Dirty Work
 

I'm watching a pro independent league game last night and a pitcher, from the set, is doing something hinky, methought.

I get closer to the dish (sparse attendance) and see that F1, rock in glove, is bending to take the signal.

Then he takes his pitching hand and dips it into the dirt. He then twitches his fingers a little bit and then goes right to the glove. He did this before every pitch.

Helpers: F1 didn't rub his hand liberally in the dirt, but definitely scooped some up. On two or three pitches, he did wipe his hand on his pantleg.

What would I have done? I really think I would have delivered a "Knock it off."

Your move, gang.

Ace

I would have headed to the beer stand instead of closer to the dish.

Ace, where does it state that if a player is not violating a rule we are allowed to tell him to "knock it off."

Take Bob's advice and have two.

Thanks for the wise-a$$ responses.

ace

We have a local independent league team as well. I go as much to watch the mechanics of the three man crew as I do to watch the game. I understand that most of these guys are fresh out of the umpiring schools in FL. They did a great job, but the plate umpire did something that annoyed the he!! out of me. On every swinging strike, he'd whirl his right finger around to indicate a swing and then do the strike mechanic. To me this is like verbalizing a swinging strike! Is this a new mechanic?

the twirling on a swinging strike is a really old school, imho dumb little mechanic. randy marsh and some others do it occasionally

I call this ball several times a week, I love it, these guys have been around and as a player/umpire in practice and philosophy, we fir together well.

If no one complains, forget it. If they do, send F2 out after explaining why it is perfectly reasonable for B to beeyatch. I had a similar, after being warned by F2, F1 did it again. "TIME" and a walk to the mound, I knew it was by habit and said, "Habit or not, ya' gotta stop".

Umpire to your age group.