I don't know what you mean when you said "I have the stick" ???????????
Looking in the hole I assume is the dug out.

In the area I umpire, you would not be taken in a positive light using that termonology. We are rather loose bunch but thats just the way it is around here, like it or not.

The stick, the pot, the plate.....

Sounds like your group doesn't have anyone over 35, or any former or current professionals, or has been living in a cave.

What's wrong with what saying "the hole" or "the stick" Is it wrong to refer to them as "rats" when you are talking to your fellow umpires. Why is your area so sensitive about that. I wrote on here to get advise on how to better handle this in a NCAA setting. Sorry to offend you.

Wow ...

"That's the way it is around here, like it or not. "

Well, Batboy, that's not necessarily the way it is around here, and you don't always have to like it to enjoy it. I thought you were pretty cool about the way you asked the question, and if you want to be a complete baseball man and be a quality umpire, all the more power to you, and not less.

All throughout your ascent, you will experience umpires that act haughty and exclusive, because they want to keep their status lofty. Well there are plenty of others that will embrace you and pick you up and share what they know so you'l gain a command more rapidly. You'll spot them fairly quickly and when you do, pick their brains---even if you have to pay for the beer and pizza.

There are ballplayers who'll help you be a better player and there are those who'll wish for you to go downhill fast. It's the same kind of thing. Baseball is often about keeping what you know from others. I watched Dave Righetti teach Rod Beck everything he knew about closing games in the big leagues---even though it was Righetti's job Beck was taking. What happened? Rod Beck became a premier closer and Righetti still holds the job of pitching coach for that same Giants club 16 years later. That was his reward. It was a win-win. It should be that way between umpires, but sometimes it's not.

I think sharing what one knows with the next guy is the better way to go for most of us.

I appreciate it... And I agree. Thanks man.

Really? C'mon man! Really?

What area do you umpire in, Bumf*ck, Egypt? The moon?

Both of these terms are part of the baseball lexicon and have been for as long as I can remember.

Kevin is right, some guys dont want to help cause they are afraid that if they get better then they will lose games...

I had a guy help me this year, and in doing so I got some more games at a higher level of college ball, and Playoff games ( well he also got playoff games) But I like to teach/help out younger umpires.

Really? I love it when people screw up when picking on someone else.

Good thing speeling doesn't count in umpiring!! I always ask my assigners to give me games with the newbies and I always get playoff games. I think the ability to teach, and teaching, makes us better umpires.

A tip of the creased, black six-stitch to you, sir.

"Both of these terms are part of the baseball lexicon and have been for as long as I can remember."

I never heard the term stick used that way. Of course, I grew up in Noo Joisey, where da woids are pronounced different.

I had never heard the term Jap, either (except in its WW II sense), until my Jewish business partner told me that he disappointed his parents by not marrying a Jap. Needless to say, I was puzzled by his remark.

I believe that is properly spelled J.A.P., as in Jewish American Princess.;)

http://neveryetmelted.com/wp-images/MonicaLewinsky.jpg
J. A. P.

Absolutely incredible.

:D
Why does every thread get political? :p