Calling Balls

[Warren Willson]

Originally posted by jicecone
There is only ONE reason this question comes up. To me it is just the same as disputing Balls and Strikes. Unacceptable.

No disrespect intended but I think there ARE genuine reasons for CATCHERS asking the question IN THE FIRST INNING. I generally don't have to answer managers - the catcher will regularly do it for me, once I've made it clear to him where my zone is going to be.

If the battery haven't worked with you before then they're entitled to know where YOU think the zone starts and finishes. That is particularly important if you tend to give a good edge or if you're still settling into your high zone for the day.

I'm happy for a professional catcher to ask about pitches on the margins for maybe the first or second batter, but no more. Anything after that is exactly what you said - a way to dispute the call.

As for the rest, I won't announce locations on pitches. It's just asking for a debate. Officiating is not a democratic process. My vote is the only one that counts.

Cheers