Quote:
Originally posted by James V
I was the umpire, ASA rules.
|
You cannot, by rule, forcefully remove the pitcher unless you believe there was intention.
The retaliation shouldn't have been your concern as much as the safety of the players.
If it is obvious the pitcher was NOT improving and the coach will not remove the pitcher, there are remedies.
I would suggest that you called both coaches out to the field (away from players and parents) and state that for fear of injury to a batter, the game would not proceed until the wild pitcher has been replaced.
When the defensive coach protests that the rules don't permit you to do that, agree with him. Then remind him that there is nothing in the rule book which requires you to umpire the ball game, or the other team to knowingly place their batters in harm's way. BTW, don't ask the other team not to play. If they choose to do so, it must be their decision, not your suggestion. You, as the umpire, must be willing to step away as if the team does, they would be subject to forfeiting the game if some idiotic protest committee disagrees.
JMHO,