Yeah, I forgot another one. A BU who calls a ball rolling up the first base line a foul ball while I'm waiting to make my call until it actually is foul.

Of all things, this is one of the things that change for me most by area. In NW Dallas, PU would briefly hold a number up before the batter steps in, every time the outs change. Here, MOST umpires hold a fist or 1 or 2 fingers to the right side about hip high after every time we have an out, or if they are verifying with their partner - OR - if IFF in effect, about half hold right arm over chest and signal 0 or 1 with the left hand, and the other half (self included) hold the right arm over the chest with 0 or 1 on THAT hand.

Worst one I've had was a ball that was hit very short and rolled back to land and settle on the plate. Just as I start to point fair, my partner gives a huge "FOUL BALL!!!!!!"

Luckily, neither coaches nor parents complained and we moved on. between innings, before I have a chance to say anything, he wanders in and says, "Dude, that's YOUR call - you gotta make it!" All sorts of retorts came to mind, but I resisted and just said, "Yes, it's my call and that ball was fair - we'll look it up after the game," and even this he was pretty pissed about.

Needless to say he was very sheepish when he learned he was wrong.

"Dude, that's your call..." What was he...16?

um ... older than me!!

Remembered another one...

The BU who takes a nice leisurely stroll when changing positions.

I did this for almost as long as I umpired.
My left hand is kinda screwed up so I use the right and switch it over.
When I went to the Advanced Camp and for ISF, nobody noticed it until they looked at films after the games.

My pet peeve is the ump, doesn't matter what position, that has to try and be a "pal" to the players.
You ain't out there to be there friend, just call the game without being overly officious.

Well, that would depend on the situation. If play is suspended and there is time to "stroll" to position, use it to take a breath if needed.

If you don't, at least show a little effort to move into positon as to not delay the flow of the game.

We had an older umpire during the summer while working the plate, would consistently bring on the field and hang on the fence a big beach towel and a folding chair along with about a 2 gallon water jug. This was fastpitch and of course he wore shorts and even if he wore pants, the shin guards were on the outside. Dave

That's the UIC's fault for allowing that to happen.

Yea, just like almost everything that is posted on this subject. The UIC should stop most of these things. Dave

Here's another one. When using a HSM, the only time the PU has the mask off is during the plate conference.

HSM? Sorry, I can't read shorthand.

Hockey Style Mask

Umpire's who don't/won't run.

I'm not talking about an ump who physically can't run anymore (age/health) or someone coming off of an injury or surgery. That's a different topic.

I'm talking the guy who plant's himself either behind the plate or out in A, B, or C and who's idea of running to get into position to cover a play is some combination of long strides and odd angles.