Quote:
Originally posted by WindyCityBlue
I'm not sure what your beef is.
As a coach, have I ever used my knowledge of the rules and how umpires operate to gain an advantage? Hell, yes! Do you think that is an unfair advantage? I don't see why since the opposing coaches have access to the same information. It' up to the umpires to make sure nobody gets an unfair advantage.
No, it's up to the umpire to administrate the rules...you can still gain advantages (i.e. stealing signs)...it is up to the coaches to teach the players not to cheat and keep themselves from doing anything unethical. I have no problem with sign stealing, as I've said. I just don't like confusing younger umpires with protocol vs. technical. It is either a violation of the rules or it isn't. A lot of rookies are influenced by "spirit of the rules" comments from coaches and that is where I took exception. This is not a "J/R don't do that". In no way should an umpire step in and take issue with this. A rookie may have read it the other way and I thought I would clarify it. In the coming weeks, we will undoubtedly see another post that involves an umpire that involves himself in a "protocol" issue. I teach a lot of clinics and believe that good instructors provide all of the information or they don't discuss the issue. I don't like confusing rookies, the job is difficult enough. "My problem" was that you failed to identify what a "protocol" issue is and I'm sure a few guys may have come away with the wrong interpretation of your post.
"That is what I said, you fool." Inspector Clouseau
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You're right about one thing, there *are* coaches out there who will try to get an umpire involved in a personal grievance that is completely of a "protocol" nature.
Here might be an example that some of you might find familiar:
A team is losing by a huge margin yet the other team is still stealing and bunting. Their pitcher is still attempting pickoffs and he has a 12-run lead. So the losing coach comes up to the umpire between innings and asks for some help. He wants the umpire to put an end to this "bulls&%t!"
Issue: It is a violation of protocol to continue to do "extra" things, whether on offense or defense, when your team is destroying another team. It's called "running up the score." You don't need to steal or bunt, and your pitcher should not be dragging the game on with any pickoff attempts. But it is *not* the umpire's job to put an end to it. It's between the two coaches. Now, if it turns into a beanball war, then it *does* become the umpire's business.
Now, there may be some subtle things an umpire can do to help out, but nothing terribly overt. You certainly can't tell the opposing coach HOW his team should play baseball nor preach to him about how the game is supposed to be played. A violation of protocol such as this should NOT be interpreted as unsportsmanlike conduct as some umpires think. Well, actually it *is* unsportsmanlike, but not the type of unsportsmanlike conduct that can get you ejected.
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This is where an umpire's experience will hold him in good stead. You have to know the game of baseball to have an appreciation of the subtleties of protocol. When you understand it - you can anticipate how certain tensions might be building that could lead to a beanball war. This will give you an opportunity to use a wealth of game management skills to preempt this.
Now, if you're working with teams with young players and rookie coaches, you might take a brief moment and pass a tip to the coach as long as you are sure that it will be well received.
"Coach, you're winning 13-1. Are you working with your players on stealing or do you think you need a few more runs?" [g]
David Emerling
Memphis, TN