My 1st Ejection

[UmpJM]

Gentlemen,

On Saturday, while working my 68th game of the season, I had my first ejection. Below is the text of the ejection report I sent to the league.

(Addressed to the League President),

My name is John Muller and I umpired the xxx game earlier today between (Home Team) and (Visiting Team).

During the bottom of the 5th inning, I ejected the (Visitor) head coach following a controversial play.

With one out and the bases loaded, the (Home Team) batter hit a fly ball to RCF that the (Visitor) F8 and F9 both went after. The (Visitor) F8 got his glove on the ball and then had a near immediate and rather violent collision with the F9. I was unable to see the ball after the collision so I ran out towards RF to get an angle. When my angle of vision had cleared the fielder lying on the ground, I saw the ball lying on the ground and the fielder reaching to pick it up with his bare hand. I immediately ruled "NO CATCH, NO CATCH!" while signalling SAFE.

After action had relaxed, I called time, allowed the coaches to tend the injured player and had a discussion with the (Visitor) head coach. I let him have his say and then asked him if he'd like to know what I saw. I explained what I had seen and told him that my ruling was "No Catch" per OBR Rule 2.0 Catch, because, in my judgement the fielder's release of the ball was neither voluntary nor intentional.

At this point, the coach started making derogatory comments about my competency as an umpire. I told him, "That's enough, Coach". He persisted, and I ejected him.

After he left the immediate premises, the game resumed and was completed without further incident.

If you have any questions for me regarding this incident, you may feel free to contact me at this e-mail or on my cell phone at xxx-xxx-xxxx.

Sincerely,

John Muller

Comments or critique?

JM