Charged visits to the mound...

[theedeuce]

Can a manager be charged with a visit to the mound in between innings?

I had a game last weekend where my partner took an issue with a manager in between innings. Manager coaching 3rd walks across the diamond heading to the first base dugout after the last out was made to end the inning. I was on the bases and wasn't paying too close attention to what exactly transpired but apparently the manager had a brief conversation with his pitcher as he continued his walk towards the first base dugout. Uh-o... I could tell the verbal exchange between pitcher/manager didn't set very well with my partner (who was the plate umpire) and casually walks over and stops the manager charging him with a visit to the mound.

[Mr Umpire]

Yes. If an umpire deems it as instructional or anything other than "Throw strikes" or something like that, then he can be charged with a visit.

[dawg-man]

If you are going to charge a team a conference if the head coach walks by and says keep your elbow up or something like that. Are you not really grasping for that part of the stick that really smells?

[Mr Umpire]

If you are going to charge a team a conference if the head coach walks by and says keep your elbow up or something like that. Are you not really grasping for that part of the stick that really smells?

Let me clarify what I meant by instructional. I did NOT mean mechanics.

I meant coach says something like "Throw this batter pitches low and away to prevent him from hitting the ball". Also, it depends on how long the coach talked to the pitcher. If it is just a brief talking as he is walking by, no visit. If he stops F1 and has a brief conversation and the umpire deems it long enough, then that can be a visit.

It all depends on how the situation played out and how long he talked to F1.

[dawg-man]

I have always let them talk to them as long as they are gone by the time the ball is thrown down. I am strict about the 5 pitches between innings so there is not much instruction going on. If I am wrong here guys please tell me. That is why I like being here, you guys are good at helping each other out.

[noumpere]

Can a manager be charged with a visit to the mound in between innings?.

Can he? Yes.

But, 99% of the time the "chat" doesn't delay the pitchers warm-ups and no visit should be charged.

[Umpire in Chief]

If it's not holding up the game let it go.

[mstaylor]

I agree, if he isn't delaying the process, let it go. If you think it is then tell him to move along. If he chooses not to then charge the visit. Don't start a

s:censored:e, you will find enough without starting them.

[therefump]

Wow. Let it go. I agree with the strict 5 pitches and throwing continuously but charging a conference is asking for trouble and really bush league. Just move the coach along.

[NFUA_44]

Don't pick the boogers! They are always messy and ultimately you are the one that looks like a reda*s. As Michael pointed out use your judgment in whether this is really something that needs to be addressed.

Take the case where a manager changes pitchers in the middle of an inning. 99% of the time they make the switch and move along. But there's that one that wants to hang out and "examine" the kid warming up. Is he prepping the kid for the next batter, or just seeing where the kid is throwing the ball?.............we're back to that judgment thing. Where are you in the game? Has the coach been an issue before now? Is someone gaining an advantage not intended through the rules?

Me, I keep it really simple, cause I got a pee little brain.................I don't pick BOOGERS!!!!!

[Frank Rizzo]

Usually I let this go, as it seems to cause more problems than anything else.

However, if the opposing teams manager notices a coach from the other team out on the mound, or somewhere else on the field, and wants a conference charged, I give it to him.

[noumpere]

Usually I let this go, as it seems to cause more problems than anything else.

However, if the opposing teams manager notices a coach from the other team out on the mound, or somewhere else on the field, and wants a conference charged, I give it to him.

Then (a) you're letting the other coach call the game for you, and ( you're wrong.

[catoblue]

technically, you can call it and it would stand up under review, but as mentioned - don't pick boogers. Unless it is delaying the start of the current half-inning, it should be left alone.

[mstaylor]

It is nothing and should be left alone unless it creates a problem. If you think the coach is causing a delay, move him along. If he doesn't then charge a conference. If the other coach asks about it, tell him that if he isn't causing a problem you will do nothing. Do not let him run your game for you.

[umpkid7]

I got a coach very mad at me today by calling this on him. The league told us to call this, and wow NFUA_44 is right, it is picking a biiiig booger

[mstaylor]

If they have this as a local rule then you have to call it and the coachs should be aware of it. I would talk to your local UIC and see if they can get rid of it in the off season. I'm sure they are trying to keep the game moving but many times the argument actually slows things down.