Quote:
Originally posted by Atl Blue
I...I was so locked in I realized too late he was going to miss it... it's part of the risk.
... you don't umpire, I won't coach.
If umpiring were easy, even the coaches could do it. Either accept the risk that goes with the job, or get off the field.
|
I can't agree with this.
It is my job to be locked, resolutely, and not move. I know I'm preaching to the choir here BUT I CANNOT MOVE and do my balls/strikes job. Unlike a batter or a catcher, I cannot move. Letting the pitcher throw AT ME because the catcher is lazy and not doing his job for the team is not a risk - that would be absolute stupidity. For any coach that thinks this is an inherent risk of umpiring, I would be willing to tie him to the fence and let his pitcher throw at him. I'll even loan him my gear before I tie him up.
I don't feel that suggesting (because it is not really a suggestion; it is an ultimatum) or ejecting is an act of coaching. I am a necessary part of the game - I need to be there. And if I am allowed to be wantonly hit, then I cannot do my job. During a particular game I cannot be readily replaced; catchers and pitchers can be replaced.
Me intentionally getting hit due to a catcher's laziness is not a risk nor a necessary part of the game. It is completely unacceptable. Unintentionally getting hit due to an uncontrollable foul ball is part of the game and yes, that is a risk.
I will never accept allowing a pitcher to wantonly throw at me, and any suggestion that I should allow such an act because it is an inherent risk of umpiring is completely asinine. I am not a target.
The catcher's mitt is the target and that mitt, under the volition of the catcher, should move so that every pitch hits the target - his mitt. If that mitt doesn't move and I become the target, something is amiss. And that catcher's tenure in front of me will not be long.
Atlanta Blue, either you didn't understand the situation or your comments were over the edge. If your comment about getting off the field was directed at me... then in the words of Corporal Clinger, "May the flies of a thousand camels infest your armpits."
Now hold still !!
[Edited by DownTownTonyBrown on Sep 21st, 2004 at 04:37 PM]