Ejection Fiasco - Need Comments

[SanDiegoSteve]

PAT THE REF,

As others have said, you took way too much from the coach. I don't need to rub that in any.

First, when you awarded the runner second base on the ball thrown out of play, you judged that the pitcher was on the rubber when he threw it. That, as the base umpire, is your area of focus, the feet. At least that is the way I was taught. Both umpires are to be aware of the entire pitcher, but the BU focuses more from the waist down, and the PU has from the waist up. You made the call, and your partner caved to the pressure from the coaches. He did this crap after the game too, which was inexcusable.

Secondly, you are under no obligation to discuss the ejection further with the coach, and the second he chased you down and touched your shoulder, you should have dumped him. You don't allow him to get physical at all. Once he got away with that, he knew he could go after you.

Anytime I hear the coaches yell "balk," I let them know in no uncertain terms that we (the umpires) will do all the calling of balks, and they are to refrain from using the term balk while the ball is in play. You need to shut that stuff down immediately. If the coaches are allowed to do this, they will eventually yell "balk" and cause a pitcher to balk, then you'll have to run them for yelling it, etc.

One last thing. I see where you said that you learned your lesson on not reporting ejections. I had to learn that lesson myself, as I decided to be nice and not report an ejection when begged by a coach. Of course, anyone at the game can mention this to your association president, then you're in big trouble. Our president warns everyone at the start of the season now, that if you eject someone, and you don't call it in to him, and write out the report, that you will be brought before the board, and likely suspended.

Remember that these people ejected themselves, and don't feel guilty for doing your job and enforcing the rules.

Now put this game behind you, and scratch/blackball that traitorous partner of yours.