Behind the Mask

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BEHIND THE MASK IS BACK!

Your weekly mid-week recharge. Your umpire clubhouse. Your chance to level up.

Starting December 3rd at 7:00pm, we’re firing up Behind the Mask — a weekly Zoom gathering built by umpires, for umpires. Whether you’re brand new, a seasoned vet, or somewhere in between, this is where we sharpen the craft, swap stories, break down situations, and get a little better every week.

Every Tuesday

7:00pm – 8:00pm

Live on Zoom

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86886980089

Bring your questions. Bring your rulebook. Bring your sense of humor.

Let’s talk mechanics, game management, rules, weird plays you saw last weekend, and all the things only umpires truly understand.

No cost. No sign-up. Just show up, learn, and hang out with your crew.

Let’s build the strongest umpire community in the PNW and beyond.

See you Tuesday night — Behind the Mask!

12/3/25 Interference & Obstruction — one of the most misunderstood parts of the rulebook. We’ll break it down, talk situations, fix the myths, and make sure you’re confident the next time it happens on the field.

Use passcode: tq1XZ*Kp

Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

12/10/25 Interference & Obstruction - Finishing our discussion on Interference, diving deeper into Batter’s Interference, and then moving into Obstruction — breaking down the rule differences, mechanics, and how to handle these situations confidently on the field.

Use passcode: J0?k$!04

Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

1/20/25 Balks — one of the most misunderstood and debated areas of the rulebook. We’ll break them down, discuss real game situations, and answer questions.

Use passcode: 9q?BKfyY

Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

Dale spent 30 years at the Major League level, working multiple World Series, League Championship Series, and All-Star Games. He is widely respected for his professionalism, leadership, and impact on the umpiring community. Dale is also the author of The Umpire Is Out, a powerful and inspiring book that shares stories from his career in professional baseball along with his personal journey and life experiences beyond the field.

1/27/25 Two-Umpire System — one of the most important cornerstones of effective on-field coverage. We’ll break down positioning, rotations, responsibilities, and common situations, with practical insights you can take straight to the field. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned umpire, this session will help sharpen your mechanics and confidence.

Use passcode: 6Vm!14sV

Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

2/3/26 Second half of the two-umpire system - Tonight, we’ll be breaking down the second half of the two-umpire system, building off last week’s conversation and diving deeper into positioning, rotations, and real-game situations you’ll see this season. Whether you’re newer to working two-man or looking to sharpen the details, this will be a practical, on-the-field discussion you won’t want to miss.

Use passcode: tw4v5!f$

Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

2/10/26 Infield Fly & Appeals - This week we’re diving into two topics that consistently create confusion, arguments, and learning moments on the field:

Infield Fly & Appeals

These aren’t just rulebook concepts—they’re situations that separate confident umpires from hesitant ones. We’ll break down:

When the Infield Fly rule actually applies (and when it doesn’t)

Proper mechanics and signals

Common myths and misapplications

Live appeal situations and how to handle them calmly and correctly

Use passcode: HcPQE!E8

Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

2/17/26 - Special guest — Anthony Prater — for a powerful conversation on how to break into college baseball as an umpire.

Anthony brings 31 years of officiating experience to the table. He attended the Jim Evans Professional Umpire School and worked Minor League Baseball from 1997–2002 across multiple leagues. He has spent over a decade working NCAA baseball at the Division I level, including the Mountain West and WCC Conferences.

Anthony is also the owner of AP Western States Umpire Clinics, operating NCAA college camps designed to help umpires take the next step into college baseball.

Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

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