The Hammer An Umpire Podcast - podcast cover

The Hammer An Umpire Podcast

The trials and tribulations of an amateur baseball umpire and assigner, Kevin Weber. Kevin discusses situations, experiences, and opinions about umpiring. Occasionally, umpiring colleagues stop by to give their takes on being an Arbiter. Facebook: @thehammerpodcast Twitter: @kevinrweber E-Mail: spinalfusion06@yahoo.com
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

The New Season is Upon Us

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses listener questions and feedback along with changes to the 2025 NCAA Baseball rules. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics,...

Feb 11, 202538 minSeason 7Ep. 3

WMUA/NFHS Q&A Session

In this one-hour Question & Answer session for the WMUA, host Kevin Weber answers questions about game management, lineup card management, interference plays, pitchers' quick pitching, and other topics concerning NFHS rules. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the ...

Jan 23, 20251 hr 1 minSeason 7Ep. 2

2025 NFHS (WMUA) Training

In this extensive high school association video training meeting, Kevin Weber covers a variety of topics for the 2025 NFHS/MHSAA season. ROOKIE MEETING: Communicating with you partner/school, game management, pregame conference, basic umpire signals GENERAL MEETING: 2025 NFHS Points of Emphasis, MHSAA social media guideline, working the plate. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what ...

Jan 16, 20253 hr 28 minSeason 7Ep. 1

Going with the Ebb & Flow

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses 2025 NCAA & NFHS rules changes. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, most notably Bruce Doane’s camps. Kevin has att...

Aug 25, 202419 minSeason 6Ep. 3

Moving Up the Ladder

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses the ABS system, 4-man mechanics, Angel Hernandez, and how to move up the ladder. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, mo...

Jun 25, 202434 minSeason 6Ep. 2

He Still Lives!

Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, most notably Bruce Doane’s camps. Kevin has attended the Doane February camp, 2-man advanced camp, and 3-man camp on multiple o...

Jun 11, 202423 minSeason 6Ep. 1

The Age of Accountability

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses the age of assessment and accountability in umpiring, how to have a good relationship with your assigner, changes in CCA 3-man mechanics, and a poll for the greatest umpire in history. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the ...

Oct 10, 202324 minSeason 5Ep. 10

2023 Doane 3-man Days 2 & 3

Happenings on days 2 & 3 of the 2023 Doane 3-Man Camp. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, most notably Bruce Doane’s camps. Kevin has attended the Doane Febru...

Oct 02, 202312 minSeason 5Ep. 9

2023 Doane 3-Man Camp Day 1

Happenings on day 1 of the 2023 Doane 3-Man Camp. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, most notably Bruce Doane’s camps. Kevin has attended the Doane February camp,...

Sep 30, 202310 minSeason 5Ep. 8

Band of Brothers

In this episode, host Kevin Weber answers a listeners questions, goes into detail about 2-man B & C positioning, and covers the happenings of the 2023 Doane 2-Man Camp in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school pat...

Sep 19, 202338 minSeason 5Ep. 7

2023 CBUA 4-Man Umpire Clinic

Host Kevin Weber gives a detailed look at his experience in the 2023 CBUA 4-Man Umpire Evaluation Clinic in Indianapolis, IN. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, m...

Aug 08, 202336 minSeason 5Ep. 6

Seek Out Opportunities

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses ejection reports, the MHSAA State Finals, Ernie Quigley, and a new NFHS rule. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, most ...

Jul 16, 202332 minSeason 5Ep. 5

We are the Eye of the Storm

In this episode, host Kevin Weber communication in high stress games, batting out of order, video review, and an umpire spotlight. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clini...

May 30, 202323 minSeason 5Ep. 4

Seek to improve each game: this is the way.

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses pace of play, infield fly rule, runner’s lane rule, seeking evaluations, and 3-man at youth levels. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, cam...

May 07, 202338 minSeason 5Ep. 3

Windy City NCAA Baseball Talk

In this episode, host Kevin Weber gives a recap of the 2023 NCAA/CBUA Meeting in Chicago. He discusses a conference meeting and the general meeting. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study...

Jan 17, 202323 minSeason 5Ep. 2

Let’s Talk Rule Book Changes

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses NFHS 2023 points of emphasis, NFHS 2023 rule changes, 2-man bases empty shallow fly ball mechanics, an umpire spotlight, strike zone, and assigning dos and don’ts. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire s...

Jan 07, 202345 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Merry Blizzmas!

Host Kevin Weber answers a listener voicemail about plate meetings, discusses the new national standard strike zone initiative, gives a two-part NCAA rules test, and discusses the changes to the 20 Second Action Clock rule. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the profe...

Dec 23, 202252 minSeason 4Ep. 10

Excellence is What You Do Next

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses NCAA rules changes, the new RQ+ platform, Big-Timing, and spotlights umpire Perry Costello. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and ...

Oct 30, 202239 minSeason 4Ep. 9

Doane 2-Man Camp - Day 3

Host Kevin Weber shares his observations from the final day of the Doane 2-Man Umpire Camp. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, most notably Bruce Doane’s camps. K...

Sep 19, 202214 minSeason 4Ep. 8

Doane 2-Man Camp - Day 2

Host Kevin Weber shares his observations from the second day of the Doane 2-Man Umpire Camp. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, most notably Bruce Doane’s camps. ...

Sep 17, 202214 minSeason 4Ep. 7

Doane 2-Man Camp - Day 1

Host Kevin Weber shares his observations from the first day of the Doane 2-Man Umpire Camp. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success has been through self-study, camps, and clinics, most notably Bruce Doane’s camps. K...

Sep 17, 202214 minSeason 4Ep. 6

We Don't Want an "Ump Show"

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses umpire observations and answers listener questions, specifically NFHS rules changes, pickoff plays at first base, and MHSAA Finals and local tournament observations. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire...

Jul 15, 202255 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Can You Take the Heat?

Host Kevin Weber answers emails from Dan Steinberg, Kevin Banes, and Kevin Frenia on a variety of topics including lineups, batter interference and two-man mechanics. Kevin also gives an update on his 2022 season. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional um...

Jun 15, 202239 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Not Everyone Can Be The Beatles

In this episode, Kevin Weber answers listener questions about check swings, 2-man mechanics, controlling dugouts, pace of play, called 3rd strike mechanics and arguing coaches. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to the professional umpire school path. His road to success...

May 05, 202241 minSeason 4Ep. 3

It's Time to Prove Yourself Again

In this episode, Kevin Weber talks about 3-man mechanics, working the wedge, chirping coaches, and new umpire questions. Kevin also discusses listeners emails and presents an exclusive interview with David Hedges, who attended Wendelstedt Pro School early this year. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpir...

Mar 11, 202259 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Dig Into Those Rulebooks

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses rule changes and points of emphasis for NCAA and NFHS baseball. Also, Kevin answers listener emails from Scott Ordway, Robert Fobian, and David Emerling. Dig into those rulebooks because the testing season is upon us! Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire cam...

Jan 09, 20221 hr 10 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Start Perfect...then Get Better

In this episode, host Kevin Weber revisits his comments on the Little League World Series, answers a question about handling hit by pitches, gives a FED umpire quiz, shares his observations from instructing at the Doane Umpire Camp, and spotlights umpire George Magerkurth. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that th...

Oct 14, 202158 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Get Ahead by Getting Started

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses observations on novice umpires, a uniform checklist for camps and clinics, and answers several listener questions on Deep B vs Deep C, calling balls and strikes, and dealing with injuries. Kevin has been umpiring since his high school days, however, he’s been working consistently in amateur baseball since 2006. His story is the tale of what umpire camps and perseverance can accomplish. Kevin demonstrates that the umpire camp route is an alternative to ...

Sep 24, 20211 hr 10 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Umpire for the Ball and NOT the Player

In this episode, host Kevin Weber discusses new COVID-19 protocols in college baseball, Robert Fobian's email calling strikes and men's leagues, Scott Ordway's email about check swings, and Steve Dobek's Facebook Messenger message about ejections and bench jockeying.

Aug 30, 202143 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Keep Your Eyes Forever on the Ball

In this episode, Kevin Weber discusses observations he's made when observing new umpires, spotlights Bernice Gera, and reviews his experience at the CBUA 4-Man Invite Evaluation Camp in Indianapolis.

Aug 03, 202155 minSeason 3Ep. 3
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android