On the season premier, we discuss the change to the runner's lane rule, and ex big leaguer Trevor Plouffe gets called out about his comments concerning the new rule. Umpire Alan Porter is featured in the first ever Behind the Mask segment. Show Segments: This Day in Baseball History Behind the Mask New Rules Trivia Question of the Day Looking for Merch? Click the link here to visit The Umpire Strikes Back Official Shop: https://umpirestrikesback.creator-spring.com/

In this episode, I break down why Kyle Schwarber was so upset with Angel Hernandez about a pitch just off the plate. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theumpirestrikesback/support

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 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theumpirestrikesback/support

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 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. ...

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 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theumpirestrikesback/support

I give my opinion on Angel Hernandez and his assignment to the Dodgers-Padres NLDS Series --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theumpirestrikesback/support

I discuss what I do different when umpiring a lower level of youth baseball --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theumpirestrikesback/support

I give my personal opinion on Rob Drakes performance in the season finale between the Giants and Padres where he apparently missed 27 calls --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theumpirestrikesback/support

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 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erik-weiss0/support

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 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/erik-weiss0/support

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 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I discuss the interference call on Trea Turner during Game 6 of the 2019 World Series and explain why the call was correct --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I discuss Clayton Kershaw’s feelings about the extra inning rule and what Major League Baseball is proposing for a Postseason Bubble scenario --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I touch on the importance of umpiring a few preseason games

I give my opinion on the Michigan ejection. *I mistakenly refer to the team as LSU

I bring my good friend Josiah on the show to discuss cheating in baseball from the Astros to the Black Sox of 1919

I give my opinion on the Robot Umpire situation and discuss the improvement Major League Baseball is making by introducing PA microphones for umpires

I briefly talk about what a bunt is and what it means to “attempt at the ball”

I discuss the penalty for leaving base early in Little League as well as batting out of order

I go over what a balk is and admit to screwing one up during a game

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

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

An explanation of the infamous Infield Fly Rule heard around the world