he play-by-play announcers reports: "There's a two-hopper to the shortstop. He’s up with the ball. The throw across ... and the side is retired. At the end of three, no score.”

Sounds like a pretty typical point in a baseball game, one most of us have seen too many times to count. The Visitors will now jog off toward the dugout and the home team defenders may have enough spirit to run to their positions to begin the fourth. What about our team?

When the side is retired, what do you do, Blue?

If you’ve read through many of my offerings here or in other media, you know I’m a big believer in having a plan, developing a pattern that will guide your activity during the "normal" times. That way, when circumstances become abnormal you have a foundation, a benchmark of actions that you can choose to follow or alter (instead of an activity vacuum completely void of direction or tendencies). As usual, here’s my challenge. I’ll offer you fundamentals along with a few variations I’ve found both comfortable and productive. You consider all of it and decide what fits your umpiring personality. Adjustments are completely welcome, frankly encouraged. Just be sure anything you decide to do "feels right" to you.

Continued...