Getting Your Point Across

[umpire99]

I had a pitcher who didn't seem to like my strike zone the other night. I called time and moved around to the plate. While cleaning the plate, I told the catcher to go tell his pitcher that if he didn't like the way I was calling, I would squeeze him so tight his balls would hurt.

When I turned around, I saw that the coach was on his way to the mound to remove the pitcher because of his actions. Later in the game, the coach asked me about my comment to his catcher, but I couldn't recall saying it at that time.

[johnnyg08]

Gutsy...personally I wouldn't do it that way...I'd simply eject him if it got to the point of me feeling like I had to say something like that.

[GA Umpire]

I would not have said anything. When you call a couple of them in a different tone and maybe shoot a glance over to the HC, you should get your point across if he has any clue. If he doesn't, simply just tell the catcher to tell his pitcher to quit. But, don't go any further with details. The catcher should know what to do or what could happen.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by GA Umpire

When you call a couple of them in a different tone and maybe shoot a glance over to the HC, you should get your point across if he has any clue.

Do that and you have just confirmed that the pitcher is correct in his assessment of your strike zone.

[cardinalfan]

I won't call BS on the OP. I was working the bases in an American Legion tournament game a couple of years ago when the coach sprinted from the dugout between innings & got in the PU's face.
I had to physically separate them. Turns out PU had told the catcher, "Tell the pitcher to shut his d@mn mouth & throw the ball or there won't be anymore strikes."
PU didn't deny the comments & got suspended for the rest of the year.

There's better ways to handle these things.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by cardinalfan

I won't call BS on the OP.

I don't think anyone is saying that the OP didn't do this, they are saying that doing it is BS. At least that's what I meant.

Rutledge, sorry for the visuals!

[GA Umpire]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

Do that and you have just confirmed that the pitcher is correct in his assessment of your strike zone.

I disagree. Doing that and you have just let the coach know you will not tolerate his pitcher's antics. This allows him to get a chance to do something before you have to. By not doing it and just ejecting the pitcher, you have not allowed the coach to do his job. Some need a little nudge of what they need to do.

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by GA Umpire

I disagree. Doing that and you have just let the coach know you will not tolerate his pitcher's antics.

No, doing that would say you'd be wiling to cheat to get your point across.

The last thing any good umpire would want to be branded would be a cheater. Don't cheat, or even threaten to cheat. Word will get around, and you won't last.

Just have the catcher go out and talk to him.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by GA Umpire

I disagree. Doing that and you have just let the coach know you will not tolerate his pitcher's antics. This allows him to get a chance to do something before you have to. By not doing it and just ejecting the pitcher, you have not allowed the coach to do his job. Some need a little nudge of what they need to do.

A coach came over to me after three innings to report a pinch-hitter, and I asked him, "Did you plan on having this pitcher go the distance?" I never even looked up from my lineup card. He walked away and went into the dugout and told the guy to keep his arms at his side and stop griping at every close pitch. The kid was a model citizen the rest of the game. And the coach has been one of the most respectful coaches I have had in the three other times I've done his games.

[JR12]

If he was making expressions and gestures and I felt he was "showing me up" I'd take my mask off and say "do you want to stay in this game? Well knock it off!" Then if it continued, he's gone! A good HC would't let it get that far!

[Jimmie24]

It is a lot easier to fill out an ejection report than to defend a comment like that. If it is to the point that you are going to say something like that, just point him out of the ball park. Not only will your point be taken, the next ump won't have to deal with the attitude as well.

You could have just told the catcher to have him stop. That gives the coach time to act. My guess though is that this isn't the first time the pitcher had behaved in this manner.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by Jimmie24

My guess though is that this isn't the first time the pitcher had behaved in this manner.

Nor the umpire, probably.

Unless this is just a funny story that didn't actually happen (I hope).

[aceholleran]

Originally Posted by JR12

If he was making expressions and gestures and I felt he was "showing me up" I'd take my mask off and say "do you want to stay in this game? Well knock it off!" Then if it continued, he's gone! A good HC would't let it get that far!

I try to eliminate any questions posed to players or coaches during a dispute. I learned this watching a newbie ump go up to coach and ask, "Whatsamatter, you don't like my zone?"

And the, the sh!tstorm ensued.

Ace in CT

[jicecone]

Make it simple, sweet and to the point. 15-16 year old game.

First two innings pitchers is moaning and groaning slightly, I ignor it.

Third inning I send catcher out and ask him to calm his pitcher down.

End of the inning I speak to the coach and ask him to speak to his pitcher. He defends his pitcher of course, and I explain to him that it's battle his pitcher is going to lose and walk away.

Second pitch of next inning, pitcher moans about call and I call time, "Coach please replace your pitcher. So ends the lesson.

You see gentlemen, when your the official, you have the final say in the game. There is no need to get in a frenzy about anything and no need to show anyone who is in charge. Competency can be measured by confidence. Confidence can be displayed by your demeanor. Your demeanor should never be anything less than professional at all times.

Enjoy what your doing.

[zebra2955]

excellent

thats how it should be handled