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The Umpire Strikes Back

The Umpire Strikes Back

By Erik Weiss

Ranked 67th on GoodPods’ Top 100 Baseball Podcasts of All Time and Currently the #2 Baseball Podcast in Slovakia! New Episodes Starting Feb. 1st!

When you watch a baseball game, you get the opinion of the announcers, players, and coaches. What you’ll never get is the opinion of the umpire. Well, that time has come! With years of experience at the Little League and Travel Ball levels, I’ll bring you the insight of an umpire when it comes to rules, controversies, and everything else in the game of baseball.

Episodes premiere every Friday
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Currently playing episode

2012 NL Wildcard Game - Infield Fly Rule

The Umpire Strikes BackFeb 22, 2019

00:00
10:36
Runner's Lane Rule Change | Ex MLB Player Called Out
Feb 01, 202436:33
Angel Hernandez “Strikes” Again

Angel Hernandez “Strikes” Again

In this episode, I break down why Kyle Schwarber was so upset with Angel Hernandez about a pitch just off the plate.
Apr 26, 202212:18
Why Buster Posey is NOT a HOFer

Why Buster Posey is NOT a HOFer

I break down the stats of Buster Posey’s career and explain why he doesn’t quite meet the standard of a Hall of Fame catcher
Nov 10, 202111:51
The Real Reason Umpires Quit

The Real Reason Umpires Quit

There is a National shortage for umpires and other officials. The main reason is abuse from fans and coaches, but what if I told you it is also due to the way officials are treated from within? In this episode I talk about the way umpires treat each other as well as how umpires are treated by their superiors. I also touch on my personal situation that lead to me leaving my local Little League District
Nov 04, 202125:05
Can Angel Hernandez Redeem Himself?

Can Angel Hernandez Redeem Himself?

Angel Hernandez will be on the plate for Game 2 of the Dodgers-Padres NLDS. Can he redeem himself and prove he belongs in the playoffs? Also, I strike back at everyone who came after me for my previous opinions about Angel Hernandez
Oct 07, 202026:08
Angel Hernandez Assigned to NLDS

Angel Hernandez Assigned to NLDS

I give my opinion on Angel Hernandez and his assignment to the Dodgers-Padres NLDS Series
Oct 06, 202018:21
Umpiring Different Youth Levels

Umpiring Different Youth Levels

I discuss what I do different when umpiring a lower level of youth baseball
Oct 01, 202015:53
Rob Drakes 27 Missed Calls

Rob Drakes 27 Missed Calls

I give my personal opinion on Rob Drakes performance in the season finale between the Giants and Padres where he apparently missed 27 calls
Sep 30, 202019:10
John Kruk Loses His Mind on Correct Call

John Kruk Loses His Mind on Correct Call

John Kruk was calling for Joe West’s head after Joe and his crew made a correct call of incidental contact on a back swing
Sep 24, 202017:39
Force Out After Retouching Second Base

Force Out After Retouching Second Base

Robbie Grossman of the Oakland A’s was called out on a force play at second after obtaining second bases, but then retouching it and returning to first base. Was this the correct call? Also, I touch on the newest developments concerning the World Series and Postseason bubble
Sep 22, 202019:53
Josh Donaldson Homerun Ejection

Josh Donaldson Homerun Ejection

I discuss my opinion on the ejection of Josh Donaldson following a homerun against the White Sox. Also my take on the K-Zone feature on tv
Sep 18, 202018:15
Revisiting Trea Turner’s Game 6 Interference

Revisiting Trea Turner’s Game 6 Interference

I discuss the interference call on Trea Turner during Game 6 of the 2019 World Series and explain why the call was correct
Sep 16, 202018:20
Kershaw: “It’s Not Real Baseball” and Postseason Bubble

Kershaw: “It’s Not Real Baseball” and Postseason Bubble

I discuss Clayton Kershaw’s feelings about the extra inning rule and what Major League Baseball is proposing for a Postseason Bubble scenario
Sep 12, 202014:15
Bryce Harper “Be a Professional” Ejection

Bryce Harper “Be a Professional” Ejection

I discuss my take on the Bryce Harper ejection from earlier in the week. Was the umpire being a professional? Bryce and I seem to have a difference in opinion on this
Sep 10, 202016:26
Strike Back Short #2 - Importance of Preseason Games

Strike Back Short #2 - Importance of Preseason Games

I touch on the importance of umpiring a few preseason games
Feb 26, 202009:37
Strike Back Short #1 - Michigan Ejection

Strike Back Short #1 - Michigan Ejection

I give my opinion on the Michigan ejection. <br /><br />*I mistakenly refer to the team as LSU
Feb 19, 202006:05
Cheaters in Baseball

Cheaters in Baseball

I bring my good friend Josiah on the show to discuss cheating in baseball from the Astros to the Black Sox of 1919
Feb 10, 202020:17
Robot Umpires and PA Microphones

Robot Umpires and PA Microphones

I give my opinion on the Robot Umpire situation and discuss the improvement Major League Baseball is making by introducing PA microphones for umpires
Jan 28, 202009:16
What is a Bunt?

What is a Bunt?

I briefly talk about what a bunt is and what it means to “attempt at the ball”
May 28, 201907:18
LL Leaving Base Early & Batting Out of Order

LL Leaving Base Early & Batting Out of Order

I discuss the penalty for leaving base early in Little League as well as batting out of order
Apr 29, 201911:26
“Hey, That’s a Balk!”......Or Not

“Hey, That’s a Balk!”......Or Not

I go over what a balk is and admit to screwing one up during a game
Apr 18, 201910:47
Obstruction on a Rundown & Little League Fence Rule

Obstruction on a Rundown & Little League Fence Rule

I talk about the award a runner receives when obstructed during a rundown and touch on a strange rule I came across in the little league rule book about fence distance
Apr 16, 201911:11
Running Through First Base (Read Your Rulebook)

Running Through First Base (Read Your Rulebook)

I explained the rule for Running Through First Base and tell a little story of the time I had a situation so complicated that we had to make a phone call to the folks in Williamsport, PA in order to make a decision
Apr 15, 201912:29
2012 NL Wildcard Game - Infield Fly Rule

2012 NL Wildcard Game - Infield Fly Rule

An explanation of the infamous Infield Fly Rule heard around the world
Feb 22, 201910:36