In order to make the game of baseball as fair as possible, there are usually umpires on the field to call the rules. Sometimes the umpires are called "Blue" or "Ump" for short.
Depending on the league and level of play there may be between one and four umpires. Most games will have at least two umpires so one can be behind the plate and one in the field. In Major League Baseball there are four umpires.
Plate Umpire
The plate umpire, or umpire in chief, is located behind home plate is responsible for calling balls and strikes. This umpire also makes calls regarding the batter, fair and foul balls inside of third and first base, and plays around home plate.
Base Umpire
Base umpires are usually assigned to a base. In the major leagues there are three base umpires, one for each base. They make calls around the base they are responsible for. The first and third base umpires will also make the call regarding a batter's check swing to say whether the batter swung far enough to be called a strike.
In many youth leagues there is only one base umpire. This umpire will need to move about the field to try and make the call. If there is no base umpire, then the plate umpire will need to make the best call they can from their position at the time.
Umpire Signals
The umpires make signals so everyone knows what the call was. Sometimes these signals can be very dramatic and entertaining, especially when calling a close safe or out play.
Here are some of the common signals you will see umpires make:
Safe
Out or Strike
Time Out or Foul Ball
Fair Ball
Foul Tip
Do Not Pitch
Play Ball
*Source for graphics: NFHS
Respecting the Umpire
Umpires want to do the best job they can, but they will make mistakes. Players and parents needs to respect the umpires on all levels of play. Yelling at the umpire or loudly disputing calls never helps your cause and is not good sportsmanship.
