Catcher Bailing Out

[David B]

Originally Posted by Jim Porter

I thought the following might make for some interesting discussion. It's an old incident report from an umpire in the association where I was once vice president. The names have been redacted to protect the innocent -- or guilty. What do y'all think?

I also want it to be known that I am no wimp. I work in all levels of baseball where I have taken shots from upwards of 85mph fastballs. I’ve been an umpire for 5 years. I know that getting hit by the ball comes with the territory. Requiring the removal of the catcher is not something I took lightly. It is only something I did because the catcher was too inexperienced for that level, after I had taken far too many preventable shots, and after truly feeling that my safety was in jeopardy. The time to teach a catcher how to catch is during practice, when no umpire is standing behind him. No umpire should be required to be a human backstop.

I ask that you consider disciplinary action against Mr. ******* so incidents of this nature are not repeated in the future. Refusing to immediately leave the facility when ejected, as well as approaching me after the game in the parking lot, are two serious violations that require your attention."

My first reaction is that you got to be kidding, but I know that you are not.

I've made the coach replace a catcher before in HS summer league game for the same reason. It was either change the catcher or I was going to call from behind F1.

But to go as far as ejection etc., that's simply unbelievable to me.

Thanks
David

[DG]

Interesting situation and I imagine most of us have experienced. If I have a catcher who can't catch or block pitches I adjust my normal positioning to protect myself. I don't mind getting hit in the shin guards or chest protector or mask even but don't like getting hit in the arms, thighs, stomach or other exposed body parts.

So, given this situation I adjust to an unnatural position and call the game.

Side subject, but any manager who mentions money they pay to me to work the game is tossed. Mention money - gone. Add it to the list, personal, profane, prolonged, or money.

[charliej47]

I have had to stand behind F1 on several occasions where the manager could not find anyone who could not be a catcher.

[ozzy6900]

Very interesting report. My question, Jim, is did this umpire still get assigned games with the "big boys" or was he sent to do "kiddie ball" with a raft?

[Jim Porter]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

What does taking an 85 mph fastball have to do with his ejection report?

I thought it made it more entertaining.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by Jim Porter

I thought it made it more entertaining.

Jim,

I found it very entertaining with or without the 85mph. comment.

Hmmmm.....9.01(c) to remove a catcher...........priceless.


Tim.