Juco Ejection

[catsbackr]

I had a strange ejection of a player this past weekend, wanted to share.

 

Visiting team down 12-4,  VT batter hits a clean single.  The next pitch is in the dirt, catcher blocks the ball perfectly, the runner is off upon seeing the ball in the dirt, catcher throws to 2B, runner is going to be out by 20 feet.  Instead of going into the base for an easy out call, the runner goes directly at the SS covering, lowers shoulder, loads up and goes at the SS.  I call the out and eject the runner.  The SS is a little hot about what just happened, then realizes I've ejected the runner and trots off.

 

The runner's coach trots in from 3B coaches box and asked why his runner was ejected.  I told him what I had, he said he wondered why his runner didn't really slide and then told me he didn't teach his players to play like that.  Just a weird play overall.

[Thunderheads]

one of those "did that just happen" moments ?

[Majordave]

One of the pitfalls of umpiring players with too much testosterone and a ton of internal and sometimes external pressure to excel in all facets of the game. Oh, the frustration factor.

[catsbackr]

The funniest thing was, when I ejected the runner, he asked me, "What did I do???"  I said, "You know exactly what you did!"  He said, "I know," and calmly walked off.

[umpstu]

Good coach for not taking up for his player in this instance.  And even better to agree with your call.