STRIKE THREE!!!

A Publication of the Schenectady Baseball Umpires Organization

 

November Baseball??......Who would ever figure World Series Baseball in November??

Plus, we still have a few games on the schedule for this weekend. November 1st!! Wish we could go year round!  Hate putting the gear away, and getting though winter in the Great Northeast.......however, only 105 days until Pitchers and Catchers!!

 

News From the Board:  As the 2009 Season has come to a close,and we kicked off the 2010 Season with the Fall Business Meeting, the new season will feature some new faces in the Officer and Board ranks.  At our elections, Bob Van Alstyne was a unanimous re-election to President.  New faces came on Board, with Jim Fitzgerald to Vice President, and Fred Davidson will be the new Treasurer.  Tom O'Brien remains Sargeant At Arms and Mark Fitch will continue his good job as Assignor.  New comers to the Board are Mike Laduke and Dale Wotherspoon.  Dalre had completed part of a term by presidential appointment, and now will serve a full term.

Holdovers on the Board include:  Jason Purvis, Kent Sellner, Rick Collars, Steve Kelly and Dan Hackett.  Regretfully, this marked Bruce Walcott's last meeting with SBUO after many years of service. (Ed. note - Bruce will be missed by one and all, and especially this partner!)....Two inaugural awards were presented at the Fall Business Meeting.  They were the Jim Anderson Award, for the Certified Umpire who exemplifies quality on field work, and dedication and commitment to the good of SBUO.  There could be no finer recipient of the first award than - Bob Van Alstyne.  The Don Lawyer Award, for top probate goes to Bill Warmth.  In the spirit of Don, Bill was readily available, highly competent, and always looked for way to improve in his first year of service.  Congratulations!

 

MEN in BLUE....Obviously post-season baseball has magnified the difficulty of what it is we do, and that even the best of the best can get caught out of position, or miss one in a big way.  These men have set a fine example, by moving on to the next play, and not letting a call affect their overall body of work. They showed integrity by being willing to own up post-game if they booted one.  Learn from it and getting the next one right seems to be the right mind set.

 

STAYING IN SHAPE....The two toughest months of the year to stay in shape with Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays affording ample opportunity to add ample pounds!  It takes discipline to resist over indulging good food and drink.  Many health clubs and gyms are offering outstanding enrollment promotions, and may be a good outlet to maintain and improve conditioning, as well as overall health.  Also, this is a good time for an annual physical, no matter your age, and a  prostate exam (40 and over), and/or colonoscopy exam (50 and over) should not be ignored.  Taking care of yourself is the best assurance to continue to umpire for a long time.

 

EQUIPMENT CARE....most everyone has stowed away the gear for the year. Good time to consider dry-cleaning the uniforms, so they are covered in plastic over the winter, and fresh and creased come April.

 

ARBITER - as a reminder, should you have a change of address, change of e-mail, or phone numbers, please update your profile in Arbiter.

 

DUES.....Another quick reminder, if you were unable to attend the Fall Business Meeting, your dues are now payable.  If you have not done so, please forward  a check or money order for $55.00 to Fred Davidson, Treasurer, c/o SBUO, 1010 Mary Lane, Rotterdam, NY, 12306.  If circumstances prevent you from making payment at this time, you must contact Fred to make arrangements.

 

WHAT'S THE RULE OR WHAT'YA GOT...?? Bases loaded, no outs, when batter hits an Infield Fly.  Umpire calls Batter Runner out.....Runner at 1st thinking ball will not be caught, advances and passes the Runner at 2nd......The Fly Ball hits the Runner at 2nd, who is off the base.....WHAT'S THE RULE OR WHAT'YA GOT?????...........GOOD ONE HERE! -

 

TRIVIA.....There has only been one unassisted triple play in World Series history....Who, where and when??

 

 

                                        Until next issue, call 'em as you see 'em!!