Why I only do baseball, not adult softball

[tiger49]

I agree with you 100% greymule. I had a game last year that took off just like that. Everything fine until bottom of 6 when the batter swings and fouls off a pitch. Partner on the plate points down to me and asks "Did he foul that off?" (That in itself is a whole other post) however I confirmed that yes he did. A couple of pitches later the batter walks in which ball four gets by the catcher and to the backstop and the batter takes off and rounds first and heads for second. During this time F4 yells out "You guys are ****** brutal we had him out twice" but wait he is not done. He takes the throw at 2nd in which the BR beat out and was safe. F4 now while play has yet to stop immedianley after seeing the BR called safe fires the ball into DBT while yelling "This is ****** bull****" I was going to toss F4 after the intial comment but had to hightail it out the BR's path. Once action is stopped F4 is ejected and the BR awarded home on the throw into DBT.

Needless to say 2 more ejections soon followed and the police eventually called and throughout all of this the player manager did absolutely nothing, except pay our association a $750 bond for the hassle.

F4 ended up getting a 27 game suspension in which he still has 20 games to serve, as well he has to put up a $500 bond against any further ejection.

This was adult baseball with mainly ex-college players.

[soundedlikeastrike]

I do both baseball, and adult softball, adult baseball isn't offered in my area.

I'll just add that regardless of the gender or ages these things can happen.

Seems the problem really stems from the lack of rules knowledge, the better players, coaches and umpires don't see these things near as much.

The lower the level of players and coaches unfotunetly see the less experienced umpires, this is a viscious circle. Many an aspiring umpires get ruined at these lower levels. Seems IMO associations would recognize this and make assignments with this in mind, troubled league or area, send your best to help educate and tame.

[archangel]

I also officiate spring HS baseball, plus early summer ball, then switch to SP due to warm temperatures, before football/ basketball seasons.
Having played SP for 25 yrs, and umping same for 6, what I see is the big difference is several things: the BIG #1)adult players easily bruised ego's combined with 2)the areas leagues here, that use 1 official per game. Add to that 3)the usual older age of umps which means they dont move as well as they did before= players complaints about lack of hustle on base calls, and 4) the occasional ump who takes abuse and doesnt nip it right away- lets players think they can do that and get away with it.
I cant tell you the # of times I showed for my 3-4 games (we are assigned to a certain diamond, then show up to see if its coed (oh no!) or mens) and was gladly asked to take the mens games due to the other umps problems with certain teams..
So, with the mentality of knowing the rules, believing that I've played more ball then 99% of them, loving what I do, plus getting paid to exercise---I anticipate throws/plays, hustle, make calls with authority, smile and have fun, and dont take any crap beyond the usual minor comments, and eject without 2nd thoughts.
What does that mean to me?- less complaints, no serious problems due to the "reputation", and I actually enjoy the games. Have I had those games that blow up?..yes, a couple, but then I've dealt with HS BB coaches that were irate also..goes with the profession territory, no?....

Originally Posted by soundedlikeastrike

The lower the level of players and coaches unfotunetly see the less experienced umpires, this is a viscious circle. Many an aspiring umpires get ruined at these lower levels. Seems IMO associations would recognize this and make assignments with this in mind, troubled league or area, send your best to help educate and tame.

Problem is, the best umps don't want these games! Period!!! It is usually pretty crappy baseball, and the complaining factor is SO high regardless of how good of a job you do!!!

I found that I can handle 18-30 year old's okay. 30-40 olds can kiss my butt! I won't umpire that age range! 40 and over is usually ok. They are usually too tired to play AND complain.