What would you do?

[LMan]

You have time limits, yes?

Like SDS said, take the opp to teach them some things while you are out there.

RE: getting hit, use good technique and trust your equipment. If 11U pitchers are hurting you, then you are doing/wearing something very wrong.

[ILRef80]

Originally Posted by LMan

You have time limits, yes?

Like SDS said, take the opp to teach them some things while you are out there.

RE: getting hit, use good technique and trust your equipment. If 11U pitchers are hurting you, then you are doing/wearing something very wrong.

Yes, there are time limits. And every ends via the time limit.

What technique do you use when the catcher can't catch the ball (even called strikes)? My equipment is not the issue, I use the Honigs Elite protector as well and also purchased the elite leg guards before the HS season started. I still got hit several times in the thigh area, which didn't hurt much, but at the same time, it doesn't feel good. The ball would just go right past the catcher and into me. I also got hit in the mask 4 or 5 times, not on foul balls, just on balls that weren't touched.

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by ILRef80

Yes, there are time limits. And every ends via the time limit.

What technique do you use when the catcher can't catch the ball (even called strikes)? My equipment is not the issue, I use the Honigs Elite protector as well and also purchased the elite leg guards before the HS season started. I still got hit several times in the thigh area, which didn't hurt much, but at the same time, it doesn't feel good. The ball would just go right past the catcher and into me. I also got hit in the mask 4 or 5 times, not on foul balls, just on balls that weren't touched.

Back in the day I was doing LL games and one game the catch kept bailing on me on every ball in the dirt. I solved that problem by putting my hand on his lower back an whenever he tried to bail, I would gently sit him back down (like you would a dog). The coach came out and complained that I was hindering his player's ability to catch the ball and I interjected that he is hurting my ability to umpire by bailing. He didn't like it but every time the catcher bailed, I called a ball. Depending on how much I got plunked, I would give the batter a couple of "free pitches". Soon enough he got the idea that I wasn't playing. The kids need to be taught to block the ball sometime.

I feel your pain however.

-Josh

[BigUmp56]

I'd suggest calling the games from behind the mound. I don't know that I agree with the idea of grabbing a hold of a catcher or punishing an entire team because their catchers not a decent backstop. As fas as moving the games along, I like Steve's suggestions, but I would add that you need to cut off any warm up pitches if they can't get on the field in a timely manner. Don't let them throw the ball down, just call for a batter when the catcher gets to his box.


Tim.

[ILRef80]

Thanks for the responses. I wasn't giving any time for extra warm-up pitches. As soon as the catcher stepped out, I called for the batter. I really just shouldn't do these type of games. It's not helping the kids any either, because I'm sure they can tell that I'm frustrated. The main purpose of this thread was just to vent.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by ILRef80

The main purpose of this thread was just to vent.

Well then, break out the Coors Light and let's vent!!!

[LMan]

Originally Posted by ILRef80

I really just shouldn't do these type of games.

Think you hit the nail on the head there.

[JJ]

I have a buddy who did 5 years of Minor League ball, and his first couple of years when he came home he went out and did Junior Hi games (I don't know why). He ALWAYS used a balloon, or raft if you will. And he always had a ball!

JJ