
ABUA GB Northern Clinic
ABUA GB are pleased to announce the Northern Umpire Clinic will take place at Menwith Hill Station Sunday April 10, 2011. To register for this clinic please fill in and submit the RSVP form here
ABUA GB Commissioner responds to BSUK and BBF Boards (Umpire Development)
To All BBF Clubs,
The ABUA GB submitted our Umpire Development proposal last Oct which would have helped all BBF Members by creating a certification program that would have seen all BBF clubs eventually have ABUA GB assigned/ trained officials working their games, unfortunately BSUK and your BBF Board failed to play their part in implementing this important program.
The ABUA GB was continually asked to rework and re do the plan which we did on every occasion only to have more added changes or omissions. The ABUA GB met every deadline and request only to be let down by both BSUK and the BBF who obviously do not believe that umpire development is part of the remit BSUK are tasked with. It is a black day for British Baseball.
The ABUA GB is an Independent Service Provider with Professionally Trained Instructors. BSUK and the BBF Board felt it necessary to dictate who could and who could not teach our clinics, and gave an ultimatum that was unacceptable to the ABUA GB.
The ABUA GB will now try to help those BBF Clubs who never get umpires assigned by running some clinics starting in the next two weeks. The ABUA GB is asking all AA - A teams to contact us so we can prepare a schedule of events.
Regards
Darrin Muller
ABUA GB Commissioner
Letter sent to The BBF
The ABUA GB submitted our Umpire Development proposal last Oct which would have helped all BBF Members by creating a certification program that would have seen all BBF clubs eventually have ABUA GB assigned/ trained officials working their games, unfortunately BSUK and your BBF Board failed to play their part in implementing this important program.
The ABUA GB was continually asked to rework and re do the plan which we did on every occasion only to have more added changes or omissions. The ABUA GB met every deadline and request only to be let down by both BSUK and the BBF who obviously do not believe that umpire development is part of the remit BSUK are tasked with. It is a black day for British Baseball.
The ABUA GB is an Independent Service Provider with Professionally Trained Instructors. BSUK and the BBF Board felt it necessary to dictate who could and who could not teach our clinics, and gave an ultimatum that was unacceptable to the ABUA GB.
The ABUA GB will now try to help those BBF Clubs who never get umpires assigned by running some clinics starting in the next two weeks. The ABUA GB is asking all AA - A teams to contact us so we can prepare a schedule of events.
Regards
Darrin Muller
ABUA GB Commissioner
Letter sent to The BBF
ALL BBF/BSUK UMPIRES CLINICS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE BBF PRESIDENT MARK SALTER BY EMAIL
mark.salter@britishbaseball.org
Umpire Developments Plans
From 2011 to 2013 the ABUA GB will be launching and implementing the Umpire Development Plan (UDP) in partnership with the British Baseball Federation (BBF) the National Governing Body (NGB) and Baseball Softball UK (BSUK) the Development Agency that is 50% owned and operated by the BBF.
The ABUA GB/BBF/BSUK Umpire Development Plan will also help to recruit and train many new umpires that will include ABUA GB Trainee/Club umpires but will provided the opportunity for any umpire to gain accreditation up to a Level 5.
The ABUA GB/BBF/BSUK Umpire Development Plan will also help to recruit and train many new umpires that will include ABUA GB Trainee/Club umpires but will provided the opportunity for any umpire to gain accreditation up to a Level 5.
Try This Approach...it might just work for you
Lee Manning talks with Eddie Fannon
Good Advice for Managers
You really, really didn’t like that last call, and you think it’s time to go out and see if you can get the umpire to change his or her mind. Here are some tips on how to “argue” with an umpire You may win, you may not. But if you keep some of these items in mind, your chances are better. more info
You really, really didn’t like that last call, and you think it’s time to go out and see if you can get the umpire to change his or her mind. Here are some tips on how to “argue” with an umpire You may win, you may not. But if you keep some of these items in mind, your chances are better. more info
Baseball Umpires The Secret of Why They Do It!
People who witness umpires during a ball game may wonder why they do it. By all appearances the umpire has weighty responsibilities and in return is shown little respect or appreciation for his or her efforts. The truth is, most umpires benefit in ways people do not realize. Full Article
Darrin Muller reflects back on the Baseball World Cup
Even an IBAF unpire does kids games
ABUA GB Commisioner tells us what it was like to work the IBAF World Cup In September 2009 the IBAF Baseball World Cup came to Europe for the first time in its history. This was the first time since the inaugural event in 1938 that Great Britain had qualified. It was also the first time that an umpire from Great Britain had been selected to umpire this prestigious event.....full story
"You're Gone!"
Ever wondered what was said by a player, coach or manager when they get tossed from a ball game? here is just a few reasons they get ejected..more
Steve Palermo
Former MLB Umpire Steve Palermo
The year was 1991. Palermo began his 15th year in the big leagues. He had already established himself as the best in baseball and just prior to spring training wed the love of his life, Debbie Aaron. But all that provided minimal consolation that July night after a mugger's bullet struck his spinal cord, leaving him in a life-threatening situation. This all happened simply because he reacted quickly, just like an umpire...full story
Fantastic Video with Jim Evans
With Thomas Haywood reporting from Florida about the Jim Evans Professional Umpire School we thought you would like to see just what it takes to be an umpire....check it out because it is fantastic and what life as an umpire strarting out can be in professional baseball...video
The Late Great Umpire Ron Luciano
Ron Luciano making his call
"I was an umpire, but beneath my chest protector beat the heart of a fan," said Luciano. He applauded great plays, shook hands with home run hitters, and congratulated players after a good game. His on-the-field histrionics delighted the fans but were often frowned upon by players and fellow umpires. In 1975 Cleveland manager Frank Robinson levied $200 fines against Indians caught talking to Luciano during a game. ...full story
Dog Days of Winter
J.J Putz
If there is such a thing as the dog days of summer, then the same must apply to the winter and if that is the case, then for baseball people, the month of January is certainly that time....full story
ABUA GB AGM
The AGM takes place January 16 2011 where the ABUA GB Members will be taking care of business including conducting elections for all Executive Board positions. The Association will be voting on a new Constitution and Bye-Laws that will help move the Association forward. The Umpire Development Plan that was well recieved by the BBF and BSUK will be discussed as will the Clinics planned for this Spring. ...full report to follow
History of IBAF
THE history of IBAF In the 1930's the world of baseball felt the need of an organization that ruled the amateur side of a professional sport. The International Baseball Federation was born The game of baseball was played all over northern and central America and in Japan well before the end of the 19th century. In the United States of America baseball had been a game for professionals ..full story
A Good Nights Work
Bob Davidson
In the game last Sept between the Cardinals and the Brewers, Bob Davidson did something that we have thought of doing but never seen in done in a professional game. He ejected a fan sitting behind home plate about 4 rows up. Check out the video by clicking here.
The video also shows the other 3 ejections that game, one by Tim Timmons and 2 by Bob Davidson.
Davidson ejection total to a MLB leading 10 or 11 if you count the fan. The Fan that was ejected was 44 year old Sean Ottow. He was booked and charged with disorderly conduct.It would be great to read his game report.
The video also shows the other 3 ejections that game, one by Tim Timmons and 2 by Bob Davidson.
Davidson ejection total to a MLB leading 10 or 11 if you count the fan. The Fan that was ejected was 44 year old Sean Ottow. He was booked and charged with disorderly conduct.It would be great to read his game report.
Hoffman Retires
Trevor Hoffman
Trevor Hoffman, the all-time saves leader, has officially retired after 18 seasons.
The 43-year-old right-hander leaves the game with 601 saves, 42 ahead of current New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. He recorded 552 of his saves with the Padres, including nine seasons of at least 40 saves and another four with at least 30...full story
The 43-year-old right-hander leaves the game with 601 saves, 42 ahead of current New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. He recorded 552 of his saves with the Padres, including nine seasons of at least 40 saves and another four with at least 30...full story
