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Old Thu Apr 12, 2001, 10:43am
Bfair Bfair is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 813
Angry If you're that good, why ain't you out there ???

Quote:
Originally posted by ump24


Sandy Alderson has issued multiple statements regarding pitches "up and in". It was issued that a pitcher that throws "around the head" of a batter could be ejected with out warning. Last night was the first example of this being enforced.

I personally think this is bad. No, I don't think that it's good to throw at someone's head. But to take the judgement out of the umpire's hands and say across the board you will eject the pitcher regardless of circumstances is not good.

You are stating that because of your feelings and apparent misunderstanding, and because of the umpire's actions last night that the Alderson stance says he SHOULD eject the pitcher. This umpire was not forced to eject the pitcher. He chose to. Umpires still have that choice. Alderson did not "take the judgement out of the umpire's hands" as you erroneoulsy stated. Alderson has put more "league support" into the umpires decision to eject without warning if, in fact, the umpire feels it is necessary. I commend Alderson for his actions in supporting the tough decisions an umpire must make in this type play. Better to be for us, than against us.

Quote:
Originally posted by ump24


The pitch appeared to me to be just a pitch that got away. Orel Hershiser was the color commentator and he made the same comment. There really wasn't any reason for a head hunting pitch. Looking at the replay several times it appeared to simply be a pitch that ran away. It happens!

Just because you or Hershiser didn't see anything to cause it certainly doesn't mean it didn't happen. Perhaps the umpire DID see it. When umpiring I am aware of many things on the field the fans and media do not see. I find your statement highly surprising coming from a self-acknowldedged D1 umpire. I have seen parents and fans in the stands with your attitude. Because they didn't see what caused it, the umpire must be wrong. Here, you appear to be blaming it on Alderson. The umpire made the choice, not Alderson. Alderson is backing the ump's authority and ability to make that decision. Give me more Alderson's in this game-----and less unknowing fans (including overly critical umps and media).

Just my opinion,

Steve
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