Umpire Ejects Entire Crowd During Game

[Hemibee]

Way to go Don, YOU THE MAN!

Umpire Ejects Entire Crowd During Game

Updated: Saturday, 13 Jun 2009, 4:23 PM CDT

Published : Saturday, 13 Jun 2009, 4:20 PM CDT

By The Associated Press

WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa - An umpire has emptied the stands at a high school baseball game, ejecting the entire crowd of more than 100 fans for being unruly.

Umpire Don Briggs said he had no problem with any of the student athletes during Thursday's game between Winfield-Mount Union and West Burlington.

He said he had to take action because fans were being unruly, yelling and arguing.

However, West Burlington Superintendent James Sleister said he didn't see any unusual behavior and said he thought the umpire overreacted.

The game resumed after a 40-minute delay. West Burlington won 12-11.

The umpire called police as a precaution. West Burlington police did not immediately respond Saturday to a call seeking comment.

[Mr Umpire]

To me, if there is a problem outside of the fence, let the league officials handle it or get the cops in so they can maintain order.

My only concern is inside the fence. The only time I deal with what is outside the fence is if the spectators get too personal with me. Then, I'll inform the coach he stops it or I get rid of him and let him take the troublemakers with him or I'll get another coach to try taking them with him.

Other than that, what they say to each other is up to them.

[theedeuce]

Come on now... Lets get real here. I'm sure there's more to this story than what is being told. These had to be two bitter rivals with a history of getting out of hand... and then someone had to see this coming as soon as it got out of hand...

Good story but a lot is left to ones imagination... (I'm just saying)...

[therefump]

Way to go Don, YOU THE MAN!

For a brief second, I thought that was an article about me. I toyed with the idea of clearing the "crowd" from the area close to the diamond during a CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) game this year. Being Catholic, I was totally embarassed at their behavior and mouths during a game in May this year. My partner made an excellent bang/bang call at first. From then on, it was horrible.

It was only about 30 people but I thought of moving them to the playground in left field (no pun intended) to keep them out of earshot of the kids (7-8th graders).:banghead:

[LMSANS]

Come on now... Lets get real here. I'm sure there's more to this story than what is being told. These had to be two bitter rivals with a history of getting out of hand... and then someone had to see this coming as soon as it got out of hand...

Good story but a lot is left to ones imagination... (I'm just saying)...

I agree completely...there is a lot of information we don't know. However, I also agree with Mr. Umpire, the school admin should be the one handling it.

[mstaylor]

There is more to the story than reported.

First the home team was down 11/3 when a close play at the plate drew the manager out for a discussion. Then while they were discussing the play the other manager sent a runner home claiming he didn't realize time had been called. The PU sent the runner back causing a second discussion with the other manager. At this point both managers were warned and the crowd was also warned. When another barb was thrown from the crowd the umpire insisted the crowd be removed to a more distant location. The AD evidently manages another team so he wasn't at the game. The crowd refused to leave so the PU called the police and a secretary called the Superindentant. He came to the field and had a discusion with the PU who agreed to untoss the crowd under the stipulation that all would be good. The police stayed for the rest of the game and escorted the umpires from the field. The home team came back and won 12/11.

[RenoUmp]

There is more to the story than reported.

First the home team was down 11/3 when a close play at the plate drew the manager out for a discussion. Then while they were discussing the play the other manager sent a runner home claiming he didn't realize time had been called. The PU sent the runner back causing a second discussion with the other manager. At this point both managers were warned and the crowd was also warned. When another barb was thrown from the crowd the umpire insisted the crowd be removed to a more distant location. The AD evidently manages another team so he wasn't at the game. The crowd refused to leave so the PU called the police and a secretary called the Superindentant. He came to the field and had a discusion with the PU who agreed to untoss the crowd under the stipulation that all would be good. The police stayed for the rest of the game and escorted the umpires from the field. The home team came back and won 12/11.

"Untoss" Is that a technical term?:wow:

[Umpire in Chief]

And this is only the beginning of their season in Iowa.

[treedog24]

And this is only the beginning of their season in Iowa.

Not to take this in a different direction but they finish play during the Summer months (Aug. 1st). how does that work for the Seniors? Btw, I think that is awsome. If I lived in Iowa I could actually umpire the HS season due to start times being later in the day, Michigan starts it season in late March and most games start at 4:30 when I still at work. Someone from Iowa please tell me how this work.

[noumpere]

Not to take this in a different direction but they finish play during the Summer months (Aug. 1st). how does that work for the Seniors? Btw, I think that is awsome. If I lived in Iowa I could actually umpire the HS season due to start times being later in the day, Michigan starts it season in late March and most games start at 4:30 when I still at work. Someone from Iowa please tell me how this work.

The "seniors" on this year's teams are the class of 2010. Those students who recently graduated (the class of 2009) are no longer eligible.

[Ump Rube]

"Untoss" Is that a technical term?

Could you "catch" the crowd? Instead of "untossing" them?

[Dean]

The "seniors" on this year's teams are the class of 2010. Those students who recently graduated (the class of 2009) are no longer eligible.

That's not accurate. Seniors may have graduated this year, and still are eligable. Also 8th graders going to freshman are eligabe for the Freshman team.

The best thing is that College is in Spring and ends and then HS starts so can do both easliy. :P

[Umpire in Chief]

Well I think he did the wrong thing as our authority ends at the fence. As an umpire we can order a school official to take care of the situation and if not resolved then to forfeit the game.

I know it is a situation many/most of have been in and wish we could do, but know we can't.

Like Deuce said there must be more to the story.

[BT_Blue]

Sadly, as the article from the San Francisco Examiner says, Mr. Briggs isnt talking... so we may never know.