1st Ejection In 30+ Years

[KenBAZ]

Guys:

 

I had not umped much for a 25 year stretch while I was coaching so I can't even remember my last EJ.  However the past 18 months I've been back at it hot and heavy.  My 2014 game count is up to 76 games.  

 

!0U Tournament ball, (I know, I know), catcher just lost his mind.  DT is getting whacked, he makes an error and just spikes the ball in anger with a runner on base.  I told him to knock it off then told HC that he needed to have a "conversation" with the kid and that I'd like to keep him in the game.  Coach requests a DC and chews F2 out about his behavior.  Next play R2 attempts steal of 3rd.  Catcher fires toward 3rd and nails the batter in the shoulder with a throw.  The hitter had not moved in the box so I had nothing.  I was concerned however and asked my partner if he thought F2 had hit the batter on purpose.  My partner told me he didn't believe it was done intentionally.  Two plays later, after a couple more errors, F2 loses his temper again and slams his helmet down.  I simply said, "Coach, bring me another catcher".  A shouting match ensued in the dugout between the kid and his coaching staff.  Later the HC informed me he was in complete agreement with the EJ.  F2 was his son and he said it took great restraint for him to resist kicking the kids' butt right then.  

 

The kid ejected himself but I am concerned that I should have done it sooner.  My partner said he would have tossed the kid after he spiked the ball.  While I'm not sure he hit the batter on purpose with his throw to 3rd, he was clearly not in control of himself and someone could have been hurt.  

[LRZ]

Although there is always an element of HTBT, I'd probably handle this about as you did. Spiking the ball in anger at himself? I don't see that as ejectionable and prefer some preventive officiating, as you did. The throw? If not intentional, not ejectionable. (if I thought it was unintentional, I would probably not have gone to my partner, however.) The helmet toss? OK, the kid has played out the string, after a warning. Lesson-learning time.

Where is CSUA? 76 games, while we are still dealing with frigid temps, gusty winds, snow flurries.

[KenBAZ]

Thanks for the feedback LRZ. I'm in AZ, working for 3 different assigners and the AIA. I went to my partner while the OC was checking on the hitter who got plunked with F2's throw. I doubt anyone else noticed.

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[bleacher_bum]

30 years....eh, you were due.

[mjr_2013]

I really like how you handled it.

 

You didn't need to big ball him with an Earl Weaver BOOM, a simple "Coach, I need a new catcher" sufficed and the coach handled the rest.

 

Well done! 

[Lala]

Now you are officially back!

[tjwoelfel13]

 IMO you handled it perfectly in that you gave him some leash when he reacted emotionally the first time because he might have just got caught up in the game but the second time it happens is when the line has been crossed and he needs to go.  Great game management on your part. Also kudos to the coach who knew his catchers actions were unacceptable and quickly removed him after the ej and handled the rest himself.

[KenBAZ]

Mom was toughest on the kid. Their fans and players didn't say a thing about it. I think they were a little amazed and embarrassed for the kid.

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[BT_Blue]

I wouldnt even say you ejected him. He didnt ever seem to do anything but exibit bad sportsmanship. The daddy coach just didnt wqnt to repremand his own kid, so he let you do it.

[JaxRolo]

The kid has no place on the baseball field. It's probably not the first time he acted this way nor will it be the last,

He may eventually learn a lesson if more umpires took your approach .

Oh- no need to go to partner on that.

[Jocko]

Sounds like a wannabe Bryce Harper

[Chip]

I had a similar situation last year in a 10U game with F2 who spiked the ball after a close play at the plate that didn't go his way. Coach was out of the dugout and on top of him right away telling him he couldn't do that, which probably saved him. Explained to coach that he needed to keep his player's behavior under control. Coach came to me between innings to say he had talked to F2 but wasn't sure he got the message so I might have to EJ and he would support it fully. Fortunately, the rest of the game was uneventful (perhaps because F2 got moved to a new position).