Sending a "message"

[bluehair]

I don't see why a well placed FYC isn't appropriate in select youth or HS ball. They should be experienced enough to "get it" or "learn it".

This week the home team F2 batting (borderline unsportsman when visitors started to catch-up to them) jumps out of the box after a strike 1, demonstrating his displeasure at the call. HC coach started yelling for him to get back in the box and his teammates said the same thing. It was obvious that this HS junior had maturity issues. I directed him to get back in and he complied, but didn't like being told to do anything.

His complaining in both halves of innings resulted in K3 (10 inches outside). The coach and his teammates started screaming...at him. The team "got it". His coach thanked me after the inning...he "got it". He sat F2 the rest of the game to "consider it".

This was a fall ball game where player development is the reason that they play in football season. The FYC at lower levels is a teaching tool that I use judiciously/very rarely.