[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by Little Jimmy
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".

For a midget, but you are not a midget

b. Called ball. Belt high. Barely inside, but inside. Pitcher looks in and says "can I ask where that one was?"

Sure, but I will not answer.

c. Called ball. Low. Catcher, without looking around, says loudly "oh my God!"

The way she is throwing, I can't blame you for praying, but I suggest you throw the ball back to the pitcher before I call a ball on the batter.

d. Called strike. Coach yells at batter " you might as well swing. He's going to call a strike anyway.

What a novel idea, actually trying to strike the ball with the bat! What will you think of next, coach?

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?

Of course, I'm being facetious. However, speaking ASA, if you are tired of hearing the ball/strike crap, simply walk over to the manager and invoke rule 4.9.B and remind him/her that the penalty for anything YOU consider arguing a ball or strike call will result in the ejection of that team member. Remind him/her that YOU consider any questioning or comments referring to a ball or strike call as arguing, in YOUR judgment.

You might also remind the manager/coach that since it is their responsibility to control his/her players and coaches (4.8.A), that if YOU consider him/her failing to achieve that goal, there is no need for YOU to allow them to remain in the game. Hence, if you cannot determine who is making questionable comments, the manager/coach isn't doing their job and just as well go sit in the parking lot.

In Delaware over the past 20 years, umpires have done everything they can to keep players and coaches in the game including ignoring extremely rude and disparaging remarks. The problem is that the coaches and players now believe anything is permitted. I routinely tell umpires to not allow themselves to be abused and to dump a participant if, in their judgment, they have gone too far in their actions. Do not offer ultimatums (i.e. "if I hear one more thing", "another word and your gone", etc.) or "warnings". If they cross the line, let them trip on it.

JMHO,