Little League Problem

[joelope]

Little League game. Batter checks swing on high pitch which I would have called a ball. Ball hit batters hand. Batter fell to ground. I called dead ball, after coach checked him I awarded him first base. Defensive coach went ballistic. I told him it hit his hand and he started yelling his hand is part of the bat. I asked him when he bought the bat did the batters hand come with it. He just walked away saying that's terrible umpiring. Did I make the correct call or am I missing something.

[TwoBits]

You are 100% correct.

[Welpe]

You're good as long as you judged that the batter didn't offer at the pitch.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by joelope

I asked him when he bought the bat did the batters hand come with it. He just walked away saying that's terrible umpiring.

Be careful with smart-a$$ery: it does not serve us well. The comment I make when I get "the hands are part of the bat" is: only in cricket, coach.

[mick]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Be careful with smart-a$$ery: it does not serve us well. The comment I make when I get "the hands are part of the bat" is: only in cricket, coach.

Cricket ?
Anyway..., Good call.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by mick

Cricket ?
Anyway..., Good call.

In cricket, the hands are considered part of the bat.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Be careful with smart-a$$ery: it does not serve us well. The comment I make when I get "the hands are part of the bat" is: only in cricket, coach.

Just declare an LBW and go home.

[HokieUmp]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Just declare an LBW and go home.

No way, RichMSN! Hawkeye shows the ball was clearly missing off-stump.



Edited to say: Unless you've seen cricket on TV, you'll have no idea what that meant. Trust me, though: it was funny.

[PeteBooth]

What is the difference in your response of only in cricket, coach.

vs. the posters response of


I asked him when he bought the bat did the batters hand come with it.

Both are smart a$$ answers. When someone asks a smarta$$ question they deserve a smarta$$ answer.

Months ago Garth (btw I hope your are doing well Garth - if you still "peak" in from time to time" ) gave us a link to a conversation between Haller and Earl Weaver. Talk about smarta$$ comments.

Pete Booth

[TussAgee11]

Earl: You see in 5 years who's in the hall of fame
Haller: You're going to the hall of fame? For f****** up World Series?
Earl: I've won more than I lost.
Haller: Oh no you haven't....
Earl: Games! count Games!

Classic argument.

[Welpe]

As unprofessional as it may be these days, I love that video, especially when Haller goes "BOOM!" as he ejects Weaver.

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by joelope

... Defensive coach went ballistic. ... I asked him when he bought the bat did the batters hand come with it.

In comedy, like most things in life, timing is everything. Plus, you have to know your audience. You got the call right, but blew the timing and audience part.

[ODJ]

Hand the bat to the coach and ask him to find the batter's hands.

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by ODJ

Hand the bat to the coach and ask him to find the batter's hands.

Again, it would be foolish to say this to a coach that is already angry. It's just fanning the flames, and uncalled for. Timing is everything if you're trying to use humor to defuse a situation.

[aceholleran]

Joe, you got it right. Which is what matters most. Did you handle it well?

Hmmm.

IMHO, exchange as few words as possible with coach. It's not your job to "explain" the call.

Good, crisp, clear mechanics help. First signify the dead ball, to stop runners from moseying around. Wait for batter to run to first. If he does not, verbally tell him so, without an arm mechanic.

The "terrible umpiring" remark puts that coach, for me, on thin ice. However, it's not our job to make anyone, no matter how wrong s/he is, more angry. I think your reply, however witty, is something you might reconsider.

Here's my explanation: "Batter hit by pitch."

I had a similar sitch (HS game, but the rules are the same at any level) where batter swung and missed at a pitch that hit him in the ribcage. Sure enough, there were two strikes on him before the pitch. Not only did I kill the play, but had to declare the batter out, as he's writhing on the ground.

Offensive coach gets his shorts in a knot. "He can't be out; it hit him."

"Incorrect," I said.

With each year (this my 32nd), I try to see how few words I can exchnage with anyone (save the catcher) during a ballgame.

Ace in CT