[justcallmeblue]

I want to that whoever on this board gave me this great idea. . .I used it today - PERFECT!! Playoff Game 5th - 6th grade. . .i am behind the plate, 90+ degrees and high humidity!!

So the away team coaches have been chirping from the dugout on 3rd. . . .Complaining about my calls. And what they were complaining about was absurd as the pitches they wanted strikes were shoulder high or so outside, Ray Charles coulda made a BALL call.

At the bottom of the 4th, I told my partner to support me in what I was bound to do - he agreed. . .SO, Top of the 5th, after several more chirping incendents and NOW FROM THE PARENTS IN THE STANDS. . . I stepped out from behind the plate. . .stood next to the coach 1/2 up the 3B line (he was behind the fence), and told the pitcher to pitch. . .The ball was fouled off. I looked at the away team coaches and said "Man that looked high, but was it inside or outside?" "You guys have a such great view from here, I figured the call would be easy" and proceeded to make my way back to the plate.

Needless to say one chimed in and say "Very professional Blue..." and in turn I replied. . . "Now you can see why I set up behind the catcher, and if you question me again, someone is getting tossed."

I know I should have warned them earlier, but what profound statement with that action. THANK YOU WHOEVER!! Nary a word from the bench after that. (BTW I had the same issues with this team the week prior re strikes/balls - and from the 3B coach 60 ft away!!! I didnt realize it was the same team until the game ended)

My partner just nodded to me. . .and 2 of the parents of the HOME team came up to me on my way to the car saying complimenting me on the very odd way of making a statement on how not to question the ump.

one more piece to the story, I was accused of throwing the pitcher off her game. . .funny, but she K'd the next 2 of 4 after that. . . .I am just wondering when coaches like this will realize THAT THEIR KIDS HEAR WHAT THEY SAY and NO DOUBT, GET DISTRACTED BY THEIR VERY OWN COACHS!!!