Fuzz & Barrels Podcast

Summary

In this episode, Bobby Roberts interviews Juan Bustos, an experienced umpire and umpire coordinator. Juan shares his journey into umpiring, from starting as a young umpire in Little League to becoming a coordinator and president of a league. He discusses the importance of knowing the rules and how social media has helped him connect with other umpires. Juan also shares some memorable moments from his umpiring career and provides advice on how coaches should approach umpires with questions or disagreements. The conversation covers various topics related to umpiring in baseball, including umpire etiquette and behavior, misunderstood rules such as the balk, baseline, batter's box, runner's lane, and the infield fly rule. The conversation covers various topics related to baseball rules and etiquette. The chapters include discussions on the infield fly rule, the role of the catcher in the baseline, obstruction and malicious contact, types of obstruction, advice for parents and spectators, the umpire shortage, solutions to address the shortage, and the Baseball Without Borders Foundation.

Takeaways

Umpiring requires a deep understanding of the rules and a willingness to continuously learn and improve.

Social media platforms like TikTok can be valuable tools for connecting with other umpires and sharing knowledge.

It is important for coaches to approach umpires with respect and ask questions to understand their perspective.

Knowing the difference between a foul ball and a foul tip is crucial for umpires and coaches. Umpires should maintain a professional and respectful demeanor when interacting with coaches and players.

The balk and baseline rules are often misunderstood, and it is important to understand the specific criteria for a balk and the concept of the baseline.

The batter's box is not a safe haven, and the batter's movements can result in interference.

The runner's lane provides protection against interference, and the specific rules may vary depending on the rule set being used.

The infield fly rule is in effect when there is a force play at third base, and it is important to understand the criteria for an infield fly. 

Understanding the infield fly rule is crucial for both players and spectators.

The role of the catcher in the baseline and the rules regarding obstruction and malicious contact can vary depending on the rule set.

Parents and spectators should focus on supporting the players and coaches, rather than getting overly involved in the game.

There is a shortage of umpires in baseball, and efforts should be made to encourage and support new umpires.

The Baseball Without Borders Foundation is a nonprofit organization that sends baseball equipment to children in need around the world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:28 Early Umpiring Experience
07:00 Using Social Media to Connect with Umpires
09:00 Going