Overruled balk call

[Rcichon]

You'd better go to the E.R. and get checked for bus tracks

I agree with a more private or quiet conference with your 'big dog'. Advise him that you had a better view of the sitch and that the next time he overrules you like this that he will do the remainder of the game alone.

Then keep ratcheting up the chain until you get someone impartial to listen but be warned: Realize that the 'old boy network' may be in place here and that your actions while honest may constrict further assignments.

Which may not be a bad thing anyway.

And yep, he balked.

[bisonpitcher]

Had this exact thing happen in a HS game a couple of weeks ago. The pitcher stepped back, but did not clear the rubber, and faked. I balked him and the Def. HC came out of the dugout and starts yelling "He stepped off". I motioned for him to come talk to me and told him that he didnt clear the rubber. He says, "come on, he tried to step back, give us a break". I just told him that the rules dont define a legal pick as "trying" to disengage the rubber if you want to fake to first. He kind of looked at me and said, "OK blue, thanks for the explanation." Didnt hear a peep the rest of the game.

[David B]

Originally Posted by bisonpitcher

Had this exact thing happen in a HS game a couple of weeks ago. The pitcher stepped back, but did not clear the rubber, and faked. I balked him and the Def. HC came out of the dugout and starts yelling "He stepped off". I motioned for him to come talk to me and told him that he didnt clear the rubber. He says, "come on, he tried to step back, give us a break". I just told him that the rules dont define a legal pick as "trying" to disengage the rubber if you want to fake to first. He kind of looked at me and said, "OK blue, thanks for the explanation." Didnt hear a peep the rest of the game.

That's the best way to diffuse a coach, "the rules say ... and the pitcher did ..."

Since most coaches simply don't know most of the rules, it serves two purposes - education and now he knows that you know the rules.

Thanks
David