Short Right Field.

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

I think just because we retreat to short RF, that doens't mean that a coach can't come out and talk to us. It makes it a bit more tough, but if a coach isn't foaming at the mouth or making a scene, I'm going to listen to him as long as he's not delaying the game. You probably don't want the reputation of being unapproachable.

I would add that in such an instance, if they appear to be coming out in a relatively non-confrontational manner, I will jog in to meet them for the discussion. Making them come all the way out to me makes it look like I am avoiding them or playing a power trip - which then starts the conversation off in a bad manner.

[johnnyg08]

I think I would agree on a case-by-case basis.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Fritz

I would add that in such an instance, if they appear to be coming out in a relatively non-confrontational manner, I will jog in to meet them for the discussion. Making them come all the way out to me makes it look like I am avoiding them or playing a power trip - which then starts the conversation off in a bad manner.

That is kind of my take. I always go there no matter what happens in the inning. Unless I really need to talk to my partner for some reason, I am in short right field.

I also had more of a problem with this particular situation because it was well after the fact of the original call. I just do not find that very professional.

Peace

[johnnyg08]

In situations like that...sometimes I will say that I don't remember that particular play...esp if it was a play that wasn't obviously a controversial one that I wouldn't forget. Sometimes a coach will come over in between innings and nicely ask where a certain pitch was on x batter...I will say...I have no idea...I don't remember a pitch from x batters ago. It usually ends right there. You never really owe coach an explanation, esp if it was from a play a while back...but you don't want to be seen as unapproachable...if he's being civil, listen to him, let him show that he's standing up for his team, and move on. Sometimes they just want to make a point to their players that they're sticking up for their team.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

You never really owe coach an explanation, esp if it was from a play a while back...but you don't want to be seen as unapproachable...if he's being civil, listen to him, let him show that he's standing up for his team, and move on. Sometimes they just want to make a point to their players that they're sticking up for their team.

I agree with you when we talk about dealing with them when they are civil, but being approachable does not mean that all times are appropriate to discuss things. If we stop a coach from talking balls and strikes, are we not being approachable?

Peace

[johnnyg08]

I think the umpire ultimately decides on what he's going to talk about or not. As you know, the rules prohibit arguing balls and strikes. If between innings a coach wants to ask me about a pitch or when I go to break up a mound visit, he asks about a pitch...I can decide how I want to answer the question...I may answer his question truthfully or I may simply say, we're not talking about balls and strikes...or anything in between. A lot of things depend on how I deal with the situation. Ultimately he may still feel that I'm unapproachable...and that might be okay. I don't want the coaches to feel like they can't talk to me, but I also need them to know not to confuse my open ear with weakness.