[Mountaineer]

In 2004, one of my best friends and I were asked to umpire the Jr. League Girls Southern Regionals for Little League. Since we umpire together on a regular basis, we were assigned to different crews. From my field, I could see their scoreboard and noticed it was just sitting on the same inning for a looooooong time. Afterwards we found out why . . .

The catcher from one of the FL teams had asked him to appeal a bunt attempt. Of course in LL, there's no appeal of a judgement call and I don't know if I'd give one on a bunt attempt or not - but he didn't. She looked at the pitcher and said "He won't ask" - the next pitch the girl walked. The next batter, the catcher moved to the outside of the plate and asked the pitcher "Here?" - moved farther out and said "Here?" - moved yet again and said "Here?" and now squatted in the outside batters box!!! (A side note, I had this team in their first game and the pitcher has immaculate control and the catcher has a great glove!) My buddy was VERY exposed in the "slot" to say the least. The first pitch was inside and the batter fouled it off - the catcher didn't move to try to catch it. Next pitch, almost same location - BAM! right in the chest!!! The catcher NEVER moved toward the ball. My buddy stood up, removed his mask and pointed the pitcher and said "You-" then to the catcher "and you - you've got to go!"

Of course the coach yells time and comes storming out of the dugout - the 3b umpire stood in her way and told her he didn't think it would be in her, or her team's best interest to take a step further. There was a big write-up in the paper from that team's home town. The team was eliminated in that game so nothing was done further.

All the other umpires, of course, had a great time with it. We bought a t-shirt for him and had "UGOSTAGO" on the back and we all signed it. He still wears it today!

He knew it was coming, took his lumps - knowing what he was going to do if it indeed happened.