Lessons Learned About Rats

[David M]

13 Year old Babe Ruth game on Sunday. Every time team A had a man on base the team B pitcher, who looked like he had little or no pitching experience, was balking (not coming to a stop) on every pitch. Team A had no problem stealing so I let the balks go and told the team B coach after the first inning. Fast forward to the 7th inning. The game is relatively close (3 or 4 runs) when I hear the coach of team B complaining about the team A pitcher not coming to a stop.

The lessons learned are that no one gets a break and that no good deed goes unpunished.

[UmpLarryJohnson]

AMEN! TRUER words have not been spoken.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by David M

13 Year old Babe Ruth game on Sunday. Every time team A had a man on base the team B pitcher, who looked like he had little or no pitching experience, was balking (not coming to a stop) on every pitch. Team A had no problem stealing so I let the balks go and told the team B coach after the first inning. Fast forward to the 7th inning. The game is relatively close (3 or 4 runs) when I hear the coach of team B complaining about the team A pitcher not coming to a stop.

The lessons learned are that no one gets a break and that no good deed goes unpunished.

And?

What do you think a coach's job is?

Coach B was gaining and advantage with your "no balk" call so he's happy.

He wants the balk call for his team - but at meaningful time - so he waits.

No different that letting a BOO go until it matters.

[RPatrino]

The most important thing I've learned is that a coach's job is to wring, squeeze, twist, cajole, beg, plead and whine for every concievable break and advantage for his team. You played right into that here.

Your JOB is to call the game. If the pitcher for team B can't pitch, let the coach take him out. He will learn to stop. Would you ignore obstruction on the big, dumb 1st baseman because he's clumsy?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

And?

What do you think a coach's job is?

Coach B was gaining and advantage with your "no balk" call so he's happy.

He wants the balk call for his team - but at meaningful time - so he waits.

No different that letting a BOO go until it matters.

I'm going to bookmark this thread because when someone wants to understand what it means to be a rat, I want to be able to find your answer quickly.

The proper way to handle the coach, though, is to ignore him.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

I'm going to bookmark this thread because when someone wants to understand what it means to be a rat, I want to be able to find your answer quickly.

The proper way to handle the coach, though, is to ignore him.

OK. Glad to help.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser

The proper way to handle the coach, though, is to ignore him.

Why is why I did not respond to Rich's post.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Why is why I did not respond to Rich's post.

Good one, good one.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by King Rat

And?

What do you think a coach's job is?

What it has become is to use every conceivable method possible including lying, cheating, threatening, begging and child abuse to obtain what he feels is an advantage for the team, through which he receives an inflated sense of self-worth and validation.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by GarthB

child abuse

Way over the top on that one Garth.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Way over the top on that one Garth.

I think it is beyond the pale, myself. But, unfortunately, many still turn a blind eye to it.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Way over the top on that one Garth.

I have witnessed subtle forms of child abuse by managers and coaches during youth ball games. It rears its ugly head sometimes when the supposed grown-ups misuse and abuse their authority.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I have witnessed subtle forms of child abuse by managers and coaches during youth ball games. It rears its ugly head sometimes when the supposed grown-ups misuse and abuse their authority.

In horror I watched a 14 year old starting pitcher begin to cry and grimmace in pain during the 6th inning of a slugfest. My guess is that he'd already thrown 100 pitches or more during the game. His rat for a coach asked for time and only came out as far as the foul line and began to taunt his own pitcher. The converstation went something like this.


"What's the matter, does your arm hurt?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to come out of the game?"

"Yes."

"Well it ain't happening, so suck it up and strike somebody out!"


There are no words to describe how I felt as a parent of players the same age.


Tim.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I have witnessed subtle forms of child abuse by managers and coaches during youth ball games. It rears its ugly head sometimes when the supposed grown-ups misuse and abuse their authority.

There are no subtle forms of child abuse.

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

And?

What do you think a coach's job is?

Coach B was gaining and advantage with your "no balk" call so he's happy.

He wants the balk call for his team - but at meaningful time - so he waits.

No different that letting a BOO go until it matters.

...squeak squeak squeak