Oh Good Gravy..

[Daniel]

Heard a couple funny ones this weekend...

Ball is bunted up the 3B line, and F5 touches the ball while it is still *barely* touching the line.

Me: *bangs it fair*

As I am going back to the plate, I over hear the following convo between a bucket coach & a mom behind the backstop.

Mom: "That was foul...anytime the ball hits the foul line like that its a foul ball!"

Coach: "I'm not sure...I think it was maybe because the fielder was in fair territory when it was touched."

In the last half-inning, batter gets on with two outs. 3B Coach announces a "Pinch Runner" for his runner. I record the legal sub.

The third out is made, and as I am walking off the field, the opposing team's scorekeeper & I have the following conversation:

Scorekeeper: "Blue...you can't put in a "courtesy runner" in for the second baseman?"

Me: "Yes that is correct??"

Scorekeeper: "Well that's what that coach just did!"

Me: "No, he made a substitution."

Scorekeeper: "That's not what he announced!"

Me: He announced a "Pinch runner", not a "Courtesy runner."

Scorekeeper: "But they're the same thing!!"

Me: :shakehead:

[mstaylor]

A definite facepalm moment. :)

[BRUMP]

Idiots

[cyclonehokiece]

Why you don't listen to parents (although you can chuckle a little inside at their ignorance).

[dddunn3d]

Maybe this should go under "War Stories," but whatever...

This happened about six years ago, after working the plate in the first round of a 10U weekend tourny. I was just through the gate walking off the field when an elderly gentleman asked "I have a question for you, if you don't mind." He was being nice and cordial, and since there had been a couple goofy plays (in 10U, I know!), I thought he was going to ask about a rule.

I told him go ahead; his demeanor proceeds to change as he asks "Do you know how difficult it is for these kids to hit the ball when you don't know the difference between a ball and strike!?" I just look at him (really down at him, because I'm 6'3"), shake my head and continue to walk away.

It was a great teaching opportunity, for working the bases was none other than my then 13 year-old son. It was his second game ever, and (I hope, but you never know) he learned something about game management, etc. etc.

[Dannytheman]

[umpcoachfather]

to the Elderly gentleman - "its even worse when parents or grandparents think they know it." followed up with a headbut.