Quote:
Originally posted by busher63
One of my fellow umpires had this situation last week and was unsure of the best way to diffuse things before someone got hurt. Open Men, ASA Class B level, after some verbal exchanges, batters from both teams start hitting the ball directly at the pitcher. The plate umpire theatened to call the next batter out who hit one up the middle. Both teams complained that the umpire could not tell them where to hit the ball and that they could not control where the ball went when it was hit. I don't by the last arguement, as 99% of the players at that level, that I have seen, can control the direction of the ball 99% of the time. Isn't there some rule somewhere that protects the pitcher in the upper divisions? I am real curious as I have the misfortune of calling these same two teams on Wednesday.
Thanks
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This is simple. Your fellow umpire should have kept his mouth shut with one exception.
When the verbal exchanges began, he should have called both managers to the field and talked to them alone. He should have informed them that they are to control the players and make sure they keep their mouths shut. Any further comments to or about the opponent or umpire and rule 10.9 will rear it's ugly head. Also, remind the managers that since it is their responsibility to control the players and if they fail to do that, there is no reason for them to remain in the dugout.
If they cannot figure it out, the umpire may get to go home early.