12 For 12 with Gerry Davis: An Umpire Podcast

Timing and Positioning Sep 21, 2021

Gerry talks about how to maintain proper timing as an umpire, teaches a simple trick to becoming a more consistent plate umpire, and discusses some specifics of positioning for plays on the bases.

Back on the Field Sep 03, 2021

Gerry talks about the steps he had to take in order to get back on an MLB field, recalls his first plate job back in the big leagues lasting over 4.5 hours, and shares some of the advice that he gave to his partners while working his rehab stint in the Minor Leagues.

Foreign Substances Jul 16, 2021

Gerry addresses MLB's recent enforcement of rules against pitchers using foreign substances - from how the umpires are being asked to enforce it, to the specifics of the rules, to how it may trickle down to levels below the Major Leagues.

Advice from the Crew Chief Jul 02, 2021

Gerry remembers a routine that he and the late Eric Gregg used for self-evaluation after games, talks about the importance of physical posture during discussions with players or managers, and describes how his time as a junior college basketball coach gave him empathy as an umpire.

Umpires are Partners Jun 25, 2021

Gerry talks about what makes a good partner on and off the field, the importance of being honest with yourself as an umpire, and when is the right time to stand up for your partner during an argument.

Listener Questions Jun 11, 2021

Gerry talks about the importance of an umpire's pregame and postgame dress code, discusses how often umpires should refresh themselves on the rule book, and recalls a mistake from his time in Single-A that taught him a lesson.

Joe West Breaks All-Time Games Record May 28, 2021

Gerry shares his thoughts on Joe West setting MLB's all-time record for games umpired, gives an update on his upcoming return to the field, and talks about some of the important details to think about when making changes to your lineup card.

The 2 and 3 Man Systems May 07, 2021

Gerry talks about some of the intricacies of the 2 and 3 man umpiring systems and explains why sometimes it can be better to trust experience and feel over the instruction manual.

What You Think vs. What You Know Apr 30, 2021

Gerry talks about the changes to Major League Baseball's warning and ejection policy in bean-ball situations and discusses the differences between what you think on the field vs. what you know.

Baseball Rules in Black and White Apr 23, 2021

Gerry talks with Jim Bettencourt of Baseball Rules in Black & White, a new mobile app that serves as a convenient, organized, and understandable resource for umpires at any level who are looking for a practical and detailed understanding of the rule book.

Season 40 in MLB Apr 16, 2021

Gerry talks about starting the 2021 season as a replay official due to minor health complications, explains how his signature stance behind the plate has helped with his longevity, and answers questions from the listeners.

Little League Director of Umpire Development - Part 2 Dec 19, 2020

Tom Rawlings shares some stories about Gerry's role in working with Little League umpires and gives recommendations for how listeners can get involved on both the local and national levels.

Little League Director of Umpire Development - Part 1 Dec 05, 2020

Tom Rawlings talks about working his way from volunteer umpire to Director of Umpire Development for Little League International, discusses the process of getting selected to umpire in Williamsport, and shares what Little League is doing to get more young people involved in umpiring.

Hunter Wendelstedt Nov 18, 2020

MLB veteran Hunter Wendelstedt talks about following in the footsteps of a father who is a legendary umpire, taking over the operations of the Wendelstedt Umpire School, and the challenges of the 2020 season.

World Series Umpire Mark Carlson Oct 27, 2020

23-year MLB veteran Mark Carlson talks about some of the challenges of the 2020 season, life in the "bubble," and his upcoming assignment of calling balls and strikes for Game 7 of the World Series.

Rob Drake - Part 2 Sep 24, 2020

In the second half of our conversation with Gerry's longtime partner, Rob Drake gives advice about game preparation and dealing with "butterflies," discusses how he's dealt with the pain of injuries, and tells a story about his ejection of Lou Piniella that led to fans littering Wrigley Field.

Rob Drake - Part 1 Sep 12, 2020

Veteran umpire Rob Drake recalls what it was like getting the call to MLB after working in the Minor Leagues for over 15 years, tells a story about how his first appearance in professional baseball started in the middle of an at-bat, and shares memories from behind the plate for Felix Hernandez’s perfect game.

Greg Gibson - Part 2 Sep 05, 2020

"Gibbo" shares his thoughts on how to accept not being "perfect" as an umpire, talks about some of the biggest games he's worked alongside Gerry, and tells a classic story of an off-the-field interaction with Bobby Cox that ended in a headlock.

Greg Gibson - Part 1 Aug 29, 2020

Gerry's longtime partner Greg Gibson joined the show to talk about the accident that sidelined him for the 2020 season, how the MLB replay operation has changed due to COVID-19, and leaving college to pursue umpiring.

Making an Impression Aug 22, 2020

Gerry describes how MLB evaluates its umpires, what it means to "hustle" as an official, the importance of appearance on the field, and draws comparisons between umpiring and playing pool.

Easing The Tension Aug 15, 2020

Gerry talks about when the time is right for an older umpire to stick up for a younger umpire, when to discuss a past incident with a player or manager, and tells a story about Harry Wendelstedt easing the tension between he and Gary Carter.

Listener Questions Aug 01, 2020

12 For 12 listeners asked Gerry for advice to umpires who have been away from the game but want to return, his thoughts on adding the Designated Hitter in the National League, the best way to explain rulings to managers, and more.

Opting Out Jul 25, 2020

Gerry talks about his decision to opt-out of working the shortened 2020 Major League Baseball season, what that means for his immediate future, and career as a whole.

Creatures of Habit Jul 11, 2020

Gerry talks about how COVID-19 has affected the typical routines of umpires everywhere, remembers the atmosphere from his first World Series, and describes how his stance behind the plate has contributed to his health.

Baseball is Back! Jul 04, 2020

Gerry talks about some of the questions surrounding the upcoming season, his pursuit of 5,000 career games in Major League Baseball, and his pending retirement.

Umpire Equipment & Protection Oct 03, 2019

Gerry talks about the start of Gerry Davis Sports, the original Gerry Davis Plate Shoe, and the new Con-CUSHION Mask Enhancer that saved him from a concussion late this season.

The Adrian Beltre On-Deck Circle Ejection Sep 26, 2019

Gerry talks about upcoming Postseason assignments, and then tells his side of the story from ejecting Adrian Beltre for moving the on-deck circle in 2017.

Phil Cuzzi - Part 3 Sep 12, 2019

Phil Cuzzi shares the emotional story about his chance encounter with National League president Len Coleman that led him back to professional umpiring after being released by Major League Baseball.

Phil Cuzzi - Part 2 Sep 05, 2019

In part 2 of this 3-part series, Phil Cuzzi talks about getting the call to the Major Leagues for the first time, and the subsequent call from Branch Rickey notifying him of his release, which kept him out of baseball for 3 years.

Phil Cuzzi – Part 1 Aug 29, 2019

Gerry’s longtime partner Phil Cuzzi joined 12 For 12 and told stories about working Little League games for $15, the first time he knew he wanted to umpire professionally, going to umpire school four times before getting a job, and getting singled out by Hall of Fame umpire Al Barlick.

Ted Barrett - Part 2 Aug 15, 2019

In the second part of his 2-part interview, Crew Chief and 23-year MLB veteran Ted Barrett joins 12 for 12 to tell some of his memorable run-ins with managers, including the record-breaking ejection of Bobby Cox and the time that Jim Tracy asked Ted to run him from the game. Ted also gives some great recommendations for aspiring professional umpires.

Ted Barrett - Part 1 Aug 08, 2019

In Part 1 of a 2-part series, Crew Chief and 23-year MLB veteran Ted Barrett joined 12 For 12 to talk about getting into umpiring at a younger age than most, starting his Calling For Christ ministry, his background as a boxer, and working behind the plate for the longest game in World Series history.

Joe West - Part 3 Aug 01, 2019

Gerry talks with "Cowboy" Joe West about his friendship with country music legend Merle Haggard, closing in on the record for most games umpired in Major League Baseball history, his thoughts on replay and automated strike zones, and overturning the call when Alex Rodriguez swiped the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's glove in the 2004 ALCS.

Joe West - Part 2 Jul 25, 2019

In the second episode of this three-part series, Joe West tells stories about Pudge Rodriguez parking in his spot at the stadium, getting a memento from Nolan Ryan after working his 5th no-hitter, and the beginning of his country music career.

Joe West - Part 1 Jul 18, 2019

Legendary umpire "Cowboy" Joe West joined 12 For 12 to talk about how he first got into umpiring at the high school level, learning something from every umpire he's worked with, and how watching replays has changed throughout his time in Major League Baseball. Part 1 of a 3-part series.

A Little Less Than Friendly Jul 11, 2019

Gerry talks about the difference between being cordial with players vs. fraternizing during games, and the balance that umpires at all levels need to keep. He also discusses how an umpire’s off-field personality should be reflected by on-field personality.

100% Chance of Being 50% Wrong Jun 27, 2019

Gerry talks about ejecting Michael Pineda for using pine tar during a game between the Yankees and Red Sox in 2014, and what it's like for an umpire to be trending on Twitter. He also addresses the epidemic of abuse that umpires and officials are experiencing at amateur levels.

Behind The Seams Jun 20, 2019

Gerry gives a behind-the-"seams" look at his past confrontations with Bobby Cox, Tommy Lasorda, and Darren Daulton. He also tells a story about Mike Maddux asking long-time American League umpire Ken Kaiser which pitch to throw Albert Belle in the middle of an at-bat.

You Take Care of Your Team, I'll Take Care of My Team Jun 13, 2019

Gerry answers questions from listeners (To have your question answered on a future episode, e-mail podcast@gerrydavis.com). Did you know that being an umpire can be just like being a grocery store clerk? Gerry passes along a fable that he was told as a student in umpire school that explains why. He also tells a couple stories about on-field interactions between Hall of Famers and legendary umpires - one between Tommy Lasorda and Terry Tata, and the other between Barry Bonds and Bruce Froemming.

Working Memorable Games Jun 06, 2019

Gerry talks about some of the biggest and most memorable games in his career like Kerry Wood's 20 strikeout performance and his first World Series plate job, and the mementos he kept to remember those games forever. He also touches on his relationship with former player and manager Joe Torre, who now oversees the Major League umpires.

Randy Johnson's Perfect Game: 15 Years Later May 30, 2019

Gerry was U2 and 2019 crew mate Greg Gibson was the plate umpire for Randy Johnson's perfect game vs. Atlanta in 2004. In this episode, Gerry discusses what it was like to work a plate job with pitchers like The Big Unit and Kerry Wood. What kind of advice did Gerry give to his plate partner during the perfect game? How does a professional umpire prepare for working the plate on a game with one pitcher compared to another? Take a peek at an inside look at some baseball history!

Firm But Fair May 23, 2019

In this week's episode, Gerry discusses his umpiring mentors and how their influences helped him become firm, yet fair in his demeanor and game management.One of the big takeaways in this episode was the word "empathy," and the role it plays in an umpire's demeanor. He explains how National League umpires, Terry Tata and the late Harry Wendelstedt were influential in handling situations and leading an umpire crew.

Concussion Protocol May 16, 2019

This week, Gerry discusses the concussion protocol umpires follow after one of his crew members was taken down due to an injury. He also expands on how calls are handled when they go to replay review in New York, and talks about some of the influential umpires that helped shape his career early in the National League.

MLB's Replay Center May 09, 2019

In Episode 7, Gerry Davis talks about the type of feedback he and his crew members receive from MLB, the unique opportunities Gerry has had to give back to the umpiring community, and then gives an overview of MLB's replay center in New York. Hear what is being said on the headsets between a crew chief and the replay official, and what it's like to work in "the ultimate man-cave."

Handling On-Field Situations May 02, 2019

In episode 6, veteran MLB umpire crew chief Gerry Davis discusses his philosophy on handling on-field situations with players, coaches and managers. How much chirping is acceptable from the dugout when it comes to your strike zone? What's the "magic word?" You'll also get to hear a funny story about an on-field argument with manager Jim Leyland.

The Role of a Big League Crew Chief Apr 25, 2019

This week, veteran MLB umpire crew chief Gerry Davis talks about traveling as a professional umpire, their clubhouse arrangement, and what he views as his role as a crew chief. Gerry discusses who his major influences were coming up through his early days in professional baseball, and how they impacted the way he handles situations on the field.

An Inside Look at a Crew Pre-Game and Working Together Apr 18, 2019

Veteran MLB Umpire and Crew Chief Gerry Davis discusses how umpire crews are put together before the baseball season, as well as what is involved in a typical MLB pregame and the plate meeting. Gerry also talks about getting feedback from crew members and addresses whether an umpire, if asked, should give feedback to a senior umpire.

We're Human: When a Call Gets Overturned by Replay Apr 11, 2019

In this episode MLB Crew Chief Gerry Davis discusses what his mental process is after he gets a call overturned by replay, or when he may have missed a pitch. Gerry also talks about umpiring in the World Series, dealing with pressure, and his game day routine.

Spring Training and Earning a Spot in the Big Leagues Apr 04, 2019

In Episode 2, MLB Crew Chief Gerry Davis discusses how a spring training schedule works, how spring training crews are put together, what it's like to work with minor league umpires trying to earn a spot onto an MLB crew, and what he looks for when mentoring umpires.

Meet MLB Crew Chief Gerry Davis Mar 27, 2019

Veteran MLB umpire and Crew Chief Gerry Davis sits down to discuss the start of his record 38th consecutive year of service, his experience in umpire school, the minor leagues, and his call to the big leagues.

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