Aging_Arbiter

Boy, am I glad THAT'S over. I was about to resort to the "DON'T MAKE ME TURN THIS CAR AROUND" rhetoric.

Work more games on the bases. On a serious note, I too have the same question. My only resolve is that they are not staring at the hem on my pants when the pitch is coming in.

I appreciate the understanding in your preface. I guess it is a little easier when you're in a rather small town and just about everyone knows everyone at the ball field. It's funny how being the umpire in chief of a local little league for 10 years, tends to make your games go a little smoother. Yes, I've sat on protest commitee and in meetings for reviewing a manager/coaches actions while on the field. Maybe they have already heard from years past that I just won't put up with their S***, and they'd rather try and take advantage of someone else. Now I'm not saying I'm the leagues gift of greatness, but several years back (7 maybe) I had my only ejection. It just so happend that the coach was the VP of another division. When everyone saw/heard it, the public opinion of the "good 'ole boy" network on our BOD went right out the window. Pivitol moment? Perhaps.

AHHHHHHHH!!!!! Just seeing that topic, now I can't get the tune outta my head...........She's got Betty Davis eyes........He wonders......if they're on sale, 'cause........He wants Gerry Davis pants......:HS

We all see from time to time about the coaches or parents who physically attack umpires or other sports officials. I'm just waiting for the day where the headlines read "Umpire has enough" and the article goes on to talk about how a "rat" came running down the 3rd base line to argue a call in the dirt, and the umpire SNAPS (naturally a former Marine, or Green Beret or disgruntled postal employee.....you get the idea) reverts to his military training....blah blah blah... I'm thinking that it's just a matter of time.

I can honestly say, I completely understand your line of thinking. I use to think the same way. Now however, if a parent is cordial or asking an honest question, I would definately entertain the conversation (even a brief one at the backstop). Yes, you are in charge on the field.......but let me give you anoter perspective. If you can explain the rules as well as enforce them, you can educate parents. If you can educate parents, they are less likely to give the next umpire a bag of $#!T when a questionable ruling is made. Kevin, if I can make your next game easier by explaining to a parent exactly why little Johnny was called out and what an infield fly rule is in place for, I'm going to do it. Here's hoping your next game goes well!

I think someone already mentioned one of my fav's (Dead ball strike) but how about THIS one......... when over running first base, the runner HAS TO turn to the right blue!

Well, Semper Fi ! The league that I am currently affiliated with had 3 regular umpires and contracted the rest of the games out (when we couldn't cover) when I started with them about 11 years ago. This was a "one game - one umpire" league as far back as anyone can remember. After being this leagues UIC for the last 10 years, I am stepping down since I now have a child entering the program and will spend more time <gulp> coaching...... During this last 10 years, we have expanded our junior umpire program as well as adult umpires and were at 22 umpires this year. Unfortunately, we were still not able to put 2 umpires on a field every night. Now bare with me during the next ramble. 1 umpire was retired, but you can only abuse old folks so much <no offense to you old guys n gals> 2 were over the road truck drivers and one was generally on the call board 2 were managers/coaches in the Majors, so they only did games w/JR umps in the minors 4 played HS ball and town ball (2 different schedules to balance) 3 of those played travel ball as well. 1 had some recurring health issues, and worked games as he could 1 started a new job just as season kicked off, and his schedule flexed 1 was a salesman and traveled a bit 1 was on the HS track team 1 was a college kid working while at home and I tried to stay as available as possible so I ould cover if something came up <see above>. With all of the schedule juggling, LL saying that junior umps had to have an adult partner, and these volunteers giving what time they could, we STILL could not put 2 umpires on a field for every game. I must say though, with over 176 games this year, we managed to get at least ONE umpire to cover the games. Not everyone belongs to a paying organization. Besides, the organization around here.......well.......I'll save that rant for another post. BUT, our league provides equipment to the junior umps and even the solo ump......is behind the plate. Thanks for doing what you can, when you can Ros@!

Apply for their financial assistance from the One umpire at a time foundation. Can't hurt to ask. http://www.oneumpire.org/

I believe that it was Helen Hunt & David Spade during a SNL skit that perfected the saying... "Buh bye"

It's not just Western PA. I'm south of Harrisburg, north of Gettysburg. ALL Schools and most small/private businesses are closed on the first day of buck season.

I vote to call an early end to the month and declare the post of the month winner NOW.

I found this post on "Umpire's Fault they lost" interesting and have nominated it accordingly for "Post Of The Month July, 2010"

Very nice! SAAAAAAAAALUTE!

Understood..........but a balk is a balk. "House rules" are whats wrong with today's youth. You don't like this..........make an exception to the rule. Afterall, it's only been America's favorite past time for HOW LONG?

Post starts OBR.......next sentence starts "Ripken Rules". I guess there is a starting point......

What? You mean baseball & softball is a contact sport? <from another post> It's time to alert the media! Next thing you know they will be putting tan bark on playgrounds instead of the macadam/asphalt we grew up with and making playground equipment out of non-lead based plastic!

Don't MAKE me turn this car around................

I think jjb almost nailed this with his "Why did he make me do that?" remark. All you did was confirm his willingness & desire to no longer participate in that game. You didn't eject him, you just confirmed it for him.

Warren, This was great! The timing (although it is the same time every year) couldn't have been better. I'm in a thread, just popping off and giving someone a hard time about how they should outlaw FED rules. and WHAM! Fit hits the Shan..... One of my fellow Blues texts me at work yesterday while I am knee deep in a quarterly wall to wall physical inventory. His text was something like WTF DID YOU DO??. Again, great job!

Better here then there. A rule of thumb that I use to help my guys keep it straight is one my DUC said one day. "No umpire has ever been hit by a foul tip."

Here's my proposal........USE OBR!

Federation rules should be outlawed!

I skipped ahead and didn't read all...........but I have ZERO ejections over about 15-16 years. I was once told that umpires don't eject........they just confirm their desire to no longer participate in the game.