I am a salesman with customers up in your neck of the woods and hope to catch a Ravens game this summer. Hope to meet you and maybe talk ball over a couple of coneys. Best wishes, Ron Dear Ron, You raise a very important point. It never hurts to have enough friends in any business, and it seems to help as you address an umpire by his first name when entering a game. There are six sets of umpires who travel throughout the Eastern League, and a large amount of time may pass between visits from a specific crew.
Word can travel quickly, however, between teams as to the tendencies of individual crews.
I believe that it is important to study the evening's home plate umpire and gather a general understanding of his strike zone. For instance, if he is providing the corners for the previous pitchers, it would be foolish to feel compelled to groove strikes down the middle. Dave Read Dave's previous column for a look at players' superstitions. Watch for the next edition of Bullpen Tales on June 4. You may also use that e-mail address if you have a question for the Ravens front office and not specifically for Dave.