[PeteBooth]

Both coaches were pissed as hell, because in order to attempt to win the game, they both had to replace their starters. Sorry that these kids were having an off day, but this was a very important game and I was not about to call a LL strike zone (and that's what it would have taken).

I don’t like to open my zone (more than is customary for that level). And I don’t change in the middle of a game, period. It takes the bat away from the batters, allows the coaches to leave a bad pitcher in, screws up your actual zone for the next game, and just plain makes you look bad.

Who are the CUSTOMERS?

IMO, what you said opening up the zone just plain makes you look bad and the coaches were pissed as hell, does not make sense. How can you look bad when your Customers want you to open up the zone.

I do not know how your association works, but in mine Coaches have a say in who umpires their games. Therefore, if the coaches who are your Customers want a certain zone who are you to argue. It's not OUR GAME it's theirs.
Also, you get to go home early - What's wrong with that.

IMO, I do not think that opening up your zone will make you inconsistent for the next game. If it does then IMO you have problems with your mechanics to begin with.

We have all done games in 2 hours or less. Why! Predominately the pitching and I don't mean all K's either. I mean F1 is around the plate, the hitters swing and the fielders field which is the way baseball is supposed to be played.

I realize baseball isn't a timed sport, but I am not going to be out there for 4 hours either. Also, with the advent of the metal bat, you can give F1 the same "break" that you give on the outside edge to the inside edge as well.

Once the game becomes rediculous, and is OVER, it's OVER meaning open up the zone and get out of dodge.

Pete Booth