Get Great Series: Better by Tomorrow
If someone told you a way to get better by tomorrow, would you do it no matter what it was? How about if...
Southpaw Catcher Surprise
As you arrive at the diamond for a day of calling balls and strikes, nothing seems unusual. You go through pregame rituals, put...
‘I’m Still Here’
A boy with hoop dreams, the scope of which he could never have comprehended would one day come to fruition during those halcyon...
Referee Magazine – May 2018 Preview
Referee Magazine - May 2018 Highlights
Features
Heavy Lifting. Mike Defee’s imposing muscles make him physically impressive, but it’s his leadership and mastery of...
2018 Major League Baseball Umpire Roster
12 Gerry Davis
Appleton, Wis., 1985
6 Mark Carlson
Joliet, Ill., 1999
91 Brian Knight
Roseville, Calif., 2009
31 Pat Hoberg
Des Moines, Iowa, 2017
32 Dana DeMuth
Gilbert, Ariz., 1985
39 Paul...
Pass Judgment
If two runners pass each other on the basepath, one of them is out. The out is immediate, just as if a tag...
Your Guide To Baseball Success
Baseball season is fast approaching. Every umpire wants to look good and do well out there, as well as minimizing mistakes and missed...
Hoosiers – Milan vs. Muncie: 1954 Indiana State Basketball Championship
Milan High School, enrollment 161, defeated the favored Bearcats of Muncie Central, 32-30, to win the 1954 Indiana state basketball championship. Plump’s shot with three...
Catch This If You Can
It’s a question fans have debated for years: What’s the hardest thing to do in sports? Hit a baseball? Shoot par in golf?...
Referee Magazine – April 2018 Preview
Referee Magazine - April 2018 Highlights
Features
Crisis. In these contentious times, how do officials handle difficult situations?
‘I’m Still Here.’ Unthinkable tragedy struck...
Louisiana Lockup (December 2014)
The outrageous treatment of two Louisiana high school football officials proved one of the most compelling stories in our 40-year history. James Radcliffe...
In the Line of Duty (August 2013)
A disputed call, a punch thrown at an official, a tragic death.
Dump “Sports Drinks” For Chocolate Milk
As officials, when we give 110 percent on the court or playing field, it is important that we refresh or recover after the contest. Because of...
Locked Out (January 2013)
One of the most bitter labor actions in sports history occurred when the NFL locked out its officials before the 2012 preseason and...
Solid Ground (Rules)
Like everyone else, I like to be prepared when someone asks a question. That is particularly true when I’m umpiring a game. That...
Q&A with Dr. Karissa Niehoff
Dr. Karissa Niehoff needed no prompting to address the elephant in the room.
“We’re definitely supportive of the great work that our officials are...
When ‘Time’ is Right
Most baseball games are routine in terms of the calls the umpires must make. We know the plate umpire has to call balls...
2018 Minor League Baseball Rosters
Arizona Fall League
Ryan Additon, Davie,
Fla.
Ramon DeJesus, Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic
Bryan Fields,
Phoenix
Javerro January,
Southaven, Miss.
John Libka,
Port Huron, Mich.
Shane Livensparger,
Jacksonville, Fla.
Nick Mahrley,
Phoenix
Roberto Ortiz,
Kissimmee, Fla.
Garrett Patterson,
Scottsdale,...
Multiple Whistle Blasts Effective in Certain Situations
If you watch a basketball game closely on TV, you are bound to hear multiple whistle blasts several times. Multiple tweets are not disallowed by rule, but...
Court Presence (April 2008)
Referee called on Alan Goldberger, an expert on officiating-related law, to summarize the most important court cases in the history of the industry.
Dead Ball Ground Rules Needed For Quirky Ballfields
Very few baseball fields are identical. While infields are all alike, size-wise, the shape of the outfield will vary and the alignment of...
They Made Officiating (November 2007)
One of our more challenging compilations identified the people who were most influential in shaping and maintaining the officiating industry.
Electronic Payments: Whys and Wherefores
If you have officiated long enough you have seen payment methods go from cash to direct deposit into your bank account or debit...
Referee Magazine – February 2018 Preview
Referee Magazine - February 2018 Highlights
Features
Biggest Stories 2017. The stories that mattered in 2017.
World Wide Webb. Howard Webb has participated in...