12 For 12 with Gerry Davis: An Umpire Podcast

Gerry talks about how to maintain proper timing as an umpire, teaches a simple trick to becoming a more consistent plate umpire, and discusses some specifics of positioning for plays on the bases.

Gerry talks about the steps he had to take in order to get back on an MLB field, recalls his first plate job back in the big leagues lasting over 4.5 hours, and shares some of the advice that he gave to his partners while working his rehab stint in the Minor Leagues. 

Gerry addresses MLB's recent enforcement of rules against pitchers using foreign substances - from how the umpires are being asked to enforce it, to the specifics of the rules, to how it may trickle down to levels below the Major Leagues. 

Gerry remembers a routine that he and the late Eric Gregg used for self-evaluation after games, talks about the importance of physical posture during discussions with players or managers, and describes how his time as a junior college basketball coach gave him empathy as an umpire.

Gerry talks about what makes a good partner on and off the field, the importance of being honest with yourself as an umpire, and when is the right time to stand up for your partner during an argument.

Gerry talks about the importance of an umpire's pregame and postgame dress code, discusses how often umpires should refresh themselves on the rule book, and recalls a mistake from his time in Single-A that taught him a lesson.

Gerry shares his thoughts on Joe West setting MLB's all-time record for games umpired, gives an update on his upcoming return to the field, and talks about some of the important details to think about when making changes to your lineup card. 

Gerry talks about some of the intricacies of the 2 and 3 man umpiring systems and explains why sometimes it can be better to trust experience and feel over the instruction manual. 

Gerry talks about the changes to Major League Baseball's warning and ejection policy in bean-ball situations and discusses the differences between what you think on the field vs. what you know. 

Gerry talks with Jim Bettencourt of Baseball Rules in Black & White, a new mobile app that serves as a convenient, organized, and understandable resource for umpires at any level who are looking for a practical and detailed understanding of the rule book.