Thoughts on this video???

[RPatrino]

You never make physical contact with players...ever. Seperating players is the coach's job, not mine. I do not want to become part of the brawl. In this case, what if the player took exception to the umpire grabbing him and pushing him around and fought back?

[nickrego]

I think the umpire did the morally correct thing, and what I would want to see him do if it were my kid (catcher).

Here in California, birthplace of the frivolous lawsuit, I have seen coaches have legal action taken against them for just grabbing a player's jersey while talking to them.

So out here, it's hands off, and take down numbers. This is also our Associations official instructions and policy.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by nickrego

Here in California, birthplace of the frivolous lawsuit, I have seen coaches have legal action taken against them for just grabbing a player's jersey while talking to them.

I pine for the days where the coach would just kick your a$$, the VP could give you "licks" with a thick board with holes drilled in it, and teachers weren't deathly afraid of the students. Days when children didn't settle their arguments with a gun or a knife, but just said "meet me after school" and duked it out like a man. Where things like what happened in Blacksburg didn't happen. This world is much worse for its political correctness.

I need a "Time Out."

[LMan]

well, heck, Steve, you're the guy who wants to fight a partner who shows up in jeans

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by LMan

well, heck, Steve, you're the guy who wants to fight a partner who shows up in jeans

But I would fight with my fists, at least!

Sorry for being old school. I just don't get Gen X or Y. Like my father didn't like the long-haired hippies I used to run with as a kid, or the "noise" that I called music. It must be a generational thing.

[RPatrino]

Any ideas where this is from??

Never Make Contact. It's inappropriate in any argument to make contact with a player or coach. That goes for breaking up fights or arguments among opponents too. Get in between, but don't push or shove players.

[lawump]

Just so we're clear: My rule is: never touch participants in an amateur game (as I said above: even in high school). Umpires in those games (including me) have too much to loose (house, money, day job etc.).

Professional baseball is a whole other animal. On the professional level I would touch a player (i.e. hold him back), and I have, if I thought it could prevent a fight. However, if I tried to hold a player back and then realized it was useless...I would let him go. Summer College leagues is kind of half pro/half college. (They have college players, but pro organizations often run or help fund them).

I don't know what MLB's view is of this issue today. However, I will state that Eric Gregg in his autobiography actually stated that he received a pat on the back from the National League league office for trying to physically break up a fight between (I think) Ray Knight and somebody (in the 1980's).

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

You never make physical contact with players...ever. Seperating players is the coach's job, not mine. I do not want to become part of the brawl. In this case, what if the player took exception to the umpire grabbing him and pushing him around and fought back?

I disagree with you on this. It would depend on the level of ball as well. At the college level this is much more acceptable than at the HS level. I think the umpire handled this particular situation almost perfectly. Now if the players starting throwing blows, then I would agree, get out of the way and let them have at it.

Peace

[lawump]

I would not encourage his actions in a youth (even high school) game.

However, he handled it beautifully for a professional/college summer league game. I myself have grabbed a professional player before...and successfully prevented a brawl.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by lawump

I would not encourage his actions in a youth (even high school) game.

However, he handled it beautifully for a professional/college summer league game. I myself have grabbed a professional player before...and successfully prevented a brawl.

I'm from the old school. I have been taught not to touch players, especially in this situation.

I worked a college game in northern California years back in which a would-be participant, while being held back by my partner, got sucker punched by an opponent.

[RPatrino]

Rut, Lawump

I respect your position. The 'hands off' policy must be a California thing!! I have been in situations where I had to position myself between players to prevent an altercation from occuring. After a HBP, if the batter seems a bit incensed, I will try to stay between the F1 and BR.

However, if the BR or F1 want to go around me and have at it, I will not reach out and grab them. I have a day job that pays the bills, and I can't earn my keep if i'm in the hospital or in court trying to defend my actions.

[LMan]

I'm not there to prevent fights. I'm there to accurately witness/record who participated. Were this my profession, maybe that's different, but IMO any amateur/hobby umpire who risks life and limb to stop a scuffle/brawl with completely unpredictable consequences is nuts. Personal injury and potential liability are only two of the possible outcomes.