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I recently read with interest the long post/threads dealing with the size of the strike zone. This is not in the same vein. I am interested in knowing whether any of you are experiencing what I am; a blatent questioning of the zone by pitchers, catchers and batters at all age levels.
Lets say for the sake of argument that I am Mr. Consistent. Whatever age level I'm doing (anywhere from 9-10 to womens fastpitch) the zone is the same 1st pitch to last. Here is a short list of player reactions to various calls over the last couple of weeks.
a. Called strike. Batter turns around and calmly says "that was high blue".
b. Called ball. Belt high. Barely inside, but inside. Pitcher looks in and says "can I ask where that one was?"
c. Called ball. Low. Catcher, without looking around, says loudly "oh my God!"
d. Called strike. Coach yells at batter " you might as well swing. He's going to call a strike anyway.
Etc., etc., etc. No rhyme or reason. No bad pattern on my part( remember, I'm Mr. Consistent for this argument.) No coach or player tossed at this point. Each incident was handled with a warning and no further complaints. But I'm starting to see this almost every night. I have no problems with ugly faces, exasperated looks, hands thrown in the air. It's the constant verbal quipping that bugs me.
Am I too sensitive? Am I getting old? Does anyone else sense a change in what players think they're allowed to say?
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