Catcher Bailing Out

[Striker991]

Had a coach that was a good friend of mine show up short of players; both catchers had HS games and had to miss this Babe Ruth game. So, he put his son in to catch. He did pretty well, except when the batter swung. He would turn his head and take a stab at the ball, but would miss on most occassions. I suffered through and we both finished the game intact; however, I told his dad after the game (jokingly) that if I ever saw his son even touch the catcher's gear that I would eject them both just on pure principle!

Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do. This umpire completely mis-managed this issue.

However, mis-managed or not, the coach's behaviour is totally unacceptable, especially the post-game conduct, and should be reported.

S

[Tim C]

I have never, EVER, considered ejecting a player or forcing a position move because of ability.

Never will.

It is part of game.

Regards,

[Striker991]

Originally Posted by Tim C

I have never, EVER, considered ejecting a player or forcing a position move because of ability.

Never will.

It is part of game.

Regards,

I wouldn't, either. Please note that I was joking with the kid's dad...all in fun! And, I did say that the umpire mis-managed this issue. And, by saying that you gotta do what you gotta do meant that sometimes you either take the beating or find a way to make it less painful.

Sheesh...

It's no fun if you have to explain it....

:-)

[RPatrino]

Agreed Tim. I had a varsity pitcher throwing to a freshman catcher (first time catching due to lack of bodies, kids were taking tests or something) who let almost everything get by, mostly hitting the backstop, some hitting me. As soon as the varsity catcher arrived the coach took the freshman out, with apologies to me.

The coach was satisfied letting all those balls go past the catcher?

[Tim C]

Striker, my bad I WAS NOT referring to your post. Just the general atmosphere of the thread.

Again, sorry.

Regards,

[TussAgee11]

If I'm in Jim's position. All those times he was getting hit, I would have just jumped with the catcher. This way, ball goes to the screen everytime. And automatic ball.

Most pitchers will realize why these are balls, and most coaches as well. If they come out between innings to mention anything tell them "Catcher is taking away strikes".

If he don't take him out, well, its gonna be a long day, but one where my forearms, hands, etc., and integrity, are in tact.

[Jim Porter]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

A JV game being played under OBR?

Probably played in Massachusetts.

Nope. Rhode Island. Same thing, though -- high school ball is played under modified OBR.

[Jim Porter]

Originally Posted by PeteBooth

Jim what was the final result of this umpires report and did the coach serve any suspension?

Pete Booth

The coach was suspended for one game. He was not hired by that school the following year -- he was a bit of a jerk.

The assignor avoided as best she could giving this umpire anything above freshman ball. He quit umpiring within two years.

[Jim Porter]

Originally Posted by Tim C

In our area ejection reports are limited to 25 words or less.

This report would have been returned un-read.

Regards,

We were lucky to get ANY ejection reports from our umpires, even though we required them.

[Mark Dexter]

Originally Posted by Jim Porter

The coach was suspended for one game. He was not hired by that school the following year -- he was a bit of a jerk.

The assignor avoided as best she could giving this umpire anything above freshman ball. He quit umpiring within two years.

Sounds like a good solution all-around.

[JFlores]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

Agreed Tim. I had a varsity pitcher throwing to a freshman catcher (first time catching due to lack of bodies, kids were taking tests or something) who let almost everything get by, mostly hitting the backstop, some hitting me. As soon as the varsity catcher arrived the coach took the freshman out, with apologies to me.

The coach was satisfied letting all those balls go past the catcher?

same thing happened here except i got hit in the side of the head, i guess it was part my fault in that maybe i turned my head(dont ask why)...I still have a knot and I have decided to use a HSM for the bigger guys(14+)

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Jim Porter

We were lucky to get ANY ejection reports from our umpires, even though we required them.

Not uncommon. You call ball, many times late into the night, you get home later, get up and go to work. An ejection report takes time.

[Shmuelg]

Personally, I do *not* like requiring the coach to change catchers.

Nor the threat to use the catcher's strap as a handle.

But I *do* like bailing with each passed ball, and calling it a ball. Appropriate "penalty".

And umping from behind F1 is a good idea as well.

Shmuel

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Shmuelg

Personally, I do *not* like requiring the coach to change catchers.

Nor the threat to use the catcher's strap as a handle.

But I *do* like bailing with each passed ball, and calling it a ball. Appropriate "penalty".

And umping from behind F1 is a good idea as well.

Shmuel

Had a partner who called one team's pitches from the backstop, the other from the plate after a "plunk the ump" attempt. He threw no one out but it was fun watching him say "Looks like a ball" after every pitch not swung at.

[umpduck11]

Originally Posted by fitump56

Not uncommon. You call ball, many times late into the night, you get home later, get up and go to work. An ejection report takes time.

If it's required, you make the time, not excuses.