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That is not "paying your dues!" That is leaving a partner out hanging out in the wind. That is not doing your job. That is showing disrespect for the game and the players and you. That is showing someone who cares only for the monyey he GOT . He didn't earn it, he got it. That is showing someone who is lazy. That is showing someone who DOES NOT BELONG ON A FIELD IN A BLUE SHIRT!
A good umpire should work harder with someone who he hasn't worked with before, until both of you are comfortable with each other's mechanics. Then, you can start to anticipate someone being in the right spot. There are a few guys down here who are like your partner. They have very few folks who'll call with them anymoe. Most of the ones who will, are new folks.
I would have called time as soon as the first rundown ended and ask him if he was OK, remember, you're supposed to take 1/2 of the rundown. The 2nd time, I'd have been a little more forceful in my discussion of the mechanics. After the game, I'd find my UIC and tell him to never put me on the field again with this clown. I'll pay my dues, but I'm not gonna hurt the reputation of myself, my partner or my umpire's group by putting up with something like that.
I hope I don't sound like I'm straddling the fence on this, but lazy umpires don't belong on the field.
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Rick
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