Quote:
Originally posted by tiger49
Don't worry Bainer, stupid things happen in Ontario.
I once saw a Level 4 or an experianced level 3 umpire in Burlington eject a pitcher in the old Midget age group (16 & 17) for throwing a "Shine Ball" during a tournament. The pitcher rubbed the ball on his uniform pants to get some mud off the ball(rained early in the day), and the umpire only had a supply of 3 balls for the game and all balls were more or less in teh same shape.
What amazes me about alot of umpires is how well they can read the rule book, but very few understand what they read.
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Bob later on quotes the
RULE. When I first read this post I knew the pitcher's action of rubbing the ball on his uniform was illegal but I wasn't too concerned about WHAT rule it is because I have never nor will I ever call this violation. The only time I might ever see myself thinking about it is if the opposing coach (who has to be an umpire!) asks. I'll probably say we haven't called that one since 1923 (or thereabouts). I won't however let the pitcher rub the ball in the dirt. I use the old
Don't Do That! method of umpiring.
I assume Bainer knew the rule. I think I know what he means when he says
...few understand what they read - it's about experience and remembering knowing the rules does not require everyone going 5mph over the speed limit requires us issuing a ticket. Jim/NYC