poppyfor3

This past Saturday, I am in the field office working on the ump schedule for Fall ball for LL. A parent comes up and asks me to ump. Why not? Very relaxed atmosphere, just a few parents, coaches joking across the field, liberal timeouts for teaching. Sun is out, life is silk smooth. Until---a very good player is out at 2nd on a steal. Slams his helmet into the ground and I eject him. He leaves immediately and sits with his mom in the stands. Game ends and I am going back to the office. His coach comes to me and thanks me. Another parent stops me and says she is sorry I had to do that, but it was the right thing to do. First game on Monday night and I'm on the bases. For a free trip to Disney World, guess who the first base coach is. Yep, his dad. Walks directly to me. "Heard you ejected my boy Saturday. About time somebody did!" This is planet earth, isn't it??:crybaby2:

Michael, as you know, I am a full time contract killer--part-time umpire. Have had conversations with your wife over the years. Biggest sticking point has been money, but we are getting close.

Major league season is winding down. Anyone want to predict which teams will be there? Winner?:clap:

Thanks, guys. The "play" was so relaxed, I was the only one watching. Called it anyway--just because it was what it was. Later, I'm thinking was I an OOO? Your responses were dead on. Another bullet in my gun of knowledge.

R2 and R3, no outs. Batter singles to right. R3 jogs to home and catcher has plate blocked. R3 simply goes around touches home plate on first base side. Called obstruction and catcher turns to look at me, quizically. R2 heads home and throw is off line. No play. Thinking later, should the call be made in this EXACT situation since no penalty will be awarded and may confuse everyone involved (12-13 year olds). At this level (local ball), and this age group, was I right or is there something better?

Pride's not hard to swallow, if you chew it long enough.

Warren, excellent!! And as long as I'm here-- Thanks to ALL who post here. I'm the better for it.

Thanks, Pete. That was the answer I was looking for. As I look back at this particular play, I expected F6 to go to 2nd. He hesitated, waiting for F4 to cover, then changed his mind and launched a throw into the next county. Caught me completely off guard. I followed the throw as did my partner. I made a mistake and now know better. Again, thanks for your help. Jack

Rule 7.05 says ALL runners must advance 1 base for TOT. Re-read my first post. We didn't see R1 beat the throw to first while reaching 2nd. My question remains---COULD WE HAVE DONE ANYTHING BETTER?? Jump in if you can help.

Brian, as I understand the rule, IF all runners have advanced 1 base the award is 2 bases from TOT even on the first play--hence the question. Jack

Grew up with 50's Yankees--Berra, Mantle, Skowron, Richardson, Rizzuto, Boyer, Bauer (even Enos Slaughter). I was home sick the Day Don Larsen threw his perfect game in the World Series. My Dad got home in time for the last few innings. We didn't talk at all. Couldn't chance jinxing him. This was back in the day of black and white and day games. Still the greatest baseball memory in my life--especially sharing with my dad. No need to mention how DXXn old I am. I have my wife for that!!:shrug:

LL Majors. R3 and R1. BU in C. High chopper to F6. I watch R3 touch home and see B1 beat throw by a mile. Throw goes into DBT. BU watching B1--nobody to watch R1 into 2nd. Went with TOP as we had no info on R1. Inherent problem with 2 man or could we as a team done better??? Jack

I simply staple my cup in place.

How do you guys self analyze and improve the weak points in your game? I usually predetermine to work on one aspect that needs improvement, i.e. keeping my head still and tracking eyes only. When I over focus on this aspect, I believe that other parts of my game suffer. I relax between pitches and remind myself to see the whole picture, but inevitably revert to concentrating on the single task I'm working on. I do not ask my partner to observe as I feel this might take away from his game. Right or wrong? Should I just work on this for an inning or 2 and let it go? My goal is to strengthen my weak points to the point it is acceptable to me and becomes second nature and move on to another of my "failings." Would appreciate any help in this area.

The first "athletic" cup was invented in 1874. The first helmet was used in 1974. apparently, it took 100 years for men to figure out the brain is important, too.:clap:

Hmmm-- Possible life threatening injury or baseball game. Personally, I couldn't care less about the rules in this situation. From my perspective, GREAT JOB. There's always another game---if the player lives to enjoy it. Jack

LL Majors. R1 and R2, no outs. Lazy soft popup (not very high) to F-4. No IFF by umpires. Runners hold, but B-1 flies to first. F-4 drops ball unintentionally. R-1 and B-1 wind up on first at same time. R-1 takes off after drop and reaches 2nd on bad throw from F-4. Ruling??

Just thought we should know that Michael is being released from the hospital today. Heart problem. On the road to recovery. For which I say "Thank you to my Lord." Jack

Attended a local clinic with a senior, well respected umpire conducting. Teaching at least 3 new umpires, 4 with one year under their belt. The man was completely solid on rules, but his mechanics teaching was off-base on several points. I kept my BIG mouth shut. It has bothered me since. I would appreciate any input from you guys. Just to complete the picture, he has 20 years under his belt and only umpires with another senior umpire, who has worked with him for years. Jack

How long before we see a commercial "Have you been injured at a baseball game. If so, call our law firm--Bloodsuckers United." That stampede you hear is the lawyers rushing to place an add on the outfield fence.

Warren, more than willing to oblige. Here goes---SALT!!! Jack

Last week baseball and softball practice began for the kids, Monday through Friday. Friday afternoon, I told my wife that I would catch a couple of innings of the local high school game, take and pickup my granddaughter from practice, then catch a local college game. Saturday I had a softball umpires clinic and Sunday a baseball umpires clinic and gave her a list of my umpiring schedule and kid's games. " FINE!! FINE!! Your next XXXXXXX dinner will be in November." Gotta love a woman who understands.

Just a thought. When do we rule on the quality of a bunt attempt?

Thank you both. Since I don't have a truck, I'll have to get my note pad from my car. As far as an ally, that I believe will go a LONG way to create an atmosphere for success. Thanks for that. As far as not posting, I am always here (and I mean everyday). I'm much more the student than the teacher. Having said that, I think that I have learned enough to get this teen started in the right direction. And one of the things I'll point out to him is this forum. Grounded in civility and honest dialogue. No smoke, just fact. Jack

First game of the year coming up. I will have a teenager as partner who will be doing his first game. LL minors. He has read the rule book and attended 1 local mechanics clinic. Any advice would be greatly appreciated Jack