Author’s note: In preparation for this article, we conducted a short survey of “Internet” umpires. While the sample was too small to claim any statistical accuracy, it did provide anecdotal information that was, surprisingly, nearly universal in agreement, and personal observations that are, for our purposes, worth considering.

Modest beginnings

Not surprisingly, umpires with common levels of experience come to the Internet with common expectations. Beginning and newer umpires come looking for information to help improve their performance…usually for help with rules and advice on mechanics. Pennsylvania umpire James Leatherwood is typical: “I wanted to find authoritative umpires with experience on the field who could help me understand how to apply the rules and help me become a better umpire.”

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