1.   Despite the policy Budig cited, umpires often ask players for autographs and memorabilia.

2.   Fehr said the regular umpires are not asking the players to honor their picket lines.

3.   Five American League umpires have asked the league to rescind the resignations they submitted last week, baseball officials said Tuesday.

4.   In previous years, umpires have asked that treadmills be placed in locker rooms at each park, but the leagues have not taken that step.

5.   When the chair umpire asked late-arrivers to find a seat, Sampras lobbed a tennis ball at the offending fan.

6.   Then, when the umpire asked the spectator to return the errant ball, Pierce popped another ball back to the same section, prompting cheers and applause.

7.   Umpires had asked about a higher strike zone but pitchers said they would prefer move room lower to decrease the risk of serious injury if a batter is hit.