Umpire Interference

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by CoachJM

Hmmm,

In my extremely limited experiece umpiring, I have observed that the only times I dust the plate are:

1. At the beginning of each and every half inning, whether the plate is "dirty" or not.

2. When a manager or catcher requests time to talk to the pitcher (after I have granted it), again, whether the plate is dirty or not.

3. When the catcher or batter asks me to (I call "Time!" first), when the plate is dirty.

4. If the catcher gets "nicked" by a pitch and I feel he might need a moment to gather himself. I call "Time!" first (whether the catcher asks or not & whether the plate is "dirty" or not).

The rest of the time, I don't really seem to care whether the plate is dirty or not. After reading nickrego's dreadful little tale, I don't plan to change my practice.

JM

# 5 - After a play at the plate. Sometimes we need a shovel though.



Tim.

[mcrowder]

#6 - when the catcher (and/or possibly the batter) needs a private "talking-to". You know what I mean.

# 5 - After a play at the plate. Sometimes we need a shovel though.

Been there, done that. Someone needs to invent a device that pops out of the ground, cleans the plate and then retracts. Happens a lot when you get a 15-14 game.

[njdevs00cup]

Originally Posted by BigGuy

# 5 - After a play at the plate. Sometimes we need a shovel though.

Been there, done that. Someone needs to invent a device that pops out of the ground, cleans the plate and then retracts. Happens a lot when you get a 15-14 game.

The insightful catcher (JV) I had the other day suggested that catchers carry a plate brush!