Odd Gum Ritual?
 

Just found this:

Ump’s odd gum-flinging ritual offends fans | For The Win

That's a lot of gum!

Anyone have their own ritual - not stepping on the line, food before a game, shoes, socks?

Just curious.

When I work the plate, I always wear a cup.:cool:

I think it's bad luck to have a ritual.

Day games or night games, Bob?

Tim.

From the article:

Damn, he must really wear out his arm when he's doing that while working the plate.

I usually give the Sign of the Cross and say a quick prayer right after the catcher throws it down in the top of the first inning. Nothing more than, "God, don't let anyone get seriously hurt out here, and don't let me suck too bad."

Yes, unless I know before hand that it is a credit game, I will always ask who is paying and when.

Simple ritual.

That is what I say every time I step behind the Plate to umpire a girls' 10U fast pitch softball game. :p And remember, I am Jewish (which is another story altogether from my soccer officiating days. :p

MTD, Sr.

Tim, I have two identical cups, one for night games and one for day games.

And DeNucci, are you going to tell us that you are Irish next?:)

If they're identical, how can you tell the difference? There's nothing more tacky than wearing a day cup during a night game. Well, white umpire shirts after Labor Day might be worse...........

Tim.

And remember, if the game ends after sunset, the plate guy must wear a plate coat, no matter the weather.

It's true, it's true -- I heard it on the Internet, after all.

Ritual
 

My one ritual: before I work the dish, one of my groupies checks that all vital equipment is worn properly.

Not in Texas, It's too dang hot after March.

You obviously don't understand the meaning of "must". If we have to do it in The Midwest, you guys in ten gallon hats don't get a pass!

Tim.

Obviously you never tried to put a mask on a ten gallon hat. The brim makes mask hang about four inches from your face. LOL

ôlô
 

And yes Rich that is how it was taught in the golden age of umpiring.

And I lived that rule until retirement.

T