[greymule]

Apparently at least one township is tiring of the misbehavior of players in men's SP.

Last week, in a playoff game in one of the lower divisions, a runner from 1B ran on a fly ball, rounded 2B, took a few steps toward 3B, and, when the ball was caught, cut across the diamond to return to 1B. The ump called him out.

I was not able to learn whether the ump made the call gratuitously or responded to an appeal. (From the description of what happened, I assume that even if the call was technically improper, the defense was aware of the obvious infraction and was ready to appeal.) Regardless, whether or not there was a proper appeal was not at issue.

Anyway, the player called out went ballistic but managed to stay in the game. However, after his team lost, he sought out the umpire and berated him with obscene language. When the park director, also an ASA umpire, told the player that he had to leave the park, the player approached the director and pointed his bat at his face, uttering further obscenities.

I'm glad to report that the township recreation office has banned the player for life.