Umpirechick1

I'll bet that the umpire called R1 out for being out of baseline. I'm not saying it's the right call, but that's what it sounds like. Not sure why R1 would retreat, since its a force play and he has nowhere to go except for 2B, but that's a 9 yr old for you.

@Richvee, I get what you're saying about numbers. The only reason I said that was because I think that they thought I was clearly wrong (obviously), or it was a mere millimeter. To me, it was so obvious, and I don't see how I could ignore it (which they obviously wanted me to do). @maven, I could ignore the profanity if it was only once and maybe for the fact that he was screaming it in my face... and of course, the entire facility got deathly quiet waiting to see what I would do. Yes, he's entitled to his opinion, and once he'd stated it so many times, I got the feeling he was ready to go, so I offered the opportunity. I've actually had a coach back down from that question based on my tone when I asked (not an angry tone, just asking) it and that wasn't the case with this coach. He'd already blown his fuse at that point. He vented for a full minute or more, and that's when I gave him the explanation, which he didn't like either, and he re-stated his opinion of the call. That's when I knew he had to go. After that, we played the last 2 innings with complete control of the game, and no other incidents.

It's been quite a while (about 2 years) since I had to send someone, but it happened this weekend. HS showcase game - 18U. The game was going along at a great pace, bottom of 5th and 55 mins in, no problems at all. I'm PU, runner on 2B, partner in C. Ground ball hit to SS, he throws to 1B, I see the pulled foot on 1st. Everyone behind me saw it, I hear the groans of the crowd, and the OC coach asks for time, and once it's granted, goes to talk to my partner. My partner comes to me and said "From my angle, I have his foot on the bag - do you have anything different?" I said "I do - he was clearly off the bag - about 2 inches. You can do with it whatever you choose to do, but I'm positive he pulled his foot." My partner said "OK, I'm good with that. So, we have the runner safe at 1B, and I'll let the coaches know." He made the announcement to the coaches and the sh*t hit the fan! The DHC came busting out of the dugout and was in my partner's face arguing, and meanwhile the parents on that team start getting restless, saying "You shouldn't have changed that call - it's not yours to make" and stuff like that. The DHC didn't get the answer that he wanted, and instead of going back to the dugout, he came at me, got about 6" from my face and off he went... "That's a bullish*t call and you know it! You can't make that call! That's bulls*t! Absolute bulls*t!" I said "Coach, he clearly pulled his foot off the bag - about 2 inches" and I demonstrated with my thumb and finger how far. He said "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? You're going to call it by THAT MUCH?" I said "Coach, he's either on the bag for the out, or the runner is safe. Your player pulled his foot off the bag - that means the runner is safe." He began yelling again that is was a "bullsh*t call" and I said "Coach, do you WANT to be tossed?" And he said "Oh, hell yeah... PLEASE do!" and I said "You're done - leave now." The fans were really into it at this point, (which I ignored) and I stepped to the side and told the opposing team "We'll resume play as soon as he's gone" and the DHC took his time leaving the field, and managed a nice classy "That's a fuc**ing bulls*t call and you know it!" All I could do was say "All right, gentlemen... here we go... let's play ball." It's a good thing that I don't get intimated easily.

@KenBAZ, it sounds like you gave the guy a chance when you explained to the HC why you were restricting the AC to the dugout. He should've told the guy to keep his mouth shut, so that's on him. I have no problem with my partner taking control like you did. Sometimes it's so loud behind the plate with parents offering advice to the catcher, the pitcher, the batter, etc. that the PU doesn't always hear what a coach is saying. The fact that it was an AC is even worse. If I'm the BU, and I hear it, I'm probably going to put a stop to it as well. Sounds like you handled it fine

It's bad enough when we're having a horrible season, but listening to the announcers (Joe Simpson is the worst) makes me want to jump off of a cliff sometimes.

Like this?

Ha - I was afraid I'd say something that would get ME dumped!!

@KenBAZ, yes @ronkraley is joking and the good thing is that I will come right back at Ron in the same manner. However, I can appreciate your comment. @ZebraStripes, upset might not be the right word... pissed was more like it. That coach was ridiculous and if I'd encountered him here (anywhere but CDP), I would've dumped him without batting an eye!

His name is Jay. If he's not wearing an umpire shirt, 100% chance he's wearing a Hawaiian shirt.

@dzperson, next year my field gets worked in first after the rain!!!

It's always nice to put a face to a name/user name

I'll get a copy of the DVD in a few weeks. Maybe Darren & I will host movie night here. We can all make fun of the plate umpire.

My view on the field last week. Cool breezes blowing all the time. Much better than the typical hot and humid August weather I'm used to in GA.

Joe Simpson (Braves) drives me crazy because he is constantly doubting the umpires, disagreeing with their strike zones, and in general putting them down. I'm guessing he's never umpired a game in his life because he talks nonsense. He goes on and on (mostly in a bored monotone voice) and I just wish he'd shut up.

Yeah... Right!

And my new leg tattoo from the championship game - courtesy of a 76 mph fastball that the catcher missed.

My new arm tattoo, courtesy of a catcher who never touched the ball.

@maineump, thanks. And congratulations on your recent assignment as well.

My response will make it an even dozen. Granting time every time a runner asks for it will KILL the pace of the game. If the pitcher throws to a base, I make the call. If safe, and the player holds the tag on him and the runner is asking for time, I say "He's there, throw the ball in" or "Climb up" because I think the defense should be able to make a throw back to the pitcher, and runners should be taught to climb up. I've worked with too many guys who forget to put the ball back in play and then when there is another pick off attempt, I have to explain "NO... he's got to put the ball back in play first." The same thing goes for the batter in the box. Like @KenBAZ, I will also have the batters keep one foot in the box and that keeps it moving. If I've got a QP, I'll deal with it accordingly.

I just returned from Cooperstown Dreams Park week 12, and it was another great week. I had an amazing crew to work with, and enjoyed myself all week - well, except for the ugly bicep bruise I have from a 60 mph inside fast ball that the catcher never touched. Wednesday night, the assignments were given out for Thursday's play off games and when I saw my name listed for plate in the championship game, I thought I might fall over. It might only be "12 year old baseball" to some people, but at that park, in that setting, it's a big deal. They put on quite the production for the final game, and I was a bundle of nerves off and on during the day. Pre-game on the field involves fireworks, announcing of the umpires, the players, and the national anthem - for which I had to carry the flag out behind 2nd base and not move while it was sung. (I was just hoping I wouldn't trip on the walk out there!!) Once I put the ball in play, all was good. I kept the generous strike zone that I'd had all week (which I was instructed to have) and things rolled along. We had the #1 and #2 seeded teams playing, so it was a good game. We had several home runs, some good defensive plays and then the #1 seed broke it wide open in the 5th. The only thing that I regret is the fact that with 2 outs in the top of the 6th, the catcher missed a 76 mph fast ball ball and I took it straight on the upper thigh. The next pitch was a strike and the game was over, but the bruise from that pitch will remain with me for a week or two. Watching the replay of the game is interesting, mostly because the announcers annoy me. It's weird watching myself call a game, but to listen to guys second guess your strike zone is not fun. However, when I hear the comment "She's the most consistent plate umpire we've had all summer", I'll take it. The fact that they said it more than once is even better.

Congratulations! Quite an honor.

Thanks!!

@ZebraStripes... Thanks Jeremy! It was a blast. If you're bored and want to watch a little bit, the game is available to watch until 12:00 tomorrow (Saturday). www.cooperstowndreamspark.com Click on 2015, then find the link to the week 12 championship game. Initially the announcers comment about the wide strike zone (which we are instructed to have) but by the 2nd inning, they're talking about how consistent I am. I do like the part where they say I'm the most consistent umpire they've seen all summer - that's what we strive for! I hope I made my brothers & sisters in blue proud.

Yes, the beach there is amazing! We were only there for the day as it was a stop on our cruise, but I want to go back again and stay for a week (or more!!)

@Thunderheads, you would be correct!!