I'm lucky not to be in jail...

[PonyUmpire]

... because I almost had to strangle my partner yesterday. We had 4 12U travel games (Fed rules) yesterday, with me on the last 2 plates. This guy, we'll call him "Oscar", has been with my San Diego youth ball association for years, and thinks he's god in uniform. The problems started in game 1.

 

Game 1:

 

I'm BU. R1, fly ball to center. Center fielder catches it routinely. I wait a second or two, and am about to give a relaxed out mechanic, when I hear a loud "CATCH" from behind me. Between innings, Oscar calls me over and asks me why I'm not making calls on fly balls to "the cone". I tell him that I am. He says that I'm not verbalizing loud enough for him to hear. I tell him that I don't need to verbalize on obvious catches. He tells me that his job is to watch the runner, and I have to let him know if it's a catch :

 

R1, my partner calls a balk. Runner trots to second. Partner still hasn't put the ball back in play. Pitcher wanders off the rubber, and my partner calls another balk. Me: "Oscar, did you put the ball in play?" Oscar: "Doesn't matter; it's a balk". Needless to say, the coaches were not pleased.

 

Later, Oscar called a balk because, and I quote, "the pitcher failed to separate his hands after disengaging" (he called the balk as soon as the pitcher stepped off). The DC was piiiisssseeeddd, and asked him, if it was a balk, why his partner didn't call it. My partner loudly responded that he had no idea why I didn't call it. :FP: Between games, I asked him why he balked the kid. He explained to me that he gave the pitcher "a few seconds" after stepping off to separate his hands, and since he didn't, it was a balk. I spent about 5 minutes trying to persuade him that it wasn't a balk in any code, but he was having none of it.

 

Game 2:

 

I'm in A. Bounding ball past first base. I call foul. He signals that it's his call. I signal that it's not.

 

Game 3:

 

Bases empty. Fly ball to right, partner pivots. Me: "we've got a catch Oscar". Oscar: "don't say my name, just say catch"

 

I've gotta run, but this will be continued

 

*edited for readability 

[grayhawk]

Now I don't feel so bad about my partner yesterday.  FWIW, on routine catches above the waist, no mechanic is needed at all, verbal or otherwise.

[Richvee]

I've ran into this fair/foul problem a few times. There are guys who think ground balls past the bag at 1st are PU call. I used to pre-game by saying "ive got fair/foul past the bag when I'm in A.....Now I make it a point to say I've got ALL fair/foul on balls  past the 1st base bag...Fly balls, linedrives AND ground balls hat bounce before they get to the bag and then pass the bag. 

 

I also work with a local guy who insists on yelling "catch" at the top of his lungs for every caught fly.  Trying to get him to stop, but no luck yet 

[PonyUmpire]

Oh, but it gets so much better.

 

Game 3:

 

R1, 1 out. Base hit to left. I trot over to the library. R1, rounding 2nd. Me: "I've got 3rd if he goes". I read a close play developing at third, so I break a few steps into the cutout yelling "I've got 3, I've got 3". From my right, I hear "no you don't!". It's my "partner", who then proceeds to run up right next to me and make a safe call. I was seething.

 

He continues to critique my mechanics during game 3.

 

Here are some gems:

- when your partner pivots from A, it's BAD for the PU to take more than a few steps in front of the plate to make the catch/no catch call. That's right; he got on me for not being a statue.

- it's improper, with R1 and R2, for the PU to go up the 1b line to make a f/f, c/nc call.

- when the BU goes out from A, the PU, instead of shadowing the BR, should proceed straight towards the mound

- I need to loudly call "foul" on every single foul ball (or else how is anyone going to know it's foul?)

 

We had a heated "discussion" between games 3 and 4, where he argued that I was moving too much for a small diamond. Oh, and he called one of his "balks" in game 3 as well. The DC asked me if I would talk to him. I responded "if my partner would like to ask for my help on a rule interpretation, that's up to him," while giving the coach a meaningful look.

 

*edited for readability

[Texas Manny]

On something as flagrant as this, IMHO, it is up to the members of the association to police themselves. I'd bring the entire situation to the attention of the rules interpreter, association president, and also the assigner. I wouldn't work with him anymore, and ask the assigner not to put you together. If he's doing this to you, how many other umpires is he doing it to? The problem needs to be addressed and corrected.

[mstaylor]

First it isn't his job to watch the R1, it's good if he can help but if he is indeed helping then he should move up the line and watch the catch and tag up. On a ball hit to center and a can of corn, the chances of the runner moving is very,very low. This falls directly under over hustle or knowing enough to be dangerous. The balks and foul ball are definitely in the "Knowing enough to be dangerous" category. Not using his name on a catch, just means he's an idiot. 

[24sdad]

We had 4 12U travel games (Fed rules) yesterday... Later, Oscar called a balk because, and I quote, "the pitcher failed to separate his hands after disengaging" (he called the balk as soon as the pitcher stepped off). 

Nothing in 6.1.1-6.1.3 regarding breaking of the hands once F1 disengages is illegal.  

 

Now OBR has this.."Rule 8.01 Comment: Pitchers may disengage the rubber after taking their signs but may not step quickly onto the rubber and pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire. When the pitcher disengages the rubber, he must drop his hands to his sides. "  

 

But OBR does not list a penalty for it, similar to taking signs off the rubber..  I believe it is more intended to prevent F1 from re-engaging the rubber with his hands together, and thus preventing an attempt to quick pitch.  So in OBR, at some point after disengaging, F1 must separate his hands before re-engaging.  

[Mike Prince]

I would just move on as Manny says, you won't teach this guy anything.  Report him to the assignor (as he probably will you), I wouldn't say I won't work with him, just say you are uncomfortable with him.  Giving ultimatums to your assignor can work against you sometimes.  If "Oscar" has been in the assn a lot longer than you, the assignor could be his buddy, you never know.  Stick to facts and keep emotion out of it to be safe.

 

If you do work with him again, insist on doing a pre-game and shut down any in-game chatter.  If you are on the bases, go to short RCF between innings without exception.  If you are PU and he insists on coming in to "correct" you, tell him you can talk about it postgame (he's probably never done one of those).

[mstaylor]

Your further post all fall under you have an idiot for a partner, but you knew that already. 

[PonyUmpire]

On something as flagrant as this, IMHO, it is up to the members of the association to police themselves. I'd bring the entire situation to the attention of the rules interpreter, association president, and also the assigner. I wouldn't work with him anymore, and ask the assigner not to put you together. If he's doing this to you, how many other umpires is he doing it to? The problem needs to be addressed and corrected.

In a normal association, that's how it would be handled. In this particular youth ball association, there is no rules interpreter. The assigner doesn't know rules or mechanics; he's just in it for the money. Lots of guys in the assoc are as bad as my partner. The only reason I know what I'm doing is because I was trained properly up in Northern California.

[Texas Manny]

 

On something as flagrant as this, IMHO, it is up to the members of the association to police themselves. I'd bring the entire situation to the attention of the rules interpreter, association president, and also the assigner. I wouldn't work with him anymore, and ask the assigner not to put you together. If he's doing this to you, how many other umpires is he doing it to? The problem needs to be addressed and corrected.

In a normal association, that's how it would be handled. In this particular youth ball association, there is no rules interpreter. The assigner doesn't know rules or mechanics; he's just in it for the money. Lots of guys in the assoc are as bad as my partner. The only reason I know what I'm doing is because I was trained properly up in Northern California.

 

Wow. Then you're kind of in a no-win situation. Doesn't your group hold any mechanics classes? If you've been properly trained, why not step out and offer to help instruct? Can't hurt to ask. Worst they can say is no. At least you may have an opportunity to correct some of the deficiencies.

[Dannytheman]

TM hit on my point, you seem to have a good grasp of the mechanics, and maybe in the down time you should set up a class. I ain't perfect, so in my classes I would use MY stupid mistakes and a few others I have seen(Like your partners). I never preach but teach. Use all the scenerios and ask for feedback from the audience, let the audience help you come to your own conclusions, then it isn't YOU it is the majority that agree. In cease where you have a Prima Donna it is best to use this as their learning method. Better than one on one.

[mstaylor]

I know you are young but perhaps offering to be the interpreter/training officer may help. Then use this board as a resource to back you up. Trust me, that's how I started. 

[Stan W.]

I know you are young but perhaps offering to be the interpreter/training officer may help. Then use this board as a resource to back you up. Trust me, that's how I started. 

just note that offering to do the job is what got me and Mstaylor into the mess we are in now.....lol.......right mike?......20+ yrs now

[mstaylor]

 

I know you are young but perhaps offering to be the interpreter/training officer may help. Then use this board as a resource to back you up. Trust me, that's how I started. 

just note that offering to do the job is what got me and Mstaylor into the mess we are in now.....lol.......right mike?......20+ yrs now

 

You got that right Stan.

[Mr Umpire]

 

On something as flagrant as this, IMHO, it is up to the members of the association to police themselves. I'd bring the entire situation to the attention of the rules interpreter, association president, and also the assigner. I wouldn't work with him anymore, and ask the assigner not to put you together. If he's doing this to you, how many other umpires is he doing it to? The problem needs to be addressed and corrected.

In a normal association, that's how it would be handled. In this particular youth ball association, there is no rules interpreter. The assigner doesn't know rules or mechanics; he's just in it for the money. Lots of guys in the assoc are as bad as my partner. The only reason I know what I'm doing is because I was trained properly up in Northern California.

 

And, you come here with the other experienced ones. 

[MB_Ump]

On something as flagrant as this, IMHO, it is up to the members of the association to police themselves. I'd bring the entire situation to the attention of the rules interpreter, association president, and also the assigner. I wouldn't work with him anymore, and ask the assigner not to put you together. If he's doing this to you, how many other umpires is he doing it to? The problem needs to be addressed and corrected.

And if the other umpires are less experienced, he is training a new generation with flawed interpretations, made up rules, and poor mechanics

[Texas Manny]

 

On something as flagrant as this, IMHO, it is up to the members of the association to police themselves. I'd bring the entire situation to the attention of the rules interpreter, association president, and also the assigner. I wouldn't work with him anymore, and ask the assigner not to put you together. If he's doing this to you, how many other umpires is he doing it to? The problem needs to be addressed and corrected.

And if the other umpires are less experienced, he is training a new generation with flawed interpretations, made up rules, and poor mechanics

 

Well, I didn't know when I wrote this that it was an informal association, as you can see that his followup read as such. So yes, I agree that blind are leading the blind. That is why I suggested to him to step up and offer training. The worse they can say is "No". Either way, I'd be looking to see if there are other associations in the area to join. Regrettably, he's a fish swimming upstream against a mighty current.

[PonyUmpire]

Fortunately, I'm joining the premier high school association in the area this coming spring season.

[Platejob29]

If I would have had the same partner you had y'all would have seen some headlines on the front page going something like "umpire strikes his partner out dead with his own mask" or "umpire facing 25 to life after beating another umpire into a coma with a rule book."      

[Texas Manny]

If I would have had the same partner you had y'all would have seen some headlines on the front page going something like "umpire strikes his partner out dead with his own mask" or "umpire facing 25 to life after beating another umpire into a coma with a rule book."      

One of the true tests of being an umpire is working with individuals who are both greater skilled, and less skilled, than ourselves, and how we deal with everything that comes with that. From being a humble teacher, to being the cushion of pins and needles, it is truly a work of art to find that balance with both ends of the spectrum. Some folks we can learn from. Others we can offer a tip or two and they are greatful. Some are God's gift to umpiring, that even the great Jocko Conlan, Al Somers, or Augie, couldn't hold a candle to them, let alone ourselves. Others are like a sponge, absorbing all the training and tips we can give them. Anyone can call balls and strikes, safe's and out's. Real umpiring happens in the arena of personality management.

 

I wasn't implying anything Platejob to you, or anyone, personally. I was simply pondering on your thoughts, and in realizing it's sarcasm, it made me think about how we, in general, see other folks. What can be done to help others to be better umpires and people? That was just the thought that popped in my head, so I wrote it down.

[Stan W.]

Good post Manny........I've always been a firm believer in that adage that you can learn something from every partner......good and bad....those that can balance the two are well served....

[PonyUmpire]

@Texas Manny

 

There is a lot of truth to you post.  I definitely could have handled myself better, especially once I realized the kind of partner I would be working with.  Things got pretty heated between our 3rd and 4th game, and I shouldn't have let it get to that point.  What pushed me over the edge wasn't the fact that he couldn't umpire his way out of a paper bag, but the fact that he thought he could critique my mechanics.  However, I still should have swallowed my pride and not created such a spectacle. 

[grayhawk]

@Texas Manny

 

There is a lot of truth to you post.  I definitely could have handled myself better, especially once I realized the kind of partner I would be working with.  Things got pretty heated between our 3rd and 4th game, and I shouldn't have let it get to that point.  What pushed me over the edge wasn't the fact that he couldn't umpire his way out of a paper bag, but the fact that he thought he could critique my mechanics.  However, I still should have swallowed my pride and not created such a spectacle. 

 

Tell him, in an completely unemotional way, that while you appreciate his opinion, you are going to stick with what professional instructors have taught you, which matches the mechanics in Jim Evans' "Maximizing the Two Umpire System" which is what is taught at the professional umpiring academies.  Tell him you'd be happy to email him a link to where he can buy "Maximizing" if he wants to read it.

[Rulekeep]

On something as flagrant as this, IMHO, it is up to the members of the association to police themselves. I'd bring the entire situation to the attention of the rules interpreter, association president, and also the assigner. I wouldn't work with him anymore, and ask the assigner not to put you together. If he's doing this to you, how many other umpires is he doing it to? The problem needs to be addressed and corrected.

In a normal association, that's how it would be handled. In this particular youth ball association, there is no rules interpreter. The assigner doesn't know rules or mechanics; he's just in it for the money. Lots of guys in the assoc are as bad as my partner. The only reason I know what I'm doing is because I was trained properly up in Northern California.

Ah, geez, that's how it is up here.