[aceholleran]

Joe, you got it right. Which is what matters most. Did you handle it well?

Hmmm.

IMHO, exchange as few words as possible with coach. It's not your job to "explain" the call.

Good, crisp, clear mechanics help. First signify the dead ball, to stop runners from moseying around. Wait for batter to run to first. If he does not, verbally tell him so, without an arm mechanic.

The "terrible umpiring" remark puts that coach, for me, on thin ice. However, it's not our job to make anyone, no matter how wrong s/he is, more angry. I think your reply, however witty, is something you might reconsider.

Here's my explanation: "Batter hit by pitch."

I had a similar sitch (HS game, but the rules are the same at any level) where batter swung and missed at a pitch that hit him in the ribcage. Sure enough, there were two strikes on him before the pitch. Not only did I kill the play, but had to declare the batter out, as he's writhing on the ground.

Offensive coach gets his shorts in a knot. "He can't be out; it hit him."

"Incorrect," I said.

With each year (this my 32nd), I try to see how few words I can exchnage with anyone (save the catcher) during a ballgame.

Ace in CT