Quote:
Originally posted by orioles35
I had something similar happen a few years ago.
During a 15 year old tournament, one of the higher ranked teams was getting beat. This team's coach was a big pain in the a**, the type that he wouldn't say a word when he was ahead but if he was losing, forget it. Intimidation of umpires or players was this guy's game.
During this game, the opposing pitcher is throwing a gem. Hasn't given them squat in 4-5 innings. With a runner on third, this coach kept making comments like "he can't do that" or some such as the pitcher comes set. He's not saying the word "balk", but it's clear that's what he's talking about. There was nothing being done by this pitcher that even remotely resembled a balk. Then after the inning was over and more importantly, the opposing pitcher is in the dugout (next to where I kept my water), he comes over to me and says "Can't you see him doing that with runners on? He can't do that." The pitcher hadn't done a thing, but he came over there to say that loud enough that the pitcher in the dugout could hear it, thus trying to get into the kids head that he was doing something wrong while in the stretch.
I don't know if there are rules about intimidating a fifteen year old, but I didn't know there was anything I could have done about it. Certainly I should have escorted that coach back to his dugout out of earshot of the other team, but didn't realize what was going on at the time, I was just wondering what the coach was whining about.
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Actually, you could have stopped it immediately when he said "He can't do that." Go ahead and assume he is arguing your judgement of a balk call and stop him at that point. If he continues, buh bye. Most coaches know where the line is, and if you let them cross it, they will. Speaking to their player, however loudly, is not even approaching the line, however, speaking to the umpire is stepping way over, especially if he is telling the umpire what to call.
Also, maybe keeping your water 20-30 feet down the line from the dugout would be wise as well. Or just go to right field when inning is over. He would have to chase you in order to say anything.
[Edited by TBBlue on May 19th, 2005 at 06:06 PM]