I cheated

[soapbox]

Worked a Little League Majors game last night. It was the last regular game of the season and had no playoff implications as one of the teams were eliminated and the other going to the local World Series. The game was taken lightly as there was no pressure on any of the kids. We played it as it should be, kids having fun. Anyway, a kid who has struggled with the bat all season came up with runners on. He has already K'd swinging earlier and you could see how frustrated he was. Mechanics are decent, but just needed a little tweak on what I thought he was doing wrong. I'm no batting coach, but told him what I saw and if he listened, was confident he would get results. With 2 strikes and 2nd and 3rd, he one hopped the fence for legit triple. Ball got thrown away and he came into score. His teammates mobbed him and his face was priceless. I cleaned the plate off and half way to the dugout, he stopped and yelled, "Mr. Umpire", he smiled and said nothing else. The game ended in a 6-6 tie as it was played because it was on the schedule and the last for many of the boys. I cheated, and it was the best moment I've had as an umpire. I told the other coach who took the game lightly as well and he couldn't be happier.

[Jocko]

There are some on here who will applaud you. There are others who will chastise you. Personally, I understand how you feel/felt. Kinda brings things back into perspective, doesn't it?

[Dragon29]

No comment on your 'coaching', but . . .

. . . With 2 strikes and 2nd and 3rd, he one hopped the fence for legit triple. . .

Ground Rule Triple? :question1:

[Jocko]

No comment on your 'coaching', but . . .

. . . With 2 strikes and 2nd and 3rd, he one hopped the fence for legit triple. . .

Ground Rule Triple?

I read it as a 1 hopper TO the fence for legit 3 bagger (no errors)

[conbo61]

Worked a Little League Majors game last night. It was the last regular game of the season and had no playoff implications as one of the teams were eliminated and the other going to the local World Series. The game was taken lightly as there was no pressure on any of the kids. We played it as it should be, kids having fun. Anyway, a kid who has struggled with the bat all season came up with runners on. He has already K'd swinging earlier and you could see how frustrated he was. Mechanics are decent, but just needed a little tweak on what I thought he was doing wrong. I'm no batting coach, but told him what I saw and if he listened, was confident he would get results. With 2 strikes and 2nd and 3rd, he one hopped the fence for legit triple. Ball got thrown away and he came into score. His teammates mobbed him and his face was priceless. I cleaned the plate off and half way to the dugout, he stopped and yelled, "Mr. Umpire", he smiled and said nothing else. The game ended in a 6-6 tie as it was played because it was on the schedule and the last for many of the boys. I cheated, and it was the best moment I've had as an umpire. I told the other coach who took the game lightly as well and he couldn't be happier.

Well played Mauer...

[poppyfor3]

"Meaningless Game" is truly a misnomer. Especially at Rec level. As your post so eloquently pointed out. Every pitch is important to somebody. One moment of "glory" for a child ( yes Major players ARE children) has meaning. And unless you took the bat and hit it for him, IT AIN'T CHEATING!! We may not be there to"coach", but in this specific case we can surely be creative. Personally, I found your post rewarding and one boy is probably still smiling.

[Pete Peterson Sr]

I wouldn't criticize what you did, but would caution you not to make a habit of it.