[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by scyguy
Have a big game on Thursday with a coach I had a bad experience with last year. A little history, I've had him probably 5 times before our encounter last year and he was very respectful. Last year during the varsity game I had a banger at third. I'm in C, ball beat runner, 3B placed tag on upper part of ankle. I called runner out. He loses game 1-0. At the time of the play, he said nothing, but I did get the impression that he did not agree. Maybe he felt his kid was under the tag (I'm only guessing). Now, during the JV game the crowd gets upset when I do not allow BR to go to first when he gets hit by a pitch. I felt the kid did not make any effort to get out of the way. In fact, I saw the kid take his hand to the ball. Now in hindsight I probably should of given him the base since he was trying to "stiff arm" the ball for his own protection. Maybe I blew it, I think if I see it again I will award the base. The coach again did not say much. A few innings later, his pitcher balks. He did the jump move with runner at first, but did not throw. I balked it. Coach starts yelling that he stepped off. Then, he began yelling that the fans were not there to watch me. I stepped back and turned toward him and gave him the stare. He shut up.

My problem is that I resented his statement. It has been almost a year since it happened and it still bothers me. Like I said, he had never given me a problem before this day. My question is do I say anything about it when I see him on Thursday? Something to the effect that I'm sorry he felt I was trying to be the show, but I was enforcing the rules?

Let me just say that I feel very confident when I umpire. I feel that my mechanics and positioning are as good as anybody in this area. Rule intrep is an ongoing battle, but I am constantly trying to improve (this is why I am always asking questions). But when this coach accused me of trying to be "the show" it hurt to the bone. Thoughts??

My thoughts: (1) Get over it. (2) Don't say anything.