[Don Mueller]

Originally Posted by mattmets

So bases loaded, 1 out, and I'm by myself. Next batter lofts a fly ball down the right field line. So in my head, here's what I'm keeping track of- Fair/foul, catch/no catch, proper tags, runners touching bases, potential time play, not getting hit with a throw, and keeping my *** out of trouble.

You have to simplify when you're by yourself. One thing at a time.
Catch/no catch and fair foul is first priority.

Since BR ended up at 3rd I'm assuming ball got past F9, that gives you plenty of time to get back to 3BL and determine if a play is coming to 3rd or home.
You can only do so much so I try to watch touches at 3rd and home and peripherally watch for obstruction.

Originally Posted by mattmets

Well of course, ball falls. F3 is standing on the bag, so I have to scoot a step or two inside the line to have any view at all, while staying to call anything in the infield.

You do what you have to, to get a good look. Good job.

Originally Posted by mattmets

Since there's no line, I have to make a snap judgment, I call it fair.

IT hits the fan. While the ball is LIVE, runners circling bases, players running around screaming, coaches screaming....it's ugly. .

It seems you're making it out to be much more chaotic than it is. It's a base hit and runners are moving. That's baseball. You've made your call, now you're simply watching and anticipating the next play. You shouldn't be paying any attention to players and coaches "screaming" during live ball.

Originally Posted by mattmets

So finally, after 3 runs score and BR is on third, Home coach comes running out of the third base dugout.

I'm assuming you have TIME, so still everything is cool.

Originally Posted by mattmets

This guy talks in a loud voice anyway, but he's not happy with me. I give him the stop sign and say coach, if you're going to yell at me, I'm going to run you. We can talk, but you will not stand here and yell at me. He goes off that I can't run him if he doesn't curse....anyway, he's arguing, and while he's arguing he bumps me- not sure if it's intentional, but doesn't matter. GONE. No doubter.

Home team manager is the one responsible for you doing one man in first place?
Very very little patience.
I hope you made it very clear to everyone that he was booted.
Good job.

In my world when he says "He goes off that I can't run him if he doesn't curse.."
I say "watch this"

Originally Posted by mattmets

So he goes crazy, his assistants are yelling,

If the assistants are yelling at you they're gone.
Why would you warn the HC about yelling and then allow it from the assistants?

Originally Posted by mattmets

but he finally leaves. I tell his assistants he was ejected for making contact with me, not for arguing.

You owe the assistants no explanation, and personally I wouldn't give any.
By saying "not for arguing" you have given permission for more arguing.

Originally Posted by mattmets

Stupidly, I ask who's now in charge and if he wants to discuss it.

Discussions are over. As you figured out they should have been.

Originally Posted by mattmets

I discuss the play with this coach for 2-3 minutes, not arguing, not cursing, just discussing it.

30-45 sec. max with the HC zero at this point with new HC. 2-3 minutes is out of control.

Originally Posted by mattmets

We end it, move on, Home team ends up losing as the last batter strikes out on two pitches near his nose.

Called or swinging?