When to pull the plug?

[Umpire in Chief]

Saturday I had 3 Pony games at a nearby complex. Another umpire in my association was working the bronco games He suffers from a debilitating medical condition. I haven't worked with him in years I noticed while all the umpires were chatting that his condition has gotten much worse. He was having difficulty just walking and physically making it to the field. Coming back to the cars he needed help to make it to the car. Then I heard while at the plate he accidentally got knocked over by the catcher and couldn't get up to make a call at the plate. Coming back from the second game his partner was practically carrying him.

I am not a doctor or our associations commissioner, but as much as I feel for this guy I am starting to think it might be time for him to hang it up. I am debating on reporting back to the commish about my observations, but don't want to seem mean spirited or cold hearted. He may have a little time left to enjoy umpiring and I would hate to take a source of enjoyment away from him, not that he has a terminal condition, but the time is soon coming that he will not being able to continue. The commissioner needs to know that Bronco is possibly beyond his ability at this time and maybe keep him at mustang or pinto until it is time to hang it up.

Would you notify your commissioner?

[poppyfor3]

Rather than "notify" the commissioner, could you just ask, diplomatically, about the health of this umpire? Was this umpire just having 1 bad day or is this a constant? What about his partner in game 2? I, for one, would be VERY distracted during the game worrying about my partner. I know nothing about his medical condition, but "dying with his boots on" is not something that anyone needs to witness. How many of us had our eyes on catchers during intense heat? If we can concern ourselves with the health of young players, ought we not step up in this situation? Obviously, this man is aware of his situation and chooses to be out on the field. But does he comprehend his impact on the game itself? If getting him to umpire lower level games would solve this problem, then he can continue to "enjoy" himself and will (hopefully) come to realize that there is a reason for it. Would I work with this umpire? Absolutely!! My pregame would be along the lines " You've got balls and strikes and I have EVERYTHING else. I need you well enough to do another game together some day." Umpiring is something we do, being aware that we are human beings responsible for each other is something we ARE. I am not in any position to judge this man, nor would I. If 2 hours of my life is the price I need to pay, so be it.

[Umpire in Chief]

I think he may be able to call lower level ball for a while, though that might be a tough pill to swallow. He hasn't been on a HS field for a while either. He is very aware of his condition and ability and mentioned he may limit his availability down to just one game a day on the weekends.

I was thinking with Mustang or Pinto he could still be on the field, not need to be as mobile.

My pregame would be along the lines " You've got balls and strikes and I have EVERYTHING else.

This is pretty much how it works, and it works very well on these small fields. I don't think any umpire has ever minded working with him in this way.

[Stan W.]

That is a tough one.....In my chapter we have a number of officials who could be this same guy.....we have some 75+ yr old guys still trying to call HS baseball and some of our guys who have health problems that have limited them.....

I have worked with both of them........

The older gentleman is what most of us would call a "big dog" in the association. He has been umpiring forever and at one time was the best.... He has tremendous respect from the entire umpiring community and coaching communites as well.......yet, his skills are, understandably, diminshed..... I worked a HS varsity game with him recently, he only does the bases ( actually he does 1st base)..........you are forced to cover everything else. Great guy, and his endorsement goes a long way in our assoc.........His advice to me after the game?......... "you run too much"........

The other has some health problems and at various times he has had to abandon his partner mid game.....mostly heat related.....he will go sit under a tree with a wet towel and a bottle of water for a few innings........It makes it hard to assign him games of any significance....

When to quit is up to the umpire, but when to quit assigning him is up to the association. The only advice I can give to you is to have the discussion, Off the record, in private with your association leadership.........they already know the problems, but delivering the message may be difficult..........

best of luck....