12 For 12 with Gerry Davis: An Umpire Podcast Gerry Davis

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.