[PeteBooth]

I was just curious how some of you handle the mound conference in regard to balls/strikes. Do you let the manager say something there that he could not say elsewhere? Or is arguing b/s the same here, there, and everywhere?
Thanks for any and all responses.[/QUOTE]

First, as with most of these type posts I do not believe your question was answered except by TEE and a few others.

You asked a specific question and the thread turned in a different direction which has been a major problem with this Forum and regretably so.

The answer is as TEE points out:

Whatever is the accepted practice in one's association. Forget about OBR/NCAA and FED. The answer lies in the association one works for. TEE gave you what works in his, however, that doesn't work in mine because I know of some coaches who would have breakfast and lunch if you didn't go out to break up the conference.

As far as arguing balls / strikes after breaking up the conference, it depends. If it was just a simple displeaure etc. I probably would let it go, however, if the coach specifically blamed me becasue F1 was losing his control or had a derogatory tone, he would continue on to the patking lot.

Today is VERY different from when I played and IMO for the worse. When I played we used to actually talk to one another (what a concept). Tell the next hitter where the umpire was calling them today and also if F1 had REAL heat or a mean hook that day.

Today you could call the same pitch all game long and for some strange reason , the hitters / coaches think you are suddenly going to change and conform to them.

The game has changed a lot. Also, you cannot compare the Professional game to the amateur game. Umpires especially in the World Series give players / managers much leeway. The amateur game is different.

To sum up: What is the accepted practice in your area. The most important point is to be consistent in your approach.

Pete Booth