Play at the Plate.

[stl_ump]

One of our "former" umpires from our association is currently working his way through the pros and has just finished his first full year in AA ball. He came back and has been doing some fallball games with us. He rotates around each night so we all get to work with him and get a little mini clinic and pick up some tips while he is here.

Last night was a classic.

Our AA umpire is the PU and there is a play at the plate. Runner slides to the left of the plate to avoid the tag but in doing so misses the plate. He's tagged out before his hand can touch the plate. PU bangs him out. From the dugout it looked like he was safe. Coach comes storming out complaining and the PU calmly explains what happened... that he missed the plate on the slide. Well the coach starts carrying on and pointing out the slide marks and going on and on. PU says " Hey.. OK... do your thing man, whatever" and just walks away. The coach looks up and says "Hey.. where are you going?" PU just ignores him. Coach just kind of sputters to a stop and goes back to the dugout not really sure what to do since he has no one to talk to.

It was pretty funny.:beerbang

[Umpire in Chief]

I like the technique, it either ends the arguement or makes the coach look like the aggressor and is EJing himself.

[jjb]

I've used a variation of this for a long time. When he comes out, ranting and raving, I stand there with no expesssion on my face, and let him go. Eventually, he'll stop (usually to take a breath), and I'll ask him, "You through?" When he says "yes", I'll shrug my shoulders, turn away and say "Let's get back to the game".

[stl_ump]

I need to remember that. I always spend to much effort trying to explain things and it usually seems like they aren't interested in an explaination. I should just explain it once and leave it at that.

[JaxRolo]

I need to remember that. I always spend to much effort trying to explain things and it usually seems like they aren't interested in an explaination. I should just explain it once and leave it at that.

I have found that once they think you are wrong they are not going to listen to an explanation anyway. Let them rant, walk away, Play ball.

[AZump78]

One time I asked a coach (who came out to argue a no-tag call during a rundown) if he wanted to know what happen or did he just want to vent. He said he just wanted to vent. I let him, he did, and we moved on. Sometimes you just gotta let them get it out.

[UmpJM]

stl_ump,

Pretty cool story.

Also, I've gotta' give "props" to the AA guy for bothering to come back and help out the guys in his former association.

Demonstrates a high quality of character and a lot of class. Speaks well of the association as well.

JMHO.

JM

[mstaylor]

I have always advocated his method. Let the coach rant a little, explain what I have, if he wants to carry on with his rant then just tell him it's time to play ball and walk away. If he follows that ends his day.

I agree with John, it shows class to come back and help advance his old group.

[stl_ump]

Yeah! He's a great guy. Mid 20's with a great head on his shoulders with a super attitude. His last night with us is tonight so it's time to go out after our 6:00 games and hear some stories!

BTW... what do you mean "old"?!?!?

[mstaylor]

Former?

[stl_ump]

Former?

Former as in he was at the park all summer and all Fallball season... Now he just comes back after his season is over and helps out. So maybe it's semi-former.

[mstaylor]

Works for me. :)