[quote=BlitzkriegBob]
I've been told by both my ASA brethren and every Fed partner I've had to specifically NOT wipe the PP. I think it was even my ASA District UIC who told me "
If I can see the PP then I might have to call an IP."
[quote]
I added the emphasis on the above quote to point out the absolute cowardice and lack of integrity for the game that a statement like this implies.
If the pitchers get a strike call for a pitch across the plate while throwing an IP, then that means they gained an unfair advantage.
This also means that the umpire
IS NOT enforcing the rules in an impartial manner. Thus cheating for one team or the other.
IF THEY CAN'T GET IT ACROSS THE PLATE IN A LEGAL MANNER, THEY SHOULDN'T GET THE CHANCE TO HAVE A STRIKE CALLED.
IF YOU ARE TOO AFRAID TO MAKE THE CORRECT CALL, GET OFF THE FIELD AND FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO DO!
Just in case anyone is wondering, this is one of my pet peeves.
I see umpires do this all the time
either because they are too afraid to make the call,
too ignorant of the rules to be able to enforce it correctly,
so unsure of themselves or the rules that they cannot stand to have a coversation with the coach who MIGHT ask what or why in order to coach their player correctly,
or
they are just umpire whores who are out there for the money or power that they feel on the field.
Ok, the rant is over