Getting attacked on the field. Do you have any stories?

[Gre144]

I was just wondering if any of you have been attacked on the field. If not have you heard of or witnessed an umpire being attacked? Has an umpire ever been killed in the line of duty? (I have never runner into such situations but I am sure they happen.) Finally, is there anything that umpires who get attacked are doing to instigate a volatile response from coaches, players or fans? Is there anything we can do or not do to make sure an attack doesn't occur?
Thanks,

Greg

I've never been attacked while umpiring but I have been threatened several times. The best thing to do to avoid this kind of thing is try and take care of situations brfore they escalate. Many inexperienced umps are afraid to toss players and coaches and things can quickly get out of hand. I'm not saying to be throw happy by if things are getting out of control get rid of the problem.
I have had fights among players which can be ugly. Most reconmend not to get into these and allow the managers stop it. I agree depending on the age. I had a fight between 14 yr olds in a soccer match a couple of years ago and was threatened with arrrest by the mother for breaking it up. I grabbed the aggresser around the chest from behind and pulled him out of it and she felt I choked him. I have worked security in many venues including concerts, NFL football and World Cup soccer and I know how to break up fights without hurting the compatants and certainly don't have to choke a 14 yr old to do it.

[Bfair]

I was working with a Big Dog umpire of a neighboring chapter for the first time. Game was a playoff for Connie Mack. Pard had done first dish and done great. No problems in 2nd game until top of 7th (last inning) with 1 out in a 2-1 game. He makes relatively quick call on routine out at first. Ball drops to ground and he calls it lost on the exchange---out stands. (I will state now that, IMO, the player never had control nor did he ever put his throwing hand near his glove. It appeared as quick timing and just an unwillingness to correct the call. That doesn't mean he wasn't right in his judgement, just many saw it differently).

Player and coach argue vehemently, while I am keeping entire bench from coming on the field. Crowd is going berserk.

BR leaves after ejection with 1B coach still going bonkers and begging for an appeal. I am still at dugout keeping players from overflowing onto the field. Coach gets ejected and starts yelling how hard they worked to get there and how this ump ended their season with one hor$e$hit call. Coach says," I oughta just take you out to the parking lot and kick your a$$ !!!!

To my amazement, pard starts yelling back, "Let's go, cmon...let's go!!!" and is seriously ready to head to the lot as he takes a few steps that way prompting the coach to follow. Others, including myself, quickly came in to stop things at that point. Coach is escorted from the facility and we finished top of 7th with home team ultimately winning the game after the next out.

I was quite alarmed at this Big Dog in his provoking of the physical violence threatened by the coach. I had never seen such behavior from an official before or after that incident. I would have expected better control by him in handling the situation and the threat. Never worked with that ump again, and I can't say I am sorry. He is still a Big Dog in neighboring chapter.

Freix

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Gre144

I was just wondering if any of you have been attacked on the field. If not have you heard of or witnessed an umpire being attacked? Has an umpire ever been killed in the line of duty? (I have never runner into such situations but I am sure they happen.) Finally, is there anything that umpires who get attacked are doing to instigate a volatile response from coaches, players or fans? Is there anything we can do or not do to make sure an attack doesn't occur?
Thanks,

Greg, so far I haven't been attacked, but had some problems in the collegiate Wood Bat League and some of the men's leagues.

I think HS has cleaned up it's act and most of the problems we hear about occur in summer ball.

IMO there's no excuse for violence in a baseball Game PERIOD no matter how bad the umpiring. It's a Game and should be treated as such. Amateur Leagues are starting to feel the effects as there are not enough umpires to go around.

The Problem - Summer Leagues have to get tough and start administering harsher penalties for offenders. We are not professional umpires and should not have to face redicule because someone doesn't like our call.

As I mentioned in other threads, I will start deleting my schedule of those leagues I do not enjoy and have been giving me problems. The extra FEE isn't worth it.

Another problem is umpires themselves. One group does their job and tosses and the other group turns a cheek Umpires have to be consistent in dealing with the nonsense.

Pete Booth

[BJ Moose]

Oh Brother Steve.. how eerily similar to the

LEGEND of the CALL of THE MOOSE

way back when.

I wonder.... if this had been a Medium Dog... and the coach had been a graduate of the Antler School of Umpire-Coach Arguing, and the Medium Dog had solicited your input...

...ah, never mind.. God forbid [name removed] should awaken.


[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bfair
st. Ball drops to ground and he calls it lost on the exchange---out stands. (I will state now that, IMO, the player never had control nor did he ever put his throwing hand near his glove. It appeared as quick timing and just an unwillingness to correct the call

[Bfair]

Such thoughts, Moose !!!!!!!!!

We wouldn't have wanted to prevent the ejections and the frolic that later occurred. Hell, that's baseball !!

Freix

[mick]

Originally posted by Bfair

I was quite alarmed at this Big Dog in his provoking of the physical violence threatened by the coach. I had never seen such behavior from an official before or after that incident. I would have expected better control by him in handling the situation and the threat. Never worked with that ump again, and I can't say I am sorry. He is still a Big Dog in neighboring chapter.

Freix

Freix,
Historically, in my observations, the ump that yells the loudest is the ump that has just kicked one.
mick