WELCOME!

Last Updated 4/26/2008

Congratulations to Terry Utter, the HTL Umpire of the Year 2006.

2008 INFO

* Tom Kammerude is the new umpire coordinator for 2008.

* Game fees for 2008-2010 will be $75.

* Umpire schedules will be posted on the Home Talent League website.  Copies are posted here, as well.  Updates may be a day or two behind the league website.

* Please check the roster on this site and let me know of any updates.  I know I didn't do well on that in 2007, but arbiter had current information.  So please help me bring the info here up to speed.

FIELD MAPS

I have a request.  Please review the "Maps to fields" link at your convenience and check the available information.  I am trying to ensure that all the locations are correct.  To that end, when two or more of you have confirmed a map is as correct as it can be made within the limits of MapQuest, I will indicate that a location has been confirmed by putting a "(C)" in front of the name.  I'm also trying to add information about available facilities at fields.  I know some of us change at the field and would like to find a good restroom there, but often al that exists is a porta-potty.  At least you'll know what to expect when you get to a new field you don't know.  But, as I've said elsewhere, I can't get to all the fields so I need your help if I am going to be able to do this.  Thanks.

 

If there is anything else I can do to help with this website, please let me know.

LOGOS

Between the Lines, the sponsor of this web site, now has the logo for HTL umpire hats.  This logo is a red shape of Wisconsin in the background with white lettering, "HTL."  This logo may be embroidered on other items sold by Between the Lines as well.  It will cost $6 per item to add the embroidered logo.

 

Also available is the HTUA logo that appears in the upper left of this page.  Rich suggested this as an alternate hat, while Dave suggested some of us may have that embroidered on the t-shirt we wear under our ump shirts.  Rex, the owner of Between the Lines, has other suggestions in his catalog and on his website.  Pictures of both hats and a shirt are found below.

 

You can order hats, shirts, and many other umpire accessories, directly from Between the Lines this year.  Click on the logo in the upper right of this page or on the "Links to other sites" page on this site.  You can order directly on the web site, by phone or by fax.  Those numbers can be found on the web site.  Please support Between the Lines as Rex supports us--by paying for this web site and he gives members of the HTUA a 7.5% discount on most items.  Note: I just talked to Rex, and our embroidery is NOT available for ordering on-line just yet.  You can, however, order items by phone at 1-866-716-1590.  He will be trying to get those items on-line in the near future.

 

EXAMPLES:

 

SITE LINKS

Speaking of "Links to other sites," last year I was asked about searchable rules.  I'm not sure if the request was for OBR or HTL rules, but I have found an excellent site that has searchable OBR and FED rules, as well as discussion boards I have found extremely useful.  You can find a link to the site on the "Links to other sites" page of this site.  It is the "Alternate Official Rules of Baseball   (Searchable rules)" link.  Hope you find this useful.

OTHER INFORMATION

As I said last year, this YOUR web site.  It can only be as good as your help makes it. 

Ø Mark Ambrosious wrote the play of the week last year, and he has retired, so I need someone else to write it. 

Ø Articles, quizzes, and discussions must originate with you, so please submit items for these pages. 

Ø The maps page is corrected when an error is found, but I certainly don't go to all the parks.  So please, if you go to a park this season, come home and check my maps.  If there is an error, please let me know.  You'll save somebody some trouble finding their destination. 

Ø There are certainly other web sites of value to be found.  If you have one, let me know, please.  Share with your fellow umps.

Ø If there is ANY way I can make this site more useful to you, the umpire, again, please let me know.

Ø EXPANSION?  Not of the HTL or HTUA, but of this web site.  One of the other things I have said in the past is that I know many of us work in other sports and other leagues, from the WIAA to American Legion, from Basketball to Volleyball.  This can be a place to share information for those sports and leagues as well, if so desired.  Send discussion points, questions, whatever, and I'll post it under appropriate headings. (Added 2/9/06)

And thanks to all those who contributed to this site last year.