MiLB Severs Ties with Jim Evans

New York Times Article:

For Umpiring School, a Staff Party Proves Costly

By ANDREW KEH

Published: February 9, 2012

Minor League Baseball severed ties with the Jim Evans Academy for Professional Umpiring after learning that employees had dressed up in costumes inspired by the Ku Klux Klan.

 

Review of Maximizing the Two-Umpire System

Umpires are often isolated and universally despised. We are expected to be calm islands, towers of strength, and impenetrable fortresses of impartiality. It is mentally challenging to be an umpire. We never get to relax and just enjoy being at a game. Add to this the requirement of complete knowledge of the rules, knowing the correct application of the rules, knowing how to handle situations, and knowing how to physically perform the job of umpiring. Well, that’s a lot of “knowing!”

The rulebook tells us that the “[m]ost important rule for umpires is always “BE IN POSITION TO SEE EVERY PLAY.” Even though your decision may be 100% right, players still question it if they feel you were not in a spot to see the play clearly and definitely.” Rule 9, General Instructions to Umpire.

There are not many resources available that teach this “most important rule.” Teaching umpire mechanics is a small, niche market. Some umpires don’t consider the study of correct mechanics to be that important (what?! “THE most important rule,” remember?). Add to it that umpires tend to be a conservative group and also conservative with their dollars. While there are many cutesy books on the baseball rules written for coaches and fans, there are very few books that instruct an umpire on proper mechanics.

The Jim Evans book Maximizing the Two-Umpire System is a treasure of umpire literature. It is the most important book for an umpire to own after the rulebook. Perhaps I am overstating my point?

No. This book is outstanding.

Maximizing the Two-Umpire System is 283 pages long. That is 283 pages you need to study to learn the two umpire system. This is the same instruction given to students at the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring. This book is meant to be comprehensive and teach the reader how to umpire on the field.

Mission accomplished, Mr. Evans.

Maximizing the Two-Umpire System is authored by Jim Evans, Dick Nelson, former field supervisor for Major League Baseball's Umpire Development Program, and with special thanks to umpire Jason Klein. The book devotes 17 pages to a glossary of umpiring terms. The reader is introduced to basic umpiring concepts that are explained in direct and clear terms. Pause, Read and React; Watch the Ball, Glance at the Runners; Ninety-Degree Theory. You may know or think you know these terms, but the Maximizing the Two-Umpire System breaks the concept down and allows you to learn it the right way.

The second chapter summarizes the umpire’s basic responsibilities which are organized into a Pre-Game Checklist. Does Evans really expect umpires to use this 14 page pre-game checklist? YES! This is important stuff and can mean the difference between getting the call right and handling your situations, and dealing with a sh*t house.

Evans provides his Seven Laws of Umpiring:

1. Anticipate all play possibilities but not their outcome.

2. Proper positioning is defined by proper angle and distance.

3. Proper angle is primary to distance.

4. Proper positioning is a function of time.

5. There are three possible positions for every play.

6. The call is a mental process and the signal is physical.

7. No play can be considered routine until it is over.

Do you want to get better? Learn the laws, live the laws. Not because Evans preaches it, but because these concepts are fundamental. Heed the laws and strive to perfect your mechanics on the field.

Evans provides diagrams and explanation for eight runner situations. The reader is shown the proper position on the field and the responsibilities for the plate umpire and the base umpire for each base runner scenario. Tips and tricks are provided to help the umpire attain the proper position and anticipate play possibilities.

Finally, the last chapter of Maximizing the Two-Umpire System explains umpire communication and signaling.

If you have read this far you will think that I was either paid to write this article, or I am somehow good friends with Jim Evans. I have never met the guy and I am not paid to write this review. I personally think very highly of Mr. Evans for what he has done for “my profession” (as Doug Harvey calls it) I think he should be praised. Thank goodness we have people like Jim Evans to help us be better umpires.

Maximizing the Two-Umpire System is available at the following on-line retailers:

Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring - $69.95

ABUA Website - $69.95

Fair Or Foul?
This book goes yard. It is absolutely fair, no video review necessary. It is simple: if you want to be a better umpire, first study the rules. The second thing to do is buy Maximizing the Two-Umpire System and read it cover to cover.

Review of the Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag

Over the past few months Jason Klein at Jim Evans Academy has offered to send the newly redesigned Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag for review. To tell the truth, I wasn’t anxious to review this product. When testing the Dry-Lo in 2009, the seams unraveled on me and the overall quality was lacking. Nevertheless, I agreed to review it and prepared myself to disappoint Jason.

Well, the redesigned Dry-Lo Ball Bag has reminded me that it is a cardinal sin for an umpire to anticipate a call. The new Dry-Lo Ball Bag is without a doubt better in quality and design than its predecessor.

New Size
The new Dry-Lo Ball Bag from Jim Evans is bigger than the previous model. It is .75” wider at the belt loop and ball opening, .5” longer top to bottom, and has a more tapered configuration. The right inside pocket is also .25” wider than before. Below are the dimensions for the redesigned Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag.

Top Opening Width	11.75
Bottom Width	12.25
Ball Compartment Length	9.25
Total Length	13.25
From Belt Loop	3.5
Belt Loop Opening	3.0
Left Inside Width	4.25
Left Inside Length	4.75
Right Inside Width	4.5
Right Inside Length	4.75
Pen Pocket Width	2.0
Pen Pocket Length	4.75

New Design
The Dry-Lo has increased the taper angle of the bag. The tapered design is used to keep baseballs in the bag while running. This bag can accommodate three baseballs side-by-side with room to spare (the previous Dry-Lo design would accommodate three baseballs side-by-side, but the fit was snug). I wear two ball bags while working the plate and keep my plate brush in the right front pocket. The previous design of the Dry-Lo made it difficult to remove my plate brush, but this redesigned bag solves the problem by widening the pocket by a quarter inch.

The Dry-Lo is made of two pieces of study polyester. Polyester is a moisture wicking material, and the Dry-Lo places a waterproof nylon liner between the bag and your pant leg. The purpose of this liner is to prevent sweat from your leg from wicking through the bag to the baseballs.

New Construction
One of the most significant changes in the Dry-Lo is the change from a single “running stitch” (a single stitch going in a straight line) to a zigzag stitch throughout the bag. The zigzag stitch offers more flexibility allowing the polyester seam to stretch and move without breaking. This is a large design improvement.

Price
The Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag is available in either Black or Navy, with or without inside pockets, and sells for $16.95 at the following on-line retailers.

Honig's for $16.95
Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring for $16.95
ABUA Online Store for $16.95
Force3 Pro Gear Store for $16.95

A discount is offered at Jim Evan’s site: buy one at $16.95 and the second is available for $12.00 more.

***EXCLUSIVE OFFER***

Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring has authorized a discount for readers of Midwest Ump: Two Dry-Low Umpire Ball bags (any color or style) for only $25! This discount expires 10/31/2010. Use this link and enter the coupon code c30caf at checkout.

Bottom Line
The newly redesigned Dry-Lo Umpire Ball Bag has been a pleasant surprise. I like the larger bag and the stronger zigzag stitching. At less than $30.00 for two bags (through Jim Evans’ site), the Dry-Lo is a outstanding balance of price and quality. The Dry-Lo Umpire Ball bag is an excellent choice when considering a ball bag purchase.

Review of Force3 Pro Gear Ultimate Umpire Socks

Today Midwest Ump reviews the Force3 Pro Gear Ultimate Umpire Socks. Force3 is a new product line from the Jim Evans Academy and the Amateur Baseball Umpires' Association (owned by Jim Evans). Force3 currently offers three products: the Dry-Low Ball Bag, the Ultimate Equipment Bag, and the Force3 Ultimate Umpire Socks available at Jim Evans websites:

Jim Evan's Umpire Academy

Force3 Website

ABUA Webiste

The Ultimate Umpire Socks are made from CoolMax, Cotton, and Lycra, and are advertised to keep “your feet at the right temperature no matter if it is cold or hot outside.” Coolmax is a specially engineered polyester that wicks away moisture and has improved breathability compared to natural materials like cotton. The CoolMax fabric is a popular choice in moisture wicking socks. Manufacturers like Champion, Adidas, and Thorlos use CoolMax in their performance socks.

I was sent the Ultimate Umpire Socks to test and review, and I have worn these socks in the Midwest heat and humidity for two months. As an ex-military guy, I wear Thorlo combat boot socks as my umpiring socks, so my standards in reviewing the Force3 Ultimate Umpire Socks are pretty high.

The first thing I noticed about the Ultimate Umpire Socks is the light weight. A pair of Ultimate Umpire Socks weighs a mere 3 ounces, compared to my Thorlos at 4.5 ounces. The Thorlos are quite a bit thicker. The CoolMax fabric in the Ultimate is very cotton-like and soft. There is additional padding on the toe, sole, and heel. A mesh weave to increase air flow is located just behind the toe area and in front of the metatarsal. There are two “compression points” made of a Lycra material at the metatarsal and ankle for support and to prevent bunching. The Ultimate Umpire Socks stretch over my calves and Lycra material located at the top prevent the socks from falling.

The Ultimate Umpire Socks breathe well and the socks do wick moisture away from the foot. They are comfortable even on the hottest days. In comparing the Ultimate to the Thorlos side-by side, the Thorlos are thicker and have a slightly more comfortable sole, but this comfort comes at a price of decreasing airflow. After wearing the Ultimates during hot July games, I consider the Force3 socks cooler than the thicker Thorlos.

The Ultimate Umpire Socks are holding up well after two months of wear. I just toss them into the washer on cold with my shirts and other under garments. Tumble dry on medium heat. The Ultimate Umpire Socks dry quickly and do not hold odor.

At $12.95 (and a 10% discount for ABUA members) these socks are on-par with the Thorlo socks I ordinarily wear. While I have not stopped wearing the Thorlos, I have added the Force3 to my sock rotation. The Force3 Ultimate Umpire Socks are well constructed from a thoughtful design engineered especially for umpires. When it is time for new socks, I will purchase the Force3 socks from Jim Evans.

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UPDATE

Honig's is now carrying Force3 Ultimate Umpire Socks for $12.95

Review of Jim Evans Balk Video

When it comes to the subject of balks everyone is an expert. Well, at least anyone who has ever played high school baseball or watched the movie Bull Durham more than twice is happy to offer a balk opinion at least once a ballgame.

Today I have the good fortune to review Pitching Regulations and Balks by Jim Evans Training Systems. Special thanks to Jim Evans and Jason at the Jim Evans Academy who were kind enough to provide a copy for review. The byline of this DVD states “A ‘must have’ for serious umpires.” After viewing this video I have to agree. Without question every umpire should own this DVD.

The “Balk Video” (as it is commonly referred to) is professionally produced and full of insight. Jim Evans has a degree in education from the University of Texas and that is very evident while viewing this DVD. The do’s and do-not-do’s of pitching are presented in simple and understandable terms with clear explanations and visual examples from Jim and uniformed players. At times the pitching action is slowed down on video to give a clear understanding of the act. Legal and illegal actions include reviewing various pitching positions (with special emphasis on contact with the rubber), motions associated with the delivery, feints and trick plays, and unusual situations. There is also a review of the mechanics of calling a balk.

The run time is about 60 minutes and includes an examination section in which the viewer is asked to apply the information contained in the DVD. Jim presents a pitching action and the viewer is asked to determine whether it is a “balk” or a “legal action.” The DVD is organized into sections for easy access of the various moves and pitching actions (i.e. “Feinting a Throw” or “Initiating the Delivery”) so the owner can review Jim’s illustrations and explanations.

I highly recommend this DVD. Pitching Regulations and Balks by Jim Evans sells for $39.95 from Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring.

Ultimate Ball Bag versus Dry-Lo Ball Bag

Today’s post looks at two exceptional ball bags: The Ultimate Ball Bag from Ump-Attire and the Dry-Lo Ball Bag sold by Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring. Click on the images for a closer look at the front, rear, and inside of the bags.

Ultimate Ball Bag
Price: $17.95
Dimensions: H: 12 ¾” Bottom: 10 ¾” Top 10 ¾”
Pocket Depth: 5 ½”
Pocket Width: 3 ½”, 4 ½” and one pencil pocket
Large Zippered Rear Pocket: H: 9 ¾” W: 8 ¾”

The Ultimate Ball Bag is not tapered. The Ump-Attire website states that the Ultimate Ball Bag is “Handmade by Amish craftsmen in Kentucky, U.S.A.” How cool is that? The bag is made from twill fabric with a nylon interior on the pant side to prevent the transfer of moisture. Most seams are double stitched where you need it most.

Dry-Lo Ball Bag
Price: $14.95 (two for $24.95)
Dimensions: H: 12 ¾” Bottom:12” Top: 11 ¼”
Pocket Depth: 5”
Pocket Width: 4”, 4” and one pencil pocket

The Dry-Lo Ball Bag is slightly tapered and made from 100% polyester fabric. The back side is made from a different polyester fabric and is water resistant. The entire bag is single stitched and “is bonded with a special high strength glue under more than a ton of pressure” according to the Jim Evan’s website.

Impressions
These are both great quality bags. The Ultimate Ball Bag is slightly smaller than the Dry-Lo Ball Bag and the Dry-Lo is slightly tapered. Does it matter? I really can’t say because I’ve only used tapered ball bags in the past (most recently from Honig’s). I have never had a problem with losing baseballs.

My plate brush fit snugly in both 4” pockets of the Dry-Lo bag, but it was accommodated better in the 4 1/2” Ultimate Ball Bag pocket. My plate brush would not fit in the Ultimate’s 3 ½” pocket, so the brush goes either right-hand front or left-hand rear on the second bag. I also did not like the deeper pen pocket in the Ultimate. I grabbed five pens out of my desk drawer and all of them were 5 ½” or shorter. I absolutely hate fishing for a pen in my ball bag. That is really a small complaint and easily overcome (longer pen, stuff the pocket, etc.), but it is something that I recognized, so I’ll pass along the observation.

The Ultimate Ball Bag has a rear zippered pocket and the Dry-Lo does not. However, the water resistant fabric is not between your leg and the bag, so paper could potentially get wet by rain or perspiration. I also wonder what I would put in there. . . a rule book? Old School Mattel Electronics Baseball? Tic Tacs?


Which is better? Both are super. The Ultimate appears better made, although I prefer the features of the Dry-Lo (two 4” wide pockets, waterproof shell between my pant leg and the bag, tapered design). I guess the bottom line is that, for me, it is a coin-flip.

***FIELD TEST RESULTS - DRY-LO***

I have used the Dry-Lo exclusively for the past few weeks and will be using the Ultimate exclusively for the next few weeks. My experience with the Dry-Lo has been less-than-positive:

1. the corners curl outward when holding balls;

2. the single stitching on one of the belt loops has began pulling away and unraveling after only a few games; and

3. the inside pockets are too narrow and I find it difficult to remove my plate brush.

As I said, I will be field testing the Ultimate over the next few weeks and then I will post my "field test" impressions of the Ultimate.

***FIELD TEST RESULTS - ULTIMATE***

O.K. I have field tested the Ultimate during several games and now conclude it is absolutely superior to the Dry-Lo. Honestly, I still have not found a use for the zipper compartment, but it is nice to know it is there if needed. The untapered design does not seem to be an issue and baseballs stay in place. I especially like the increased size of the inside pocket for my plate brush for easy access. I worked in rain last night and the baseballs remained dry in the bag.

The Ultimate Ball Bag from Ump-Attire looks good, is durable, and keeps contents dry. The highest praise I can give this bag is that I don't think about it at all while working the plate. It is dependable and functions flawlessly - like a great piece of gear should.