How about you?

[Tim C]

WCB:

In an attempt to be part of the answer and not part of the problem I offer my view of your original post:

When I read your post I knew (contrary to your thoughts) that you were simply setting a situation that would lead to the end outcome. That is why I answered as I did . . . I respectfully request that you do not try to fill in what "I really meant".

Your situation must have rules for me to answer so here they are:

1) If I were in "A" with r1 then, for me, this could only be a Federation High School Playoff Game. That is the only "three man mechanic" games I work.

2) Since I work a rather "Deep A" with r1 I would have to first hear the entire conversation. I wouldn't "guess" what is being said or the motive behind the conversation.

3) So let's now all agree that the conversaion is EXACTLY as you portray it: "F3 is "encouraging r1 to run." IF I was interested enough to listen and decided that it wasn't in the spirit of FED sportsmanship rules I would simply step between the fielder and the runner, while touching the base (acting as if I am putting the base back into position) I would tell F3 to desist in no uncertain terms.

4) Since I am a veteran umpire I would say this to the level I was interested and to the level I thought important.

5) By injecting myself into the situation we are now in a position, and I hope you agree, that I am no longer worried about the "verbal obstruction" issue -- I am now directly involved so it elevates to an issue that if F3 says it again I have placed myself in a position that I must eject the perp.

This situation is FAR different than saying "Back!" by a middle infielder and should be handled differently.

Windy, I have plenty of resume fodder to convince even the most anal that I have a strong understanding of the letter and the intent of National Federation Rules . . . if pressed I would freely admit that I probably understand Fedlandia better than you after working it for 37 years and studying the processes they use.

Oh BTW, I would definitely call a guy out at the dish on an over the fence homerun if I saw him miss the plate by ANY measurement.

I notice that EVERY MLB umpire closely monitors all runners and the batter during a walk off home run and I do the same.

AND I believe in umpire's getting their own calls and living with them and an elimination of "group hug" umpiring. Let's get a little personal responsibility back into officiating.

Let's make umpiring a little less coach friendly and little more involved in getting our own calls and living with the outcome.

Thanks for reading,

Tee