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The program featured former American League umpire and owner of a professional umpiring school, Jim Evans; 10-year veteran MLB umpire Ted Barrett; and New York Times columnist and author of As They See ‘Em: A Fan’s Travels in the Land of Umpires, Bruce Weber. With the help of moderator Phil Hochberg, a DC public address institution, they discussed intricacies of the strange and mysterious world of umpires. Did you know that in a given year, there are only 68 umpires in the majors, meaning less than 2,000 umpires have graced the fields of the big leagues all time?

When asked what is the hardest call to make in baseball, everyone agreed it is the steal of home.  It happened twice in the World Series and as we recall Chase Utley and Jayson Werth have done it more recently. Both Evans and Barrett said the number of things you have to watch for is unparalleled – a pitcher’s balk, catcher’s interference, batter’s interference, whether or not the pitch is a strike or ball, if there was a check swing, if it hit the batter, not to mention the fact that you are severely out of position to make the out/safe call at the plate. Evans admitted that there are undoubtedly plays where something out-of-the-ordinary happens and the out of position umpire is forced to make an educated guess on the actual outcome.

Another interesting anecdote was the one word that will warrant an automatic ejection.  It’s not the f- word, but rather “you”.  Yes, making an argument personal with the umpire (alongside a profanity-laced tirade, no doubt) will almost always get the manager sent to an early shower.

When asked about steroids in baseball, both umps said that although they did not have any direct knowledge of them being used, there were certainly players that had noticeable growth spurts that were suspicious.  This conversation led into the power of certain baseball players and Evans recalled a time when Albert Belle broke his bat on a check swing; with he and Jim Rice being the two most powerful guys they’ve experienced at the plate.

Also covered was the umpire evaluation systems which they believe has essentially has made strike zone is smaller.  Similarly, before 1975, AL umpires wore chest pads outside their uniform that made it more difficult for them to crouch behind catchers. With them standing higher, this led to an AL strike zone that sat a few inches higher than the NL.  After 1975, with the standardization of umpire uniforms, the zone regressed down to NL-standards.

Finally, when asked what’s the deal with a double plays that are turned without the SS or 2B touching second, Evans commented that they call what managers, owners and the powers-that-be want them to call. He referenced the one year, when they were instructed to call balks much more stringently. After calling 400 balks prior to the All-Star Break (the previous record was 80 in a single season), MLB reversed its policy and instructed umps call the balk less.

Being an umpire is a thankless job, but it takes a special kind of man (no women are currently in the umpiring system, but there have been a few) – one who takes pride in seeing a well-officiated game of baseball be played.  In that sense, they’re much like us fans, who just want to see an entertaining game…in which the Phillies win.  Hat tip to Kristen for the photos.

Preferably, the recipe can be prepared in a parking lot using portable equipment, but if you’re more of a couch tailgater and have a special food you like, you can submit that too. Our book will cover three chapters: tailgating at the park, tailgating at home, and tailgating with booze (food and drink recipes using alcohol).

We’ll test all the recipes and select the most delicious ones to be published (with credit) in our book. Use the form below to enter or upload your favorites and email us with any questions.

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Phillies Nation readers have exclusive access to discounted tickets, so if you’re looking to scratch that baseball itch, reserve your spot today.

$40 Event Supporter ($10 off the normal price) includes all-you-can-eat buffet and an open bar.

$100 Player Entry ($25 off the normal price) includes one spot in the tournament, all-you-can-eat buffet, open bar, plus a piece of autographed memorabilia

The game starts at at 1:05 pm in DC, so we will be leaving from the P Lot at Citizens Bank Park at 7am sharp to avoid rush hour traffic.

Tickets cost $82 and include:

• Seat to and from DC on a comfy motorcoach showing classic Phillies videos
• Tickets to the game in Section 107
• Tailgate party in parking lot and refreshments on the bus (including some fancy beers)
• Lots of Phillies and Phillies Nation giveaways

Click here to reserve your spot today! And if you live in the DC-area, come meet us for just the tailgate or game.

Also, be sure to check out our discounted tickets to Darren Daulton’s Darts Tournament at McFadden’s next week.

March 17 – Clearwater, FL
April 5 – Opening Day in DC
June 12, 13 – Boston
July 3, 4 – Pittsburgh
July 17, 18 – Chicago
July 31 – Washington, DC
August 1 – Washington, DC
August 14, 15 – NY Mets
September 11, 12 – NY Mets

Let us know if you’re interested in traveling to any of these road games and stay tuned for more details.

We’re not just talking about hot dogs and hamburgers – more like whole stuffed turkeys or your dad’s secret chili recipe. Preferably, the recipe can be prepared in a parking lot using portable equipment, but if you’re more of a couch tailgater and have a special food you like (maybe a jabangin’ wing recipe) you can submit that too.

We’ll test all the recipes and select the most delicious ones to be published (with credit) in our book. Use the form below to enter or upload your favorites and email us with any questions.

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If you plan on heading south in March for some Phillies fun in the sun, then you should meet up with us for our 4th annual St. Patrick’s Day tailgate outside Bright House Networks Field.  There will be plenty of free food, beer and giveaways.

Oh yea, did I mention the Phillies are playing the Yankees?  So yea, it’ll be as big as a Spring Training game can get.  Even if you don’t have plans yet, start thinking about it – a trip makes a great last-minute gift idea.

If you’re interested in coming, sign up below and we’ll send you more details as the date approaches.  In the meantime, keep shoveling that snow!

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Jimmy Rollins will be hosting his 5th annual celebrity bowling tournament featuring Phillies, sports personalities and entertainers, teamed with bowling foursomes to benefit the Pennsylvania Arthritis Foundation. Last year’s event was a crazy success with our own Pat Gallen providing play-by-play coverage of all the stars. There were over 35 celebrities in attendance including: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Shane Victorino as well as several Eagles and Flyers. Each bowling team is paired with one or two of Jimmy’s celebrity friends while food and an open bar is provide throughout the entire tournament.

The bowling competition, awards ceremony and auction will be held on on June 3, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley in Center City Philadelphia.  For more information on attending the event through a corporate sponsorship, please see this Sponsorship Sheet, then contact us for more details.

The Jimmy Rollins Family Foundation (501c3) has the mission of bringing funds and awareness to fight against arthritis as well as provide families who are struggling financially with educational and entertainment opportunities to encourage children to stay in school.

The money raised at BASEBowl funds Camp JRA which allows children with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases to have fun, learn about their disease, and form social bonds with others who share their challenges.

Photos from last year’s event: