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Jurassic Referee]Just one thing to add to that, and it's only my opinion also....
I'd be naive also to say that it's never happened though, especially after reading about FU calls.
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Hi Jurassic
FU calls is a completely different subject. It should not be used as a "spiteful" measure by an umpire to get back at someone.
Here's my definition of an FU call.
In your sport (basketball) you can issue a Technical Foul, a Flagrant Foul in which the team suffers. Not only do they get 2 Free throws but the ball back again.
In baseball there is no such tool. We basically have 2 choices Either Eject or "send a message"
Here's what I am talking about. I had a mens league game. Real good lefty on the mound with a mean hook.
I called strike 2 on the batter on a curve that hit the outside corner and made him look bad. He proceeded to take his bat and draw a line (as to show me up) and said "Hey Blue I would need a tree trunk to hit that one"
At this point I can Eject which some would do OR to keep him in the game "Send a message" I chose to send a message especially for this age group. When I didn't toss B1 F2 knew what I was doing. He set-up some 7-8 inches outside. F1 threw it right there and I rung him up for strike 3.
The next time this batter came up he said to me "Blue can we start over" I said sure and no problems the rest of the game.
I agree with you that an Official should not give an FU call simply to be vindictive or "carry a grudge", however, depending upon the level of ball IMO the FU or sending a message call can be a useful tool.
Pete Booth