Quote:
Originally Posted by wadeintothem
Next step, take some time and learn officiating and the rules; you do not know them. Walking out and pretending to call balls and strikes is not enough; you are going to keep getting into trouble. IMO, They smell blood in the water because they know you dont know what you are doing and it is helping instigate trouble.
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This is very blunt, almost to the point of insult. There is no evidence that he does not know the rules (any less than any rookie ump would). I think he handled the situation very well. He made his calls with conviction and pulled the trigger on ejection when it was deserved. I find the terms Interference and Obstruction very ambiguous. What finally helped me is remembering 'interference is what A-Rod did when he yelled at the Blue Jays' IF this year'. I told myself that on the field sometimes, so I knew what I would be calling.
The one suggestion that I have to the OP is not to respond to players' comments on calls. When you told him "it was _that_ close", it does nothing but prolong the exchange. It is more professional to let it go and move on, even in a friendly league. Also, you must report this incident. The pitcher is a lunatic and some time away from the game will help him to appreciate the privilege of playing on your diamond.