Happy Happy Joy Joy
I note there was some EDITING going on... maybe all for the better. Here is a "G" rated "counter" Note I cannot "quote" because I do not read WW posts. I know what it says, however.
ACCEPT ALL Protests, where the manager insists! After all,WHY NOT?? There is NO down side, none. And there are a host of potential problems if you don't.
PLease do not confuse the cases of a GAme under protest, and what will happen when the protest is considered.
If Manager protests in the 3rd inning because he says my hat is ugly... SO WHAT?? Ok, fine. Duly noted, now lets play. The world will go on in the EXACT SAME MANNER as if I told the manager, "NO YOU CANT PROTEST!" Again, I simply, say, so why not accept. It makes NO difference.
I use this silly example to make a point. I help train umpires (I think that sound you just heard was WW, and others Ralphing!) but I digress. We cover this point. I tell them, it is not up to them to ascertain if a protest if technically proper for reason. Accept and move on (see CONDITIONS BELOW). Because it would be MUCH worse for an umpire to be pigheaded about NOT allowing, and NOT allow, and then find out eventually that the protest MAY have been valid.. in other words..the umpire was wrong.
I simply content that there is no reason to take that chance.
NOTE: Cases of protest TIMING.. well, absolutely DO NOT ACCEPT. Play happens... 2 pitches later here comes coach who wants to protest my interp of the PLAY. Sorry coach, no can do...I do teach this. This one you don't accept.
But, silly example #2. I call sliding runner OUT at 2nd on tag play. Coach argues (nicely of course). Says GET HELP...I decline, "Bosco, I saw it clearly!" Coach argues, I protest! UH? Why, I ponder. Coach, you know you can't protest my judgement call! Uh, yeah, but it's Tuesday, and you have to call runners SAFE at 2nd on Tuesdays, its in the book! So I protest.
OK, this is really a stupid case... because, being the most excellent official, I would TALK this guy OUT of this protest... BUT, IF HE INSISTS (in other words, he (coach) is a total moron) then we will take the 30 seconds to make the notation and CONTINUE. The moron coach will be dealt with by his authorities.
Let's be clear about reality here. How many times in the last 5 years have I heard.. "I protest!" MANY... How many times does a the game actually get PLAYED under protest (officially)? Practically none. Because we can, and should, talk them OUT of it by explaining the righteousness of our position, since we are, of course, right.
Mike Branch
Member EWS
|