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Re: Maybe I'm missing something here, but...
To me, the only proper answer to that question that would maintain your professionalism, impartiality, and politeness would be to say something along the lines, "To be honest, coach, I don't even notice that kind of thing since, as an umpire, my focus is directed elsewhere at that moment. If you're wondering whether your pitcher is tipping her pitches, I really couldn't say."
And leave it at that.
If you tell the coach that she *is* (or isn't) tipping her pitches, you've just become a game participant. You are giving out useful tactical information that the other team may be making use of.
Where do answers to questions like these end?
"Does her fastball have movement?"
"Do you think she's throwing too many change-ups?"
"Could you please tell the other team to stop trying to steal our signals?"
"Should my leadoff batter bunt next inning?"
"Do you think I should buy some stock in Coca-Cola?"
"Do you think my wife is cheating on me?"
I believe such inappropriate inquiries to the umpire can be deflected politely.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN
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