Last night I worked 5 games in a Men's Power League. USSSA Rules, 12th week of the season. Unlike the other two ump's at the other fields, I call a "by the book" strike zone, where it crosses the plate, not where it lands, etc. I tell the managers the strike zone definition before each game, even though they should be know by now. Well anyway....
Bottom of 7th
Game is tied, no outs.
B1 (the pitcher) takes a called strike. He steps out of the box and says that pitch was "deep". I told him the pitch crossed the plate at his belly button, right down the middle and it was a strike.
B1 swings at the next pitch which is waaaaay outside, he hits a pop up and is out. He grumbles all the way to the dugout, but nothing that would merit a boot.
Outs 2 and 3 are easy plays.
Top of the 8th, the visiting teaming scores 6 runs.
Bottom of the 8th, 3 up, 3 down.
Ballgame. I leave the field and walk toward the parking lot.
Remember my B1 from the bottom of the 7th? He starts screaming at me about the strike that was called against him in the 7th. He follows me toward the parking lot, pretty far cuz' you have to pass 4 other diamonds. His team is coming after him, but he will not give up. I get to my car, and he is blocking my door.
His team finally comes and drags this bozo away from my car so i can get in. I flashed him a quick smile as I drove away so he knew I wasnt intimidated by him.
I called the Athletic Director today. He says since it happened after we had left the field, he couldn't do anything about it.....
Is the Athletic Director correct, or do I need to ump in another league next year?
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Chiquita J.
Wisconsin ASA/USSSA Slowpitch
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