Giving a Coach Options

[Carl Childress]

Someone wrote that he wouldn't explain an option to a coach in a game using the OBR.

I suppose in Pony division game of Pony League, Inc., with volunteer coaches, that umpire would simply pretend he was in a game with professional players.

I repeat an earlier statement:

Can anyone give me one good reason why he should not explain the catcher's interference option to an amateur coach?

The "option" is not a secret, but my mailman (who coaches my grandson's team) might not know about it.

We're not professional umpires. Harry and Jim notwithstanding, we're no longer their students after we fail to get a contract. We must modify our behavior to suit the conditions of our games.

(a) You send the runner back and the batter to first.

(b) The offensive coach comes out and talks.

(c) He leaves.

(d) You bring the runner back to the plate and remove the batter from first.

Can you imagine the furor on the field? In the stands?

One note rings true: I am happy to read that those who want to adopt the professional practice admit they haven't had to enforce the rule where an option was available. I hope they modify their opinions before they ever have to do it.

Lah, me (as I am wont to say).