[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SC Ump

Coach says, I've got #27 pinch hitting for for #3 , but #3 will re-enter on defense. I think we all respond with something like, "The rules state you can't project a sub, so you have to let me know when #3 re-enters."

However, when the coach who will next be on offense comes to you and says, "I've got #27 for #3 as the second batter this inning and #28 for #4 as the third batter," how many of you accept this. For those of you that do accept this, have you ever had a coach come back to you and say, "Nevermind, I don't want to put #28 in" and if so what do you do?

I asked because I do not accept this type of projected sub from the offensive coach in between innings; I have them give the sub as each new batter enters. I did allow this above situation recently, but only because it was a pre-season, scrimmage, "mercy rule" game. The coach started a conversation, "Can you believe I had an umpire last year that made me tell him as each substitute entered?" I responded to him that this is the rule and I would require the same if it were a 'real' game instead of a scrimmage.

When the other coach then did the same in the next half inning, I took the changes but mentioned the rule to him. His response was the stereotypical, "I've never heard of that and have been doing it for ____ years."

I'm just trying to make sure I'm doing consistently with most... or at least with those on this board who are doing the extra to be good officials. Am I the only one that requires offensive batters, including the first three, to report as they enter?

As an umpire, you accept a change when it happens. If you choose to accept the coach's changes in advance, you are asking for trouble. Understand, when I say "advance", I mean as you noted in your first paragraph when it is two changes involving the same player.

Otherwise, the coach can change his/her lineup whenever they please. But once you accept the change, it is a done deal. If the coach changes their mind, tough.