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Originally Posted by BuggBob
I had a game this week end that had two very interesting game changing plays.
Team A batting, bases loaded one out. Batter fouls a few balls then gets one ball, fouls a few more then gets another ball. Catcher asks me for the count. Loudly and for all to see I show the count as "2 balls and 2 strikes" The very next pitch is a ball, the batter trots down to first all other runners start to trot to the next base. Team B coach is yelling to the pitcher to tag the runner coming home. The pitcher tags the runner, I call an out. The other runners return, chaos ensues. the offensive (Team A) coach GOES NUTS yelling, "That was ball four!" Calmly I tell him no it was ball three, runner out, the batter needs come back and finish their at bat. He asks me to ask my partner, partner also same count as me. Out stands lets play. After a lengthy (and heated on his part) discussion with the coach the play stands. Coach tells his players that they need to play harder as the umpire is stealing the game from them. The next pitch is a strike (swinging) inning over.
Same game bases loaded one out. Team B at bat. Battery hits a ball right back to the pitch (the bat broke clean in two -- had no bearing on the play but was kind of cool). Quick throw to the plate for an out, catcher takes two steps to throw the ball to first, retired runner slides into catcher feet, throw goes askew. I rule Dead ball interference by a retired runner, runner closest to home is out. End of the inning. Team B coach asks me was the slide legal, I told him it was because if it was not his player would have been ejected. He understands and HE tells his players that was a good call, lets play.
Two plays, two different coaching styles. One coach blamed the umpire crew for every misfortune, the other thanked the umpires for every opportunity. One coach encouraged his players and fans to degrade the umpires, and the other absolutely forbid it.
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"After a lengthy (and heated on his part) discussion with the coach the play stands."
Should NEVER happen. A VERY BRIEF explanation, and, "That's enough coach. Let's play ball. If he persists, sayonara.
"Coach tells his players that they need to play harder as the umpire is stealing the game from them. The next pitch is a strike (swinging) inning over."
Coach is not around long enough to see the next pitch. Accusing me of cheating is an automatic trip to the parking lot, or further if necessary.
"Battery hits a ball right back to the pitch..."
'Battery' is a term used to denote the pitcher and catcher.
"Quick throw to the plate for an out, catcher takes two steps to throw the ball to first, retired runner slides into catcher feet, throw goes askew. I rule Dead ball interference by a retired runner, runner closest to home is out. End of the inning. Team B coach asks me was the slide legal, I told him it was because if it was not his player would have been ejected."
BAD call. If the slide was legal, there is no justification for calling interference.
Bob