Clearing equipment at the plate..

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Right, I think we've got it now: WWTB says clearing the bat ahead of a play at the plate is unnecessary, distracting, and wrong, whereas pro instruction is to clear the bat when there's the need, ability, and possibility to do so.

That should do it.

When exactly did you go to pro school? How many years were you assigned to MiLB? It always amazes me how many people 'know' what is taught at professional umpire school, but never actually had to impliment it as a professional. Having been to maybe a dozen MiLB games locally this past year (Kane, Schaumburg, Lightning), I can say that I've not witnesses one of the newbies picking up a bat. Maybe your experience is different and they pick up the catcher's mask too.

Once again...put your money where your mouth is...what happens if you don't act like a bat boy? NOTHING On the contrary, too many things can go wrong if you handle the equipment.

So, mbyron - it's time to put up or shut up. Tell us all about your vast experience and what you would call when the batter slides into the bat and is tagged out. Methinks that umpires who know how to handles coaches and situations aren't afraid of the coach who demands that I move the bat so his kid can slide or not trip on it. Methinks you may need to move the bat.

[UmpJM]

WWTB,

As a Coach, I certainly don't "expect" the umpire to clear the plate area of any loose equipment (bat, catcher's mask, etc.). And the notion of COMPLAINING to the umpire for his failure to do so strikes me as beyond ludicrous.

However, I have, from time to time, seen umpires clear the bat from the immediate vicinity of the plate in a way that did not distract them from their real duties. It generally leaves me with a favorable impression of the umpire.

JMO.

JM

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Okay, Coach...

From what I've gathered, you are involved mainly with youth travel leagues and such. If I'm mistaken, it wouldn't be the first - I'm working from memory here. Many instructional league (travel is still considered instructional) umpires find it necessary to insert themselves into the game and ingratiate themselves with participants and fans. We've all seen examples of shaking hands with the gang after a game, helping to carry the equipment to and fro, gabbing at the backstop, explaining calls to anyone who would listen, etc. All of these things typically endear umpires to certain coaches but make fellow umpires plotz (hey, a North Shore term!).

I'm glad to see that you don't expect an umpire to remove playing equipment from live (or even dead ball) action. On a board that is so prone to whip out the umpire manual du jour, no one can find the instruction or advice for doing this particular mechanic. When these books illustrate everything from dusting the plate to breaking up a pitching conference, no one can point to the recommendation for clearing playing equipment. Hmmm?

Umpires will continue to do things that they think are appropriate even though they should know better. We've seen examples of these learned responses in the LL playoffs. If you want to scream 'Foul Ball' for every foul, go ahead. If you want to bring your left hand up to your right elbow when snapping an 'Out' call, go ahead. If you still feel compelled to do the bat boy or on deck batter's jobs, go ahead. The world needs its Smittys, so that places like this board can chuckle at them.