Quote:
Originally Posted by RPatrino
I'm sure you would agree, the goal is to get them on the field and get the game played, right?
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And I think we would
all agree. Well
almost all.
When it went in, and was emphasized so strongly at the meeting, I was amused. It seemed odd that so much emphasis was being placed on what the surface of the ball was decorated with. We can all tell a quality leather baseball from a knock-off piece of crap, and if it's even standard, we play a game with it. But not in this particular unit, which is demanding full compliance.
I always carry a bucket of near-new baseballs, because I throw a lot of batting practice throughout the year, and I like to use pearls because they're easy to see. I also usually have a case or two of new ones to rotate in when some of them get soiled. Well, I just ordered NFHS balls this time so that I can ensure that there always will be compliance and no problems or lame bullsh!t stories to put on my report.
It's not necessary to be a tight-@ssed, anal (the same thing), black & white, by-the-book fool or idiot to be in compliance with this curious rule no matter what, but instead just an umpire that quietly complies with the edicts set forth by the guy that assigns most of his high school and MSBL games.
EXAMPLE: I painted all the white and silver marks on my New Balance shoes with black nail polish to be in compliance with the same unit's all-black shoe edict. Five guys came to the playoff meeting with Reebok or New Balance base shoes with the white logos, and they were taken off the list of playoff umpires. I touch up my shoes, I crease my caps, I drive anywhere to take a game, I always accept the games I'm assigned, I never ask for anything ... and I
always comply with the NFHS edict on the baseballs.
It's simple to understand ... for
almost everyone.