Ejection Mechanic...

[TussAgee11]

Opening day this year in St. Louis got me thinking. I saw the person who threw the opening pitch missed badly, and the ball rolled towards the umpires. One of the umps jokingly pointed and tossed whoever the celebrity was.

He pointed at the guy, sort of started his right hand by his hip, and pulled it up and across his body with one finger.

What is the proper mechanic for ejection? How does this limit more confrentation with the ejectee? I'd imagine that you should turn away before you give it...

Thoughts?

[johnnyg08]

There's no need to be the center of attention with an ejection. Make your point known and move on...there have been times where I've simply said "12, you're done playing today..." or "coach, 12 is done for the day, who is replacing him?" That's the short version...there's other stuff in there...but just do what you have to do to make it known that the player or coach has been ejected...if you toss a player, make sure the coach knows. Remember in FED...you can restrict to the dugout...

I sort of agree that you donj't have to make a big spectacal of an ejection. Any ol' run of the mill point that is about 45 degrees upward should do.

Just don't say "Boom"! I think that is ridiculous!

[lawump]

I think an ejection should be done in a manner that is professional...does not make you (the umpire) the center of attention...but does allow everyone to know that somebody has been ejected. This is a mechanic that needs to be seen because it is letting everyone know that you are in charge of the game AND that you are getting control of the game back from somone who is attempting to rest that control away from you.

I use virtually the same mechanic as the umpire in this Youtube video did:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsEh_eFKz2U

When viewing this video, however, please note that after the ejection (when the ejected pitching coach goes ballistic) it appears that the umpire starts yelling right back at the coach and they go at it face-to-face. I absolutely am NOT suggesting that you do that. I am suggesting however, that the umpire's initial ejection mechanic is one you can copy. I use it on the high school and college levels.

As for what I say: while giving the mechanic I've been to known to say, "good-bye" or "that's it, you're done". Usually, I like "good-bye"...they all know what it means.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by rei

Just don't say "Boom"! I think that is ridiculous!

Tell that to Joe Burleson.

[GarthB]

There are different ways to eject someone, just as there are different reasons for one to be ejected. I believe in matching the ejection to the offense. I normally use a "small finger" ejction, however, I have used the big hook when it was warranted.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Opening day this year in St. Louis got me thinking. I saw the person who threw the opening pitch missed badly, and the ball rolled towards the umpires. One of the umps jokingly pointed and tossed whoever the celebrity was.

That celebrity was the Mayor of St. Louis, and it had to have been the worst ceremonial "first pitch" in MLB history. Worthy of a big "heave-ho."

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by rei

I sort of agree that you donj't have to make a big spectacal of an ejection. Any ol' run of the mill point that is about 45 degrees upward should do. SNIPED

I agree but to some of the other posts let me say that when you eject someone, you are the center of attention. In most cases, the game has paused and you are usually with or near the offender. All eyes are on you and your "victim". So stop that "don't want to be the center of attention" crap!

[tjones1]

I use the Frank Drebin approach. I'll eject anyone, including the other umpires.

I use the point and the hook shot toss. Seems to work for me.

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

That celebrity was the Mayor of St. Louis, and it had to have been the worst ceremonial "first pitch" in MLB history. Worthy of a big "heave-ho."

I believe that was the Cincinnati Mayor who made this throw. Opening Night in St. Louis included 3 opening pitches from the last three pitchers who recorded the last out in their World Series.

[BretMan]

Yes, it was Cincinnati.

In case you haven't seen this sorry excuse for a ceremonial pitch, here's the video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx6zsub-neU

[eyezen]

The reaction from Eric Davis is priceless...

I think our friends about 255 miles west on I-70 should sign him up.