ouch!!

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Normal at our place.

Interesting...is there a reason? Or is it something you've always done?

[rpumpire]

In Massachusetts, it's now mandatory for umpires to remain on the field to observe the handshakes.

If there's a good reason not to remain for the handshakes (contentious calls, etc.) the umpires have to fill out a form and send it to the state board.

[briancurtin]

A good reason would be "the game is over".

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by rpumpire

In Massachusetts, it's now mandatory for umpires to remain on the field to observe the handshakes.

If there's a good reason not to remain for the handshakes (contentious calls, etc.) the umpires have to fill out a form and send it to the state board.

Let's also remind the good people out there that MA also does not use FED rules for HS games, either!

[rpumpire]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Let's also remind the good people out there that MA also does not use FED rules for HS games, either!

I love that MA uses OBR-based rules.

I'm ambivalent on the handshake. They don't require us to be within a "step and a reach" of the handshake line, just on-the-field.

[JR12]

I'm with Steve. Shaving age and up, I roll out ASAP. Don't want to see or hear anything, especially comments toward my crew and myself.
However, I did a 12U travel game last Sat. First time I did that young in years. I had the plate. After the last out, I tossed the balls and walked to the gate to wait for my partner. He began shaking hands with the kids. Then he began walking over to the gate and the kids nearly chased me down to shake my hand.
It was a nice gesture, I just wasn't used to that.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by rpumpire

I love that MA uses OBR-based rules.

I'm ambivalent on the handshake. They don't require us to be within a "step and a reach" of the handshake line, just on-the-field.

No malice meant about not using FED rules, we just don't want the newbies to go running to the FED rulebook on this.

What does MA want you guys on the field for, anyway? Are you supposed to break up a confrontation or take names? (maybe we should start a new thread)

[cc6]

No intent to injure, just a bit of carelessness on the part of the pitcher. Looked like he tagged him hard to make sure he got the out. Pitcher went away right after the tag, a sign of no aggression.

[umpjim]

What are you guys seeing that I'm not. I see the BR running outside the foul line, and seeing that he is a dead duck, crossing to fair territory to crash the fielder. The fielder saw it coming and protected the tag and himself. If anything, it was offensive malicious contact in FED. Would not you think if he was facing a tag the BR would avoid to the foulside or maybe backpedal (no they are not that smart enough). I won't be signing up on utube to voice my opinion however.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I hate the fact that FED baseball has gone somewhat overboard with the wussy protection rules, but for Chrissakes, a two-arm pop in the chops is malicious contact. I had an identical tag play last week, and the pitcher tagged the runner a little roughly in the pit of the stomach and the kid went down in a heap, which we later learned was due to a previous rib injury. But I had nothing other than an out call, even though the runner "looked" injured. The guy had a right to make a quick, sure tag. But not in the face!

[w_sohl]

Originally Posted by cc6

Pitcher went away right after the tag, a sign of no aggression.

More like a move hoping he didn't get caught.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by cc6

Pitcher went away right after the tag, a sign of no aggression.

Oh, you mean no further sign of aggression.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Interesting...is there a reason? Or is it something you've always done?

We've always done it - not as observers - they congratulate the kids too. The coaches thank them for umpiring.

The umpires are part of the league, not a foreign legion. They know many of the kids. For most of them, it's a way to stay involved after their own kids graduate.

Those who think their objective is to umpire and hightail it wouldn't like it here.

And it's a good lesson for all - the game is over - get on with it.

We think we're doing it the right way.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

We've always done it - not as observers - they congratulate the kids too. The coaches thank them for umpiring.

The umpires are part of the league, not a foreign legion. They know many of the kids. For most of them, it's a way to stay involved after their own kids graduate.

Those who think their objective is to umpire and hightail it wouldn't like it here.

And it's a good lesson for all - the game is over - get on with it.

We think we're doing it the right way.

Disclaimer: this man is referring to Little League Baseball, where it's for the kids and all that. Shaving age players tend to get rowdy when they lose and are not in the mood to shake hands, and would just as soon kill the umpires as shake their hands.