Catcher signal to manager - How do you deal?

[GA Umpire]

My thing is how do you know it was a signal. He could have been adjusting the shin guard or knocking dust off. Making a big issue out of something which you have no idea of what he was doing is going to cause a problem. I would leave it alone and not question the catcher again about it.

He has done nothing to show you up. If anyone is going to, it will be the coach in this case b/c he will be the one saying something since the catcher is keeping quiet. Also, he may have been agreeing and telling the coach is was out of the zone. Who knows which is why you should leave it alone.

[TussAgee11]

I wasn't upset that he did it at all. In my conversation I showed no emotion and did not tell him to knock it off.

My goal, being a rookie to this league (and hence, in their minds, a rookie no matter how many games I've done), was to let the catcher know that I know what's going on and I wasn't an idiot back there. I figured it was a non-confrontational way to solidify myself back there, rather than not saying anything, manager eventually starting in, and me having to deal with it that way.

Any of that make sense? Should I be worried about solidifying my rep. as to minimize potential problems later? What are some other ways I can do this, if this way wasn't a good spot?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Any of that make sense? Should I be worried about solidifying my rep. as to minimize potential problems later? What are some other ways I can do this, if this way wasn't a good spot?

I think that you understand that there's an adjustment period for new umpires to adult leagues. One suggestion I would make is to let the catchers know at the beginning of the game that you're open to communication.

I will sometimes say, after introducing myself: "If you think that I'm consistently missing a pitch, please let me know between innings." This approach lets them know that I'm open to discussion, provided that it's discreet.

[GA Umpire]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Any of that make sense? Should I be worried about solidifying my rep. as to minimize potential problems later? What are some other ways I can do this, if this way wasn't a good spot?

1)Understood what you were trying to do.
2)No.
3)Call your game the best you can and they will learn what you will and won't call. Also, EJ when necessary and this will solidify them knowing what they can and can't do. Don't worry about what they are signaling/not signaling. Act like you don't even see it. If you get caught up with that little bit, you will miss something even bigger. Forget about it.

[Rcichon]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

... What are some other ways I can do this, if this way wasn't a good spot?

Be consistent. F2 was just communicating where the pitch was or where he wants it.

By the way, be consistent.





Did I mention, "be consistent"?

[jicecone]

First of all don't assume that the players and coach only came out that day to make your life miserable. They are trying to play ball and sometimes can care less about you. Sometimes the best official is the one no one knows is there.

You want respect? Do your job, hustle, work hard to know the rules and get them right, and take care of business when you have to. Otherwise let them play ball.

Just remember, they can say and do anything they want during a game and you can't prevent it. But in the end YOU have the final say. How and what you say at that point will put the icing on the cake.

Sometimes the best call, is none at all.

[Ump Rube]

In baseball participants can do whatever they want, but the umpire decides who is still a participant.

[DonInKansas]

Things like this are how catcher's pass on info WITHOUT showing you up. Most spectators aren't going to notice it, and the catcher still tells a coach what he thinks. Most of the time when I see things like this, it's a catcher that knows his coach is a chirper and really doesn't like hearing it much, so he's indulging the guy. Of course, there are always exceptions. It's just something that comes with continuing to work the level and getting the nuances of the game.

I love working the college summer league out here; it's usually good baseball with guys that have a good grasp on what's going on and are pretty laid back after a tense regular/post season.

[TussAgee11]

Thanks for ya'lls input.

I'll restate briefly, not an issue of thick skin / thin skin. My goal was to let them know I'm no greenhorn that is clueless. I really don't care ever how players / coaches act - if they act a certain way there is a penalty of EJ that I will impose, but its because of what they did, not my reaction to it. Sounds like this philosophy is one some of you are suggesting, and one I'll make sure to keep in the fore front of my mind as I try to keep moving up.

Sounds like advice to reach that goal is just keep doing my best and respect / understanding will follow as more games and innings go by. No need in trying to force the issue in dealing with small stuff like this, even in the subtlest of ways.

Thanks again, and if these comments are off track with what ya'll are suggesting, feel free to whip me back into line.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Thanks for ya'lls input.

I'll restate briefly, not an issue of thick skin / thin skin. My goal was to let them know I'm no greenhorn that is clueless. I really don't care ever how players / coaches act - if they act a certain way there is a penalty of EJ that I will impose, but its because of what they did, not my reaction to it. Sounds like this philosophy is one some of you are suggesting, and one I'll make sure to keep in the fore front of my mind as I try to keep moving up.

Sounds like advice to reach that goal is just keep doing my best and respect / understanding will follow as more games and innings go by. No need in trying to force the issue in dealing with small stuff like this, even in the subtlest of ways.

Thanks again, and if these comments are off track with what ya'll are suggesting, feel free to whip me back into line.

There was nothing to "handle." The only opinion that matters is your partner's. Players/coaches generally know squat about umpiring. Their opinions of you (which you don't care about) are based 99% on how you call balls & strikes. Work on the proper use of your eyes and everything else will fall into place.

[Maz17]

Wear a leather umpire shirt... your skin is way to thin!