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Today's Question: Pitching With a runner at 1B, just as the pitcher begins to deliver a pitch, the batter abruptly steps back and asks for “time”. This action causes the pitcher to hesitate and not deliver the pitch. The umpire shall; A: Grant the timeout. B: Ignore the request for time, and call the pitch a strike. C: Call a balk on the pitcher for the hesitation/interruption. D: Call ‘no pitch’ and reset both pitcher and batter. E: NFHS: D Rule #: 6-2-4d1 OBR: Rule #: Want access to even more questions? Click here to learn more about becoming a Member!

Today's Training Topic: Infield Fly 75   An Infield Fly is a fair batted fly ball (other than a bunt or a line drive) which COULD be caught by an INFIELDER at any location with ORDINARY effort when there are either (1) runners occupying 1st and 2nd base; OR (2) runners occupying 1st, 2nd and 3rd base; AND there are less than two outs. The Batter is declared out; the force play is removed; and runners may advance at their own risk. Tag-up rules remain in effect if the batted fly ball is caught by any infielder or outfielder. When it seems apparent that the ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall announce it for the benefit of the runners ("Infield Fly, the Batter is Out"). If the batted ball is near a foul line, the umpire will add "If Fair" to his announcement. For the purpose of this rule, infielders include the Pitcher and Catcher. A catch is not required to be made and the Batter is out when the Infield Fly Rule is called. Ordinary effort is in the judgment of the umpire. Factors that can be considered include the distance to the baseball as well field and weather conditions. If the batted ball results in a foul ball (by rule), the Infield Fly is ignored and the Foul Ball rule supercedes the Infield Fly Rule.

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PBUmpires is always looking for people interested in learning how to umpire above the youth baseball level and join the premier umpire assocation in the Tampa Bay area. We form New Umpire Clinics each Fall and Spring.  New Member training sessions have been held at Spectrum Field (formerly Brighthouse Field) in St. Petersburg and regular meetings and field clinics are generally held in Pasco County.

New Member training sessions consist a day (or series of week nights) of presentations and discussions learning baseball rules and how to apply them. You'll learn that most TV commentators are wrong about the rules quite often.  A second day (or series of week nights) will be dedicated to learning on the field, the 60', 70' and standard baseball field mechanics and the subtle differences between them. A third day will be spent umpiring games being mentored by highly experienced high school, collegiate and professionally experienced umpires dedicated to passing on the best information and skills of the craft to the next generation. Upon demonstrating a sound aptitude for the game and officiating it, you'll be invited to attend the New Member Orientation where you'll assume the mantle of PBUmpire!

Umpires certified by the FHSAA or another similar state high school certification organization, may be invited to attend the "Try Out Day", based on their level of certification and documented experience.

What we provide our members:

• Superior rules, contemporary field mechanics and professional game management training.
• Continuing Professional Education via:
  
  • Professional quality online member portal:
  • Rules and association resources.
  • Rules and mechanics presentations, quizzes, games and videos.
  • Association News, Event Schedule, Photo Roster, Photo Gallery, Video Gallery, Blog and Online Store.
• Minimum of 10 member meetings and clinics led by collegiate & professional level umpires.
  
• Objective online evaluation program with guidance to improve to the next level.
• Game Assignment Opportunities (based on evaluated ability):
  • Select youth, adult league and travel baseball in Pasco, Pinellas and Hernando Counties;
  • High School Baseball in Pasco and Hernando Counties;
  • High School Baseball District, Regional and State Playoffs;
  • MiLB Spring Training Baseball in Pasco, Hillsboro and Pinellas Counties;

We welcome all who have an interest joining PBUmpires and: are at least 16 years of age; own or can obtain necessary equipment and uniforms* * Military Veterans may qualify for grant assistance from Battlefields to Ballfields; own or have access to reliable transportation; are available to work evenings and weekends; have the desire to learn how and effectively umpire to superior standards. 1. Click the Become a Member image (left) and submit an online application. 2. Complete the new member online Orientation, Training & Eval Program (OTEP). 3. Pass the baseball rules exam and field evaluation and you're on the field!