I was at a softball game the other day, and the home plate umpire did something unusual. Before the game, he asked both teams to drag all their equipment out of the dugouts and line it up against the fence — bats, batting helmets, catcher’s masks, etc. He then proceeded to pick up each item, look it over and then put it back down.

In itself, probably not a bad idea. Sometimes a bat or a helmet that isn’t quite up to standards can find its way into the equipment bag (just ask Sammy Sosa). And I’m sure coaches check the equipment all the time, but it’s a nice idea for someone to check the stuff out right before a game to make sure a helmet isn’t cracked or a faceguard on a catcher’s mask isn’t loose. It’s kind of like checking your headlights and taillights before you pull out of the driveway — although I don’t know of anyone who does that. So, it seemed like kind of a good common-sense thing to do, even if it was a little annoying and puzzling to some of the fans watching.

Anyway, the game starts and this home plate umpire yells out to his partner that he forgot his balls-and-strikes indicator. It was still out in his car.

Just one of those funny little things.

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