Any suggestions on umpiring on this stuff? I'm not sure if I have the plate or the bases today!

If turf is around the bases, watch for runners over sliding the base and FS rule violations. It may not be intentional but can happen. Also turf can get real hot! Take a position on real grass in outfield between innings to "cool off"

Thanks 505 I had not thought of the oversliding BUT today in New Jersey it will feel like 49 degrees at gametime and "misting".

Misting....then be careful of your footing..if you are on the bases some care should be taken in your choice of base shoes...

I have a pair that would be like ice skates on an artificial surface....my mizuno wave trainers or NB have better traction.....

I have a pair of Rivals that have rubber "cleats"....I'll be very, very careful....BUT once my adrenalin gets flowin' I know myself I'll react. I do a professional job PERIOD Oh yeah it's a county championship game!

quote:

Originally posted by 505 Ump:
Take a position on real grass in outfield between innings to "cool off"

\
Which is where you belong anyway.

True!

Watch out for the astro-cows and the mess they leave behind..........I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. I know I'm being a wise-a**. Sorry.

AstroTurf? It hasn't been called AstroTurf in years! I played on AstroTurf. It was like running, sliding and diving in the street. It took until I was in my mid 20's for the correct skin color to return to my knees after all the burns. The new stuff isn't as soft as grass. But it's not hazardous to your health. My son loves playing on it.

And yes, watch for unintentional overslides. In my son's first game on turf he accidently took out the second baseman on a steal by sliding at the normal slide point. They both ended up in leftfield. The umpire nearly tossed him for an aggressive slide.

quote:

Originally posted by therefump:
Watch out for the astro-cows and the mess they leave behind..........I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. I know I'm being a wise-a**. Sorry.

Here's a statement you should remember based on where you live ....

"If a horse can't eat it, I don't want to play on it."

quote:

Originally posted by RJM:

"If a horse can't eat it, I don't want to play on it."

Author: the unforgettable Richie Allen.

quote:

Originally posted by dash_riprock:

quote:

Originally posted by RJM:

"If a horse can't eat it, I don't want to play on it."

Author: the unforgettable Richie Allen.

That would be Dick "don't call me Richie" Allen.

RJM I guess i'm showing my age!

I believe it was Tug McGraw who when asked what he thought of "artificial grass" replied...."I dont know, never smoked any..."