soapbox

Thanks for my laugh of the day. I believe if you read the rule book, you won't find Code Red, but also, you won't find get out of Dodge. But I think we all know what that means. No further questions for this coach. This Umpire rests his case.

Sorry, just sometimes you have to make a judgement based on common sense. Sometimes you are screened on the tag. I do many games and put myself in the best position to make a call. Too many of you want to be controversial on many subjects. Probably equates to many ejects. I can go out in A on a fly ball, have a kid make a great diving catch, or did he. You use your best judgement. Sometimes you are screened on a play or the tag is behind you. We do our best. Can't buy into this one, sorry.

Tough part of umpiring is sometimes the coach has the best view. Take the other day. Im in C and there is a pick off. Kid gets in rundown between 2B and 3B. I'm inside and this happens quick. The point to that is my partner is relatively new and didn't come up and help, but rundown was only 2 throws. R2 dives backs to 2B, and SS applies tag, but it's behind me. R2 is basically crawling to base when the tag is made. I bang him out. From my spot, I didn't see a tag, but common sense ruled. R2 jumps up and says he never was tagged. "Son you're out". Ends there. End of inning CF, SS, and 2B converge as they run in and mockingly say nice tag. Now I know from the way they say that he must have missed the tag. I know you call what you can see, but sometimes, base on the criteria, proximity, situation, though you didn't actually see, you make the call. I would make that same call all over.

The real shame is that after reading all the responses (very much appreciated), speaking with a Trustee for the NFHS in our area, and then speaking with the Rules Interpreter for our area, I am no clearer on calling it or not. If not for one bad guy coach, nobody would look for this. But he made such a spectacle of himself in a summer game, looking for a technical call, that I want to consistently do the right thing. To me, unless he settles into his pre-set, taking signs, and then does it, it seems like nothing to me. Just settling in, and I hate to balk it. I'm grabbing that Jim Evans video and watching again. Of course, would this apply to H.S?

I got the same question the other day. I'm in field and my buddy has plate. Inside pitch to right handed batter. He turned towards F2 away from ball. Didn't see it hit him. I was in C. One coach is yelling he fouled it. Another saying nothing. Coach asked my partner to ask me if I had a foul and I said no. More chirpping so we got together. I told my partner that it sounded like it hit him and the ball trajectory based on hitting him seemed like the call, but didn't actually see it. Based on what we thought was thoughtful reasoning, we awarded the base. I think sometimes you have to make the call based on "all of the evidence". Of course the coach said if you have it now, why didn't you call right away.

I'm not trying to make the big call. I spoke with our rules interpreter and after a long conversation, he say's he won't call it, but technically a balk. He said if he gets heat in a game for not calling, he then calls it. Respect this guy a lot, but I'm not going to be bullied into balking because coach says so. I like the minor adjustment period explanation. And frankly if I balk this, I might just as well balk every time a pitcher sets up with hands above chin. I'm not so much confused as much as wanted to know what you guys do in other parts of the country. I have dealt with 3 rats over a 2 week period. Maybe it's the heat. Maybe they want to show the parents they are raping on fees to run these teams they know their crap. One coach is at the point that nobody wants his games ( I do), can't wait. Second coach pissed that me and my partner refused to balk opponent because we had a stop, though quick, and later in game I balked his kid for going straight through. Third guy, just an idiot and not worth the space as the only rule he knows is you play 9 in the field. Thanks all. Was a brutal 2 weeks. Can only get better.

But, if he is doing this as a normal practice is he settles in a pre-set, is it really a balk? The idea of a balk is to deceive a runner. Example: From the set, F1 places his pivot foot on the rubber, now extends forward his front leg, while taking his arm around his back with ball in hand. I've got moving parts, then a stop. But just to walk on to the rubber, have ball in glove and grab out of his glove as he opens his forward leg, this becomes a balk? So under fed rules, I should balk this every time? And just for clarification, I'm saying that F1 always has ball in hand prior to bringing his hands together. There is no deception. Under fed rules, I should also balk every time F1 has glove above chin. This has been a tough balk week for me and I want to know what you all do. Lastly, what would you consider a descernible stop. Is a fraction enough before coming home or would you balk. As long as he stops, no matter how short a period, can I let go. I know its a htbt, but picture a very short stop, but nonetheless a stop. Thanks for all the input on this because with soaring temperatures, my last 20 days have been the least enjoyable in a game I've been doing and love.

But now, if the pitcher is taking his position in the pre-set with ball in glove and transfers to hand to hang by side or put behind his back am I balking that under Fed?

Rich, it's just the way they explain it. I think we can all agree that's a haha.

As I stated above, my assigner has told me they employ NL Rules of MLB when playing. As I've stated, I find it hard to believe in a youth game that there isn't wording on MC. Where I work, and I'll bet just about every other umpire, there are modifications to the modifications. We work all over and all leagues and we clear this up at our plate meeting. As far as throwing my partner under a bus, that would've been done had I ejected. I spoke to the player matter of factly. Coach as usual blew it up. I read, stay informed, post, and do what's necessary to do my job well. I wonder if you've ever done a game where you've made a ruling and were informed by both teams that they let this or that go. Or we don't adhere to this H.S rule. Even our local LL modify. It has become nearly impossible to do games with a clear understanding as to the rules. It would be nice if leagues posted on line, but 95% don't. It's just the way it is here.

Over the last week, I've found myself working a Babe Ruth Tournament on the big diamond for 13/14 year olds. I'm not quite sure what rule set it follows, but while doing regular season games for Babe Ruth, I was told by my assigner that the rules are MLB (but no DH). Ok, I won't pretend that I've sat down and read thru the MLB rule book, but as far as conferences and so on, in the league no problem. Last night I was BU. I won't claim to be God's gift to the baseball field, but love it, take it seriously, and think overall, I do a good job. With that said, my partners for the most part have lacked certain skills. Last night, a kid hits a shot, no fence, and comes in to score. On his way to the plate, F2 is up the 3B line about 4 feet. Ball on the way, but F2 doesn't have, kid barrels over F2. Everybody stands, but big time hit. My partner says nothing. Run scores. I'm annoyed, I don't want to step in and make a call, but between innings, I mention to the hitter that in most rule sets, we have a slide or avoid and in my opinion, he lowered his shoulder and that's a no no. Coach asked me what I said to his player. Nicely, I told him if I was on the plate, there would have been a much different result on that with an out and would have ended in MC and an eject. Coach (who in 3 games has now had way too many rules discussions) told me if I dumped his kid, I would have dumped him also. Ok, coach! My partner called me over and said he said nothing because he had obstuction. I said ok, but you didn't signal or verbalize and OUR responsibility is to protect the children. I told him that MC overrides any obstruction call. My question is this, in Babe Ruth (which I clearly am not clear on), can players run over F2 in this manner since my assigner says they play MLB rules. Secondly, if I see something, that clearly would be an automatic eject in H.S even though I'm BU, do I and should I make the call. I certainly don't want to show up my partner.

Matt, I'm with you. The overly nice coach. The one who gets you between innings and introduces himself while asking your name because, "I like to call you by your name" and I quote. I don't know, but the overly nice and I want to get to know you is sure signal that I'm in for a long day.

LL is non-profit, yet I'm sure that those who work real jobs within the orgainization get paid. Why should an umpire work a 2 hour game for free. Most of the LL I know are now using experienced umpires. Keeps things in order. I volunteer. Sat on the LL Board for years. Give free clinics with TH3 to the kids and coaches. I will even go out and do games for a good cause for no fee. But please, LL is shown on television. It's a moneymaker, but lets not pay the umpires. Give me a break.

I know two of these coaches. I've written about both. They don't dress in uniform, but they make the game about them and not the kids. Interestingly enough, yesterday I worked with a partner who just started out this year. He's done mostly softball, but yesterday he was on the big diamond with me. He's working his butt off to learn and asked for bases so he can get down mechanics as he's done a lot of small diamond solo games. While we waited to start, one of the coaches for the HT walked up to us and told my partner that 3 years ago, he hated my guts as we coached against one another at the LL level. For me, it was never about winning, just about getting better, having fun, and trying your hardest. His philosophy was win at all costs. We used kid umpires at the time and they made many mistakes. When the time was appropriate, I would instruct them on a rule and tell them where they could find it. I never once asked for something to be reversed. I didn't care. I just wanted to teach them, like my players. He wrote a long letter to the LL Board that I should not teach the umpires rules. Long story short, he tells my partner what an ass he used to be and never got it. The light bulb went off a year later when he finally got what I was about. Now he runs to me at each game and throws out a situation and asks me to rule on it so he better understands. The 2 knuckleheads above won't ever get it. One I should have bounced and didn't and it's my biggest regret, the other was my first real eject of a coach in my life for his unbelievable behavior.

Cricket, Polo, and Curling. By far, Curling is the most instense.

It's not the pitch that gets me, but I get so pissed at myself on the high and tight pitch right at my face that the batter swings at. That extra long blink sometimes. I've done this long enough that you would think I wouldn't still occassionally do this.

JM. I used to really respect you, but you've read too much into my scenario and quite frankly I'm embarrassed by your response. I don't own the GW Bridge, it was the Gothels Bridge. I can understand your assumption though. It's ok though, my partner for game 1 and then different partner for game 2 seem to have the same mastery of what a balk is. When I asked my partner if he saw something that I possilby missed, he said, "well you do know the pitcher must step off before he throws to 1B." Thanks partner, I've got if from here.

In a 13 year old Babe Ruth Tournament where the kids are pretty new to the big field I've finally found the truth. That for any of us who have trouble determining what constitutes a balk, please, please, please, find an "All Star Rec Coach" at this level and ask them. I was helped 3 times in one inning by both coaches. Their knowledge, and understanding in unreal. I am now convinced, Inolonger need to attend clinics. No more will I spend hours studying rule books. I certainly don't need to read all of your ridiculous posts, because I've finally discovered the truth. Ask a rec coach. And when you are convinced of their wonderful insight, please give me a call, because I have a beautiful bridge that spans NJ to NY for sale, and I can let you have it for a very good price.

Rich, not so odd. Say it's a snap throw and B1 leans over the plate. Hypothetical. I had it one way, my partner the other. You've answered my question. Many thanks.

Help settle a disagreement which I believe I may be wrong on. Here's the situation. R3 less than 2 outs. R3 takes secondary lead coming towards plate on pitch. F2 fires to 3B but is interfered with by B1. R3 never hesitates and keeps coming down line as ball sails due to Int. Do I have an out on R3 or B1. Pride is the bet. Thanks guys and gals. ART. 5 . . . Interfere with the catcher's fielding or throwing by: a. leaning over home plate, b. stepping out of the batter's box, c. making any other movement which hinders actions at home plate or the catcher's attempt to play on a runner, or d. failing to make a reasonable effort to vacate a congested area when there is a throw to home plate and there is time for the batter to move away. PENALTY: When there are two outs, the batter is out. When there are not two outs and the runner is advancing to home plate, if the runner is tagged out, the ball remains live and interfer­ence is ignored. Otherwise, the ball is dead and the runner is called out. When an attempt to put out a runner at any other base is unsuccessful, the ­batter is out and all runners must return to bases occupied at the time of the pitch. If the pitch is a third strike and in the umpire's judgment interference prevents a possible ­double play (additional outs), two may be ruled out (8-4-2g).

Damn, I kicked the post. I didn't read it well. I guess I'm not the worst ever. I thought you were just the worst. I guess not reading the post correctly does give me a slight edge now in being the worst ever. Comeon men, nominate me, please!

I just posted in the eject section the other day. As I showed "Coach" the parking lot, in his farewell speech to me, the theatric, "YOU, ARE THE WORST EVER!". So, whereas, some of you have the distinction of just being the measly worst. I, on the other hand, with the award as worst ever.

I'd settle for Comfortably Numb. Can't they all just behave like the Stepford Wives?

Took my son to the Mets vs Orioles last night. Was quite offended that they didn't bring me in for the plate conference. Also know that your warped when we're talking as much about 4 man mechanics as Duda's HR. Someone help! I need an Umpire Shrink.

Been doing this gig for quite a few years. Love it. I've had a MC where a kid had to go and another young man that has some growing up to do. They were prior ejects over the years. This was the first one that annoyed me. The others were heat of the moment by kids who knew they were wrong and will grow from there. This was a bad group teaching 12 year olds the wrong way to act. And yes, my second visit from HC was not a lovely conversation. He wanted to to get me going and was informed if this went any further the only thing that will be going is him. I'm my own worst critic so no problem with the game or zone. Coach told kids only belt and below. Well my rule book says differently. And when some kids are as tall as me and hit spots, they better be hitting plate. These are all-stars looking to compete in there state LL. From 46' we don't have to give 2 balls off the plate so batter must flail at the ball. I've done hundreds of these and must say, don't ever hear much about zone. A missed pitch now and then, sure.