[DBull]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I have never "cleaned off the rubber" nor set foot on the dirt circle of a mound (as an umpire), nor will I ever do so. Nor will I ever address F1 directly.

In certain circumstances I might send F2 out to talk to him, but in the situation under discussion, I'll tell the coach who's asking about it, "he's OK."

I'll also add this: good pitching is perhaps the single most important factor that makes games go smoothly. Since pitching depends so much on the psyche of F1, I generally try to support him whenever possible.

I call my share of balks and other obvious violations, and I won't let him show me up twice (first time, if it's not totally heinous, I usually send F2 out to tell him I want to keep him in the game). But I aim to keep the rhythm and flow between F1 and F2 good for the sake of the game.

IMO, the best policy is: stay away from F1.

Amen.. I am not a rubber janitor.. Wow