Inside the Baseball Rules Committee: A Conversation with Umpire Rep. Bob Leader - The Pregame

In this episode of The Pregame, Patrick sits down with Bob Leader, veteran umpire and current official's representative on the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee, to break down what’s being considered for the 2026 season. From delayed dead balls to double first bases, player-to-player communication, malicious contact, and more—this is your inside look at how rules are proposed, debated, and decided.📬 Action Item #1: Bob wants your feedback! If you have thoughts on the proposed rule changes, email him at bleader5@icloud.com before June 2025—after that, he’s off the committee, so don’t clog his inbox with late opinions!🛡️ Action Item #2: This episode is presented by Diamond MMA—makers of the jock and cup I (Patrick) personally wear behind the plate. It’s hands-down the most comfortable and protective gear I’ve used. Try it for yourself and support Umpire Classroom by shopping through this link: https://www.diamondmma.com/umpireclassroom📢 Want to sponsor a future episode of Umpire Classroom—whether it’s the podcast, weekly rules training, or something else?Email: patrick@umpireclassroom.com — We’d love your support.