Hamilton Baseball Umpires' Association

Day 1 of the AAA Minor Midget OBA Championships wrapped up last night, and here's how things looked; Please post the following scores on the website please: Ottawa 0 vs Brampton 6... Newmarket 11 vs Tecumseh 2 Etobicoke 4 vs Peterborough 12 London 11 vs oshawa 1 Kitchener 7 vs Whitby 0 Vaughan 2 vs West Toronto 0 See more

Hello All, Please note, the OBA has approved and published out annual Level 1 and Level 2 Certification Courses. These will take place in the City of Hamilton with the following information; Level 1... Location: Bishop Tonnos Secondary School Cost: $30+$6 for lunch Registration: Please register on the Baseball Ontario Website through your umpire profile Level 2 Location: Bishop Tonnos Secondary School Cost: $50+$6 for lunch Registration: Please register on the Baseball Ontario Website through your umpire profile All umpires in Hamilton or anyone interested in umpiring within the City of Hamilton are advised to visit baseballontario.com in order to see more information and register. These clinics will more than likely be capped for participant numbers and anyone in the Hamilton area are advised to register ASAP in order to secure your spot. Any questions can be directed to members of the HBUA Executive or sent through the contact us section of this website. Thanks, HBUA Executive

Hello All, Please note, the OBA has approved and published our annual Level 1 and Level 2 Certification Courses. These will take place in the City of Hamilton with the following information; Level 1... Date: April 28th, 2018 Location: Bishop Tonnos Secondary School Cost: $30+$6 for lunch Registration: Please register on the Baseball Ontario Website through your umpire profile Level 2 Date: April 28th, 2018 Location: Bishop Tonnos Secondary School Cost: $50+$6 for lunch Registration: Please register on the Baseball Ontario Website through your umpire profile All umpires in Hamilton or anyone interested in umpiring within the City of Hamilton are advised to visit baseballontario.com in order to see more information and register. These clinics will more than likely be capped for participant numbers and anyone in the Hamilton area are advised to register ASAP in order to secure your spot. Any questions can be directed to members of the HBUA Executive or sent through the contact us section of this website. Thanks, HBUA Executive

The HBUA would like to congratulate the Tecumseh Thunder for being the 2016 AAA Minor Midget OBA Champions in 2016. It was one of the best final games in the history of this tournament and a well deserved and hard fought win. Great job all around to all the teams and volunteers who made this one of the most successful tournaments in our 11 years of hosting this event.

The Hamilton Baseball Umpires Association would like to congratulate Dennis Ryan on his induction on to the Ontario Baseball Association Hall of Fame. Dennis had been an integral part of the baseball community here in the city of Hamilton, the province of Ontario and throughout the country. A mentor to many and a true ambassodor to the game of baseball and the profession of umpiring. Congratulations Dennis on this great honor.

We're underway at the 11th annual AAA Minor Midget OBA Championships. Good luck to all the teams and all the umpires this weekend!

On November 18th, 2015 at the Annual General Meeting for the Hamilton District Baseball Association, the President and Assignor of the HBUA, Bill Tunney was named as a Life Member to the HDBA. There is a full write up on the HBUA website to announce this honour brought to Bill. We at the HBUA would love to congratulate Bill on his accomplishments as well as everything he has done and continues to do for baseball and umpiring within the City of Hamilton.

The HBUA held it's Annual General Meeting last week. The executive for the 2018 season will be; President: Bill Tunney Vice President: Sean Elliott Secretary: Chris Walters... Treasurer: Matt Wilkinson Director: Howard Brain Director: Glen Ostrosser Congratulations and good luck in the off season and upcoming 2018 season.

Tonight at the 2015 AGM, the HBUA announced the recipients of this years Dennis Aldridge Award for Junior and Senior Umpire of the Year. We are very proud to announce that James McFayden as the HBUA Junior Umpire of the Year and Dave Davis as the HBUA Senior Umpire of the Year. Congratulations to both members on great job throughout the 2015 season.

The HBUA would like to congratulate the Etobicoke Rangers for being the 2017 AAA Minor Midget OBA Champions! They finished the tournament undefeated picking up the victory against the Vaughan Vikings.

Tonight, the HBUA hosted its Annual General Meeting here in the City of Hamilton. We want to thank all the members who attended tonight and took part in the festivities. We are also happy to announce that we held elections to determine the 2016 HBUA Executive. We are happy to announce the following members have been elected as the 2016 HBUA Executive; President: Bill Tunney Vice President: Sean Elliott Secretary: Chris Walters... Treasurer: Matt Wilkinson Director: Dave Davis Director: Howard Brain Once again, thank you to all those that attended tonight's meeting and congratulations to the members named to the 2016 Executive Committee and want to say thank you to the 2015 Executive for all the work they have done this past season.

We are well into the final day of competition here at the OBA AAA Minor Midget Championships. Here is how the semi-final panned out; Etobicoke 8 vs Tecumseh 2 Vaughan 2 vs Oshawa 1 (9Innings)... The first Championship is set with Vaughan Vikings taking on the undefeated Etobicoke Rangers at 1:30pm at Bernie Arbour Stadium.

On behalf of the HBUA, we wish to extend congratulations to one of our alumni members, Chris Marco, who has been selected to work the Midwest League Championship Series. Marco served as Crew Chief during his semi-final series. This is the second post-season in as many years for Chris as he worked the 2014 New York-Penn League Finals. Congratulations Chris on another outstanding season!

Day 2 of the 2017 OBA AAA Minor Midget Championships is officially over and here are the results. Brampton 3 vs Toronto Cardinals 1 West Toronto 4 vs Hamilton 2 Etobicoke 18 vs London 14... Oshawa 11 vs Mississauga 4 Tecumseh 6 vs West Toronto 5 London 5 vs Mississauga 4 Vaughan 14 vs Oshawa 0 Tecumseh 12 vs Brampton 6 Oshawa 5 vs London 3 Etobicoke 6 vs Vaughan 5 The match ups are set for Day 3 and the semi-final match ups. 9:00am Bernie Arbour Stadium Etobicoke vs Tecumseh 9:00am Mohawk Diamond #2 Vaughan vs Oshawa

This past week we hosted our Annual Labour Day tournament here in Hamilton. Prior to this year's tournament we took the time to familiarize our umpires with the 3 man umpire system. Since this is a system rarely used for our members throughout the year and since we use it for all tournament games on Labour Day Weekend we felt a little refresher was in order. Here are a few pictures of this training session.

Day 1 of the Minor Midget AAA OBA Championships is in the books, and here are the results; Vaughan 7 vs Tecumseh 6 Etobicoke 12 vs Brampton 2 London 6 vs West Toronto Cards 5... Oshawa 17 vs West Toronto 2 Mississauga 8 vs Hamilton 3 See more

This past weekend, the HBUA hosted the AAA Minor Midget OBA Championship tournament. This was the 10 year anniversary for us hosting this event here in the City of Hamilton. After a hard fought win, the Brampton Royals defeated the Etobicoke Rangers by a final score of 8-3. We would like to congratulate them on being the 2015 Champs! We would also like to thank the City of Hamilton for their continued support as well as the volunteers and staff at Mahoney Park. Their ded...ication to helping us with this tournament year in and year out is always appreciated. Congratulations to all participants and we are looking forward to 2016 already!

Good Morning Facebook! Today at 2pm in Hamilton at Mahoney Park the 2015 AAA Minor Midget OBA Championship tournament will get underway with 2 great games. First we have Whitby facing off against North Toronto as well as Richmond Hill taking on Etobicoke.... In our 5pm match ups we will see Oakville go ahead to head against Tecumseh as well as Kitchener taking on Brampton. Everyone come on out to get a look at some great baseball today.

The Hamilton Baseball Umpires Association is preparing to host its annual AAA Minor Midget OBA Championship tournament on Labour Day Weekend. 2015 marks the 10 year anniversary that we have hosted this fantastic tournament. It will be held once again at Mahoney Park in the east end of Hamilton. We welcome people across Hamilton to come on out and watch some fantastic baseball. More information regarding this year's tournament including tournament bracket and schedule can be found on our website. The HBUA is proud to welcome this year's 8 teams to our feet city and wish them the best of luck in this year's tournament.

Here's something you definitely don't see every day. Bryan Price, the manager for the Reds was ejected after the plate meeting a few days ago. He wasn't happy about the plate umpire Manny Gonzalez on the previous nights game in the calls being made. Price does something that you don't see very often and that's shaking the hand of every other umpire except for Manny Gonzalez. This causes a discussion with the 2B umpire and crew chief Jim Reynolds and Price is eventually ejected as he wouldn't stop the argument. Good on Jimmy Reynolds for standing up for his crew mate during this situation as it was clearly an obvious sign of disrespect.

Changes in Mosquito Play When the Rules Interpretations for Baseball Ontario were released a few months ago, it has been brought to our attention that there has been a change voted upon and passed regarding a dropped 3rd strike in Mosquito Play ONLY. We wanted to make sure that all umpires who do umpire within the mosquito division are familiar with the change in the rule and it is applied correctly when the situation occurs. Within the mosquito division, if a dropped 3rd st...rike occurs whether there is a player on first or not and regardless of the number of outs, the batter is to be declared out immediately and no throw from the catcher to first base is necessary to record the out. Please ensure that we are enforcing this rule correctly within this division of play as it will be difficult at times to remember in the heat of the moment. It was voted upon that this rule will help the learning process of younger players attempting to learn the catching position and focusing on he basics without having to worry about throws that could result in players gaining more bases, thus slowing up the game. This is also encouraging potential quicker paces to games in this division. Please remember this when going on the field, any dropped 3rd strike the batter is out regardless of runner positioning on the bases or outs at the time.

Daily Umpire Comic....caption the below picture!

Daily Umpire Comic....there's something fishy about this umpire room sign....

Daily Umpire Comic....why doesn't this happen at our meetings?

Daily Umpire Comic....flattery will get you everywhere....or at least to first base anyways

Hello Everyone! Please be advised that we have been approached with more umpire equipment for sale. Anyone interested should email Jim Craig at [email protected]. Inside chest protector Honigs Shin pads Honigs Plate shoes, patent leather size 12... Base shoes New Balance size 12 Mask Hats, base and plate Indicators (3) Plate brush Plate pants size 34 (2) Shirts 2 navy, 1 red and 1 powder blue Pullover black jacket See more

Daily Umpire Comic....a little relationship problems for this poor guy....

Daily Umpire Comic....let's hope this doesn't become the new dress code!

Daily Umpire Comic....Always check the baseball!

Just a reminder for everyone that tomorrow is our Level 1 and Level 2 OBA Certification clinics taking place at St. Charles Adult Centre on Upper James here in Hamilton. Those registered have your information and be sure to be on time! We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Daily Umpire Comic....It's the side conversations during the game between you and the catcher that are key to a great umpire-catcher relationship

Just a reminder to everyone that the HBUA will be holding its General Membership Spring Meeting this evening at 7:00pm at Dofasco Park Recreation Center, 388 First Road East on Stoney Creek Mountain. All current HBUA members are required to attend this very important pre-season meeting. The HBUA also encourages new umpires to attend and we are aware of many already that are excited to start off the season and be apart of the HBUA. There should be a board with our name written on it which will indicate our room number. We have some very important items to go over this evening so the meeting will come to order at 7pm SHARP! We look forward to seeing everyone there for a start of a great baseball season in Hamilton!

Daily Umpire Comic.....He should have listened!!!

Daily Umpire Comic....a new recruit for the 2015 season here in Hamilton....

Daily Umpire Comic...Another "Caption This" exercise. Let's see what you guys come up with for this.

Daily Umpire Comic....This one I haven't heard before but if I did I'd be sure to award some points for creativity...

Daily Umpire Comic.....A bit different today, let's get everyone to caption the picture below.

Umpire Opportunity Alert! For all those who are currently a level 3 umpire here in Hamilton, or other parts of Ontario, the OBA is currently accepting applications for this years Ontario Cup. This will give umpires extensive training on the 3 umpire system while working in crews for an entire weekend of baseball. The different part this year is that all attendees will have the opportunity of working with current Level 5 Umpires in the Baseball Canada National Program as ...there will be some there acting as crew chiefs. Please see the information below and any interested parties should submit their application on the OBA website prior to the deadline. It's a good opportunity for anyone who may not be familiar with the 3 man system and would like more experience working it, as well as to advance further towards the National Umpire Program through Baseball Canada. ================================================ Ontario Cup Helping umpires achieve their potential. Increasing opportunities for Level 3 & 4 umpires Preliminary Information Date: May 22- 24, 2015 Location: Vaughan Grove Sports Complex Fee: $150 What’s Included? Accommodation Intensive training in the three umpire system Up to 5 games in three umpire crew system with an in-depth evaluation after each game Instruction by umpires with a combined 25 National and International Championships Baseball Canada Level 4 evaluations ($90 value) Lunch on Saturday and Sunday, dinner on Friday and Saturday Umpires will be expected to be available from Friday at noon for an intensive training session, and then be involved in games for the rest of the weekend. 2014 Ontario Cup Recap There were 18 umpires from across the province at the 2014 Ontario Cup. The weekend was intense, beginning Friday afternoon and ending late on Sunday afternoon with thorough individual evaluations. Sessions worked on everything from positioning to the proper method of cleaning the plate. Umpires were assigned crews and worked the three umpire system with the same crew all weekend. At the end of the weekend, a number of umpires were invited to this year’s Level 4 clinic. Participants were pleased with an exhausting, but fun, and educational weekend. Apply Now! Download and complete the Application Form PDF File. Send to [email protected] Applications will be accepted until April 24th.

Daily Umpire Comic....let's all wish Fred the best of luck!

Concussion One-on-One All concussions should be taken seriously. Baseball Ontario caught up with one of their Umpires to hear their concussion experience and wh...at they recommend should happen if a concussion is suspected. Q: How did you sustain your concussion? A: I was umpiring at a National Championship and took a foul ball off the mask. Q: Is this your first concussion? A: No. Minor ones in the past. Q: What symptoms were you feeling? A: When it happened, my ear ‘popped’, my partner was speaking to me but I didn’t respond until he was very close to me. I felt ‘weird’ after. Similar to when you have the flu and your head feels foggy. I didn’t realize the first day that I had the concussion. In the morning, I felt like I had a ‘cold’ in the front part of my head. I kept trying to ‘blow my nose’ to clear it. Once I went to my game and started running I had trouble focusing. I was hit two more times in the mask during this game. Q: Did you immediately report these symptoms to someone? If not, why? A: I reported that I felt odd and it was clear I had been hit in the mask more than one time. Once, I realized that I didn’t feel right; I went to the medical center and was assessed to have a concussion. I failed the oral CT Scan. I re-tested 2 or 3 days later I was better but I was still presenting symptoms. Q: Could this concussion have been prevented? A: I had proper positioning and technique. I have a new mask, I am not sure I could have done anything to prevent it. Q: How long did it take you to recover from this concussion? A: It took a couple of weeks. I continued to struggle with new information and had to rest after exertion. I limited physical activity too. Q: What was the most frustrating part of the process? A: That there was no process for checking umpires after games when they are hit in the mask/head. I was also made to feel like I wasn’t ‘really hurt’. At this event there was an extensive medical team so once I was taken there I was well taken care of. Q: What would you recommend to other individuals who have to go through such an injury? A: I think there should be a ‘concussion protocol’ for games. We could include it in the umpire manuals. Perhaps a printed sheet that umpires can do/ask fellow umpires when they see they get hit in the head. Just asking the umpire’s name isn’t always an indicator. I knew my name but didn’t remember anything new I learned For more information on concussion management and care, visit www.lifemark.ca or, contact Business Development Lead, Concussion Management Cole Rubinoff [email protected]

Daily Umpire Comic...seems fair, doesn't it?

Daily Umpire Comic....let's hope there aren't any mix ups like this, this year!

Daily Umpire Comic....New for 2015 is fan consultations....

Daily Umpire Comic.....something is a little fishy here....

Daily Umpire Comic....you make the caption. Notice that the umpire in question is wearing #22....Can't wait to see the results. Let's hope this doesn't happen to our #22!

Daily Umpire Comic. Some habits are hard to let go of....

Daily Umpire Comic....baseball got underway last night at Wrigley, who's excited ball season is back??? The umpire in this comic is very persuasive....

Today's daily umpire cartoon...remember everyone, timing is everything!

Just a reminder to everyone that the Level 1 and Level 2 OBA Clinics have opened up registration for the clinics taking place here in Hamilton on April 25, 2015. The details for the clinics can be found, on our website at www.hbua.ca or in the events section on this page. Please sign up if you are eligible to take this clinic. This is also open to anyone in the Hamilton area who is considering umpiring for the 2015 season as you are required to hold a valid certification within the OBA to umpire with the HBUA. Thanks everyone and hope to see everyone on that day!

Daily Umpire Comic. Hope this doesn't happen to anyone....

The season is getting closer....who's excited?

Monday's daily umpire cartoon. Let's hope things don't escalate this quickly in any games this coming year....

Today's daily umpire comic....I'd have to look up the rule too I think!

I wonder if Michael Pineda of the Yankees was this humorous during his ejection for a foreign substance on the baseball lol

I'm sure there are those out there that wish this was an option!!! here is your daily umpire comic

Had some issues getting up yesterday's comic, so here is a double dose. Lets remember to get a good relationship with the catcher when working the plate game....but this close of a relationship? And in the second comic....anyone else use this coping mechanism?

Today's daily umpire comic. Everyone does this at home, right?

Here is today's daily comic. Watch out for the dangers of laser pointers!!!

Daily Comic Strip. However, I think there is only 1 manager I have ever dealt with that I envision a conversation like this!