Saturday, December 31, 2016

Happy New Year and Words of Wisdom


If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream — and not make dreams your master;
If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you 
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings — nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And — which is more — you’ll be a Man, my son!

Happy New Year

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Quickly Recognize & Confidently Apply

Gain a complete understanding of the most confusing NFHS rule book language regarding the more difficult and frequently called rules, so when they happen on the field you will be able to recognize them quickly and be able to call them confidently.

                           eBook $8.99  Paperback $10.39

            Baseball Rules in Black and White

Sunday, December 25, 2016

The Night Before a Baseball Christmas

‘Twas the winter before spring when all through the stadium not a creature was stirring not even an Umpire.
The hats where hung in their lockers with care, in hopes that Spring Baseball would soon be there.
The players were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of homers danced in their heads
fans in their ‘kercheif, and umps with their masks had just settled down with our long winter naps.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open my the game bag and threw out a ball
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre on the ball below.
When what to my blurry eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Ruth.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name
Now Gehrig!, now Meusel, now Lazzeri and Dugan, on Collins, on Koenig and Combs To the top of your games. Blasting over every stadium wall.
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As a baseball that before the wild pitch fly,
When they meet with a mighty swing, mount to the sky,
So up in their victories the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of wins, and St. Ruth too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the field
The digging and toeing of each little cleat.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the flag pole St. Ruth came with a bound.

He was dressed for a game, from his head to his feet,
And his clothes all glimmered as he gave a great cheer;
A bundle of memories he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pro on a opening day whack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beardless chin was as white as the snow;

He held tight his teeth,
his love of the game encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was studly and wise, a right gracious old elf,
And I was in awe when I saw him, it even startled myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the baseball stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the flag pole he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
HAPPY Baseball CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!
Baseball Rules in Black and White 's version of the Night before Christmas,  wishing everyone the Merriest of Christmases.
 The 1927 New York Yankees


Thursday, December 22, 2016

Many Thanks and Blessing to All

The last five months of 2016 have been amazing times with incredible opportunities.  My wife Kristel and I have had the pleasure of working with and meeting dozens of dynamic and energetic professionals from across the United States.  

I was fortunate to give radio interviews at KNCO & KNVR radio, a KHSL television interview, hold a book signing at Buffalo Wild Wings, and attend Umpire camps in both Riverside, Ca and Sacramento. Every person along the way was gracious, caring and extremely professional.  

We are looking forward to the American Baseball Coaches Association Convention Jan. 5-8, 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center.  Over 5,000 coaches in attendance, and some of the biggest names in baseball sports products will debut their 2017 product lines.  Baseball Rules in Black and White is humbled to share a small part of this grand event with names like Easton, Rawlings, Diamond Sports, Franklin, Wilson, and Ripken Baseball.


Our website at www.baseballrulesinblackandwhite.com, Facebook page and our blog page at
baseballrulesinblackandwhite.blogspot.com have now reached over 7,000 thousand views.  Our app is expected to be available after the first of the year along with the college version of Baseball Rules in Black and White. Also being prepared for 2017 is a youth baseball and youth softball version.

Foremost, I need to thank my amazing wife Kristel. Without her loving support and keen eye for details, the success of our projects would not be possible. We are both stronger and fortunate to have survived the demanding hours of writing, editing and
publishing of Baseball Rules in Black and White. 

The biggest blessings in our lives are not the things or accomplishments but all the truly remarkable people who have touched and graced us with their kindness, professional courtesy and remarkable skills. It has recharged our faith in who and what we are as a society. Without everyone's support and guidance, we would be surely stalled, and it is a great testament that when everyone works together for a greater cause, great things can be accomplished.   

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!
Kristel and James Bettencourt


Sunday, December 18, 2016

Baseball Rules Minutia

A small percentage of baseball rules language is straightforward, but a much larger percentage is not.  A perfect example of just how challenging the baseball rule book language can be is the rule number 6-2-4d from the NFHS rule book.

It describes a balk as: “failing to pitch to the batter in a continuous motion immediately after any movement of any part of the body such as he habitually uses in his delivery”.

My personal opinion this rule suffers from diarrhea of excessive wording and the longer the sentence continues the more confusing it becomes. Let’s see how few words could effectively convey the actual meaning of this rule. It is a balk when: “the pitcher begins his delivery then stops his motion.” 

                            Baseball Rules in Black and White Buy Now

Without writing a thesis can anyone explain why the second half of this rule discusses the pitcher’s habits of which body parts he habitually uses in his delivery, because I am pretty sure pitchers use all their body parts in their delivery. For umpires young and old this exact type of word minutia in the baseball rule book is what creates confusion and problems in the game of baseball.

                          Baseball Rules in Black and White

Friday, December 16, 2016

Speed and Accuracy are critical for success.

       

      Baseball Rules in Black and White

                Speed and Accuracy

The Peregrine Falcon “a raptor” is a remarkable creature. They can reach speeds in excess of 240 mph making them the fastest member in the animal kingdom.  The Peregrine Falcon flies to great heights, then reaching top speeds in what is called a stoop “or dive”, with pin point accuracy strikes only the wing of its prey with its talons clinched while both are in mid-flight.

The speed that Baseball Rules in Black and White enables the reader to locate the baseball rule topic, the revised ruling and the original ruling from the official NFHS rule book is exceptional.  Baseball Rules in Black and White is also committed to accuracy and continually strives to make sure all revisions are stated clearly in Basic English exactly what the rule definition is trying to say.




Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Baseball Rules in Black and White has a brand new logo.

We tried to go with a unique and a appealing look, rather than obvious or ordinary baseball theme. Hoping this provides everyone a chance to draw from their own imagination to enjoy. 
Our little friend the Peregrine Falcon, is a raptor. He lives all around the globe and descends on his prey at speeds over 200 MPH which makes him the fastest bird in the world. So because of his broad diversity, his lethal hunting abilities and his agile skills of flight, we have selected this specimen of nature to adorn our logo.

www.baseballrulesinblackandwhite.com



Sunday, December 11, 2016

Umpires Field Mechanics vs Rules Knowledge

Umpires collectively spend thousands of hours every year practicing and working to improve their plate and field mechanics. These mechanics are critical for umpires to be in the correct positions to have the best perspective to make the best call.  

Umpires spend far less time every year working to improve their baseball rules knowledge. For umpires, rules knowledge is critical in order to have the confidence to identify and enforce the rules correctly each and every time.    
      Baseball Rules in Black and White, Buy your copy now!



                                        Baseball Rules in Black and White
If mechanics and rules are both equally important parts of becoming a top rated umpire, then why the discrepancy in the amount of time spent between the two?   

There are many reasons why umpires spend substantially more time improving their field mechanics. It can be fun, there is the interaction with peers, it's physical and mental, and you can immediately see what works and what doesn't. You are able to work on mechanics during games.  

Rules not so much. Rules are not fun. They can be either irrelevant, challenging or redundant. Learning rules is cerebral with no immediate results and can create more questions than answers. There is one baseball rules subject that both coaches and umpires do agree on, that the iconic baseball rule book is deficient and because of it's dated format, tends to create as many problems as it resolves. 

Isn't it about time we have a rule book that by comparison is not frustrating and addresses only relevant rules written in non-challenging reader friendly English? How about a format that creates more answers than questions, with less time scavenging through the rule book? If so, I just happen to have exactly what you are looking for. The choice is yours. You can continue struggling with a dated format or read, comprehend and retain Baseball Rules in Black and White.


       Baseball Rules in Black and White, Buy your copy now!

                   

Friday, December 9, 2016

Even the baseball gods do not know all the rules!

If you're the baseball fan that declares that you know (all) the rules what this tells me the most, you obviously do not know much about baseball rules.  

Thousands of baseball leagues each having their own set of hundreds of specific or vague rules.  Thousands of tournaments each having their own set of specific or vague rules. There are rules that are not written in any rule book, but yet can or should be applied to a baseball game. Games being played on modified fields or extreme conditions all impacting what the rules are.


Baseball rules before a game starts are and can be
arbitrarily changed at the desecration of those who are overseeing any given game or tournament.  The more organized the game or tournament, the less arbitrary the rules.  The less organized the game or tournament, the more arbitrary the rules.

It would be humanly impossible for anyone to know all the rules of baseball, says this umpire. If someone tells you different, I recommend getting your information from someone who is more realistic.

So what does this say about the book Baseball Rules in Black and White Baseball Rules in Black and White "Difficult High School Baseball Rules Made Easy"?  The nineteen rules addressed in my book are and should be applied to every National Federation of High School baseball game from coast to coast and boarder to boarder. With the possible exceptions of uncontrollable factors such a weather and field conditions. 

So the next time you hear that one loud mouth fan shouting his rules interpretations like he is a messenger from the baseball gods, just keep in mind even the baseball gods do not know all the rules.



Thursday, December 8, 2016

Little League Inc & The American Legion

 Little League Inc. & The American Legion baseball programs are second to none when it comes to providing a safe and fun platform that allows children to enjoy the game of baseball. 

These two great American Icons have helped millions of children  and young adults from all demographics in the United States and around the world to participate in playing the game of baseball and in turn have improved the game of baseball.

Their high level of ethical expectations are beneficial in so many ways that contribute to maintaining a healthy and well adjusted society.

As the author of Baseball Rules in Black and White it gives me great pleasure to announce that a percentage of all book sales will be donated to these two amazing baseball programs that do so much for children everywhere

James C. Bettencourt

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Learning Baseball Rules and Saving at the Same Time! Merry Christmas!

List Price: $12.99
Introductory Holiday Price: $10.39
You Save: $2.60 ( 20% )
Buy now exclusively at Lulu.com 
The new 2017 Edition of Baseball Rules in Black & White "Difficult High School Baseball Rules Made Easy" includes three additional rule topics, plus the 2017 high school rule changes.

The 2017 Edition has expanded to a total of 19 troublesome rule topics listed below.
Balk -----Base Awards Frequently Called -----Batter’s Interference------Batter’s Interference: Penalty------Batting Out of Order-----Bench and Field Conduct -----Charged Conferences------Courtesy Runner------Designated Hitter------Infield Fly Rule------ Interference - Offense, Umpire, Spectator------Interference/Runner----Obstruction----Pitching Stances-----Runner Hit by a Fair Batted Ball-----Running Lane---Slide Definition---Substitutions Definition-----Verbal and Written Warnings & Ejections 
From these 19 troublesome rules over 200 ruling actions, examples, and summaries in basic language and large font are provided. Each of the over 200 rulings include the original rule & page number from the high school rule book and this book includes a Table of Contents listed in alphabetical order, making finding a rule simple.
Baseball Rules in Black and White will accelerate and increase a new umpire’s baseball rule knowledge substantially. It is a great refresher for veteran umpires and coaches. By reading easy to find, clearly stated rules you will learn more in less time than reading a conventional rule book!
Not convinced want more, go to:
If you wait too long special savings end in a few short weeks!



The first hard copy of the 2017 Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White

Feels and Looks Amazing

The first hard copy of the 2017 Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White "Difficult High School Baseball Rules Made Easy"is in my hands and it is an awesome feeling.  

The process of doing a revision for the 2017 baseball season was no easy process. It was not quite as daunting as writing the orignal book from scratch, but I am now pleased to say all well worth it.

No better time than now to take advantage of my many hours of toil and gain the benefits of understanding the rules of the game of baseball.  Now till the end of the year were running a special introductory / holiday savings exclusively through Lulu Publishing.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Warning! Currently if you are wanting to purchase the latest 2017 Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White it is only available through Lulu Publishing.  

Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a short time are only selling the 2016 addition, soon this will not be the case.  

So lets review. For a short time in order to by the 2017 Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White you must go to Lulu Publishing



Resolving not perpetuating a problem is always a good idea. Right?

The negative situations produced on a baseball field mostly due to umpires, coaches, fans & players inability to agree regarding a ruling action have existed for quite some time.  How can so many different opinions be formulated by so many people who have observed the same thing, year after year.  The answer?  

The baseball rule book is written with extremely small font, muddled dialogue, no table of content, only rule numbers to locate a ruling action with no referenced page number the rule can be found. 

Buy the 2017 Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White 

When I decided to address the baseball rule book problems, I knew I would be facing a strong headwind. For an umpire to say these things out-loud is unthinkable, that alone attempt to write a reader and retention friendly version of a rule book. As a veteran umpire, I have never been one to back away from a strong headwind, particularly one that so obviously needed to be addressed and improved. In order to reduce watching adults argue as children observe, I have written a translation guide to the rule book that helps the reader clearly understand baseball's most difficult and frequently called rules in baseball.  In turn this will make the game more enjoyable for everyone, even the kids.



Buy the 2017 Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White 

The 2017 edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White has been expanded to include these rule topics, Runner Hit by Fair Batted Ball, Infield Fly and Courtesy Runner.  From the total of nineteen rule topics discussed I have revised over 200 possible ruling actions into basic English, so most everyone can agree what the rule states. Each revised ruling action is in the fewest, most logical and simplistic language possible, in order to convey a consensus of the ruling's sole intent. 

Monday, December 5, 2016

Font size matters!

Some one please tell me what is up with printing important information in small font or filling up a web page with the tiny important information.  I really want someone to explain the reasoning behind using dinky font. Example below:


Some one please tell me what is up with creating important information and producing it in small font and then filling up the web page with the tiny important information.  I really want someone to explain the reasoning behind this type of format that I am seeing more and more.  

We are now living in the age of a cyber world, the need to reduce paper use has been greatly reduced. I can only think of reasons that are less than ethical. Disclaimers are almost always in  four - six font as if being written in lawyer jargon was not daunting enough, not being able to see the words accomplishes preventing most all from reading and understanding any of it. In fact I would risk saying that you would spend a lifetime finding someone who has read a full page disclaimer and understood or retained it. Its absurd.

When I am sharing important information I prefer to use a larger font.  My belief is that if someone can easily see what they are reading, it will provide them a much better opportunity to understand and recall that information. 

The 2017 Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White is written in fourteen font and larger unlike most baseball rule books.  I did this because I want you to be able to see, understand and retain what you are reading the first time you read it. Is this wrong?

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Endorsements from your peers mean you got it right.

NCAA Div.II Umpire Robert Estep says: Baseball Rules in Black and White is a must owned reference book that will enhance your understanding of the baseball rule book.
Baseball Rules in Black and White takes a rules subject, references all the rule points referring to that subject in one area to enable the reader to achieve a complete understanding of the entire rule.


It enables the reader to quickly find, interpret, and execute a rule confidently with accuracy.
Baseball Rules in Black and White categorizes a rule subject for easy access and breaks the rule down for easy and complete understanding.

Baseball Rules in Black and White is a great reference book to use with the actual rule book. It will enhance your understanding of the rules and bring clarity to rules interpretation.        

Robert Estep- NCAA Div. 2 Umpire

Umpires, coaches, parents all confirming what Baseball Rules in Black in White has been saying for months.  Here is another endorsement by NCAA Div.II Umpire Robert Estep confirming what the 2017 Edition of Baseball Rules in Black and White can do for you.

Friday, December 2, 2016

4 star average review on Amazon & 5 stars from NCAA DI Billy Haze & NCOA umpire Ken Paul, Not too bad!

As a baseball mom who raised three children in a small Northern California town, baseball was equivalent to
eating, sleeping and breathing. During a game when an Umpire makes a questionable call that prompts an
appeal from a coach, player or fan, "Oh boy, look out". Game delay! Jim Bettencourt, well respected Umpire
and lovable citizen of our community, thank you for writing this book. It's simply a gem for any coach, umpire,
parent or player to have in their possession to refer to. This can assist in bringing clarity and simplicity
to often times overly complicated moments in a game. Susan G
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Every parent who has kids in H S Baseball should have this book at their side during games.Large font,
easy to read and understand. Thank you for this book,wish I would have had this a long time ago
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Great book, made the rules easy to understand, as a Coach, I wish one of these would be handed to every parent that comes to a game.
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 When I recognized that Baseball Rules in Black and White was designed to speed up finding a rule, simplify the rule and state the rule into basic language, I knew Baseball Rules in Black and White would benefit everyone in baseball.   NCAA Div I CWS Umpire Billy A Haze
After decades of officiating in several baseball leagues and divisions throughout Northern California, I was recently invited to join the Northern California Officials Association. Being my rookie year with a new association I diligently studied the NFHS rule book.
After countless hours of study, I was introduced to Baseball Rules in Black & White. The simplicity of its contents has boosted my confidence on, as well as off the field.
“The B&W is a must have tool for any level of officials, coaches, and yes, even the fans”     Kenneth J. Paul Sr.

Umpires, Interference or Obstruction?

Umpires, yeah umpires I'm talking to you. Well of course just about anyone else on the planet who loves baseball. Just wanted to let everyone know there are unwritten rule wording that is being kept from you that determine outcomes in playing actions and potentially games.  

Unwritten rules language can be problematic. For instance: Runner makes contact with defensive player fielding a misplayed ball or defensive player fielding a misplayed ball makes contact with runner, now go to the rule book and look it up and let me know what the rule book says.

Here is what it does not say:  The simple act of making contact is just a needed element in determining interference or obstruction on a misplayed ball.  When contact is made with or by a runner the most important element in determining when it is interference or obstruction on a misplayed ball are the specifics regarding the location of the defensive player at the time of contact, but those specifics are not stated in the rule book.  

From the defensive player's original position he has a (step & a reach) to play a misplayed ball,  if contact is made within this area interference would still be called. 

If the defensive player goes beyond a (step & a reach) to play a misplayed ball and contact is made the runner is now protected and obstruction would be called.  The one exception is if the runner intentionally runs into the defensive man, then it would still be interference.