Making sure this rat gets things right

[akalsey]

I think it's great advice. I have a few other suggestions, too.

After an inning or two, make sure you let the ump know what you think of his strike zone. Since we're all always looking to improve, we find that sort of feedback invaluable.

It gets hot behind the plate and I always welcome the chance to relax a bit. So make sure your players take their time between innings. Maybe even have the catcher "lose" a shin guard around the 5th for a few minutes. This will let me take a much needed breather.

If you think my partner's an idiot, come tell me between innings. I've probably been thinking the same thing and this way we can share some laughs about that oaf on the bases.

[Carbide Keyman]

Originally Posted by akalsey

I think it's great advice. I have a few other suggestions, too.

After an inning or two, make sure you let the ump know what you think of his strike zone. Since we're all always looking to improve, we find that sort of feedback invaluable.

It gets hot behind the plate and I always welcome the chance to relax a bit. So make sure your players take their time between innings. Maybe even have the catcher "lose" a shin guard around the 5th for a few minutes. This will let me take a much needed breather.

If you think my partner's an idiot, come tell me between innings. I've probably been thinking the same thing and this way we can share some laughs about that oaf on the bases.

I love the smell of sarcasm in the spring!


Doug

[mcrowder]

Nick, the advice that a coach should call time and approach the umpire in a judgement call is horrible. If a coach thinks an umpire missed a pulled foot or swipe tag, that's one thing... but simply coming out to argue (even nicely) a pure judgement call does nothing but antagonize the umpire, and will get you tossed by some of the old smittys out there. You CAN'T argue judgement calls. Period. This isn't MLB.

[ctblu40]

If a coach approaches me about a call my partner makes I simply tell him, "You're talking to the wrong guy. _____(insert partners name) is approachable, go talk to him."

Also, IMO, I don't want a coach pulling out his rulebook on the field and showing me a rule. As an umpire, it is my job to know the rules. If he is adament that there is an interpretation problem, I get with my partner and the umpires discuss it ALONE. No coach is giving me a rules seminar on the field. But you must know the rules...

[TussAgee11]

Another thing to do when you are talking with an umpire. Don't point at things. Don't speak loudly. The conversation is between me and you. The spectators shouldn't have a clue what is being said. If you start pointing at bases, using gestures with your hands, and its showing me up... wham.

Talk calmly about what you saw. Don't be adament about it. And don't ever point a finger at me, unless you want to get home early for dinner.

[BigUmp56]

I would suggest you obtain a firm understanding of the application of rule 11.05(g).


Tim.

[BlueLawyer]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

Nick, the advice that a coach should call time and approach the umpire in a judgement call is horrible. If a coach thinks an umpire missed a pulled foot or swipe tag, that's one thing... but simply coming out to argue (even nicely) a pure judgement call does nothing but antagonize the umpire, and will get you tossed by some of the old smittys out there. You CAN'T argue judgement calls. Period. This isn't MLB.

I have been trained to allow a coach to call time and approach me, on virtually any subject, as long as he does it respectfully. The book talks about leaving your position to argue balls and strikes is an instant ticket home. Other than that, asking me to explain why I called a kid safe is not going to get you the heave-ho from me. Asking me why I called the kid safe, then after hearing that the tag was high and the kid's foot got the bag before the tag, THEN telling me my judgment sucks- different story.

I respectfully disagree with mrcrowder. There is an element of judgment to almost every call in baseball. Like I said, I'm not changing my judgment call. But you may have a legit gripe, and I should not be such a reda$$ that I can't listen to you. My opinion.

Strikes and outs!