Taking signs while off the rubber - with a twist

[waltjp]

I know we've been over and over the topic of the pitcher looking for signs while not in contact with the rubber. I'm not looking to start a new debate but wanted to share a situation I've never encountered before.

I have the plate for a legion game on Friday night. The batter is in the middle of his AB, 2-1 count. The batter is in the box and the pitcher is on the mound straddling the rubber.

The batter then requests time, which I grant. He backs out of the box to my left and I leave the area to my right. The batter then looks at me and asks, "Wasn't he taking signs while off the rubber?"

I'm not sure I heard him correctly so I ask him to repeat it.

"The pitcher wasn't on the rubber when he was taking signs."

I reply, "Concentrate on your hitting and leave the umpiring to me. Get in the box."

[Pensaump]

Tell him to look down at the catchers fingers while he is in the box and tell you...

Good answer!

[jicecone]

This is the problem we get ourself into. The kid asks a very legit question and gets a "none of your business answer." Instead of treating the kid like he had no idea what he was talking about, how about "Time, son your exactly right, the rule say this and that but the penalty for this is ..... and therefore we basically are only obligated to give a warning" or someting similar to this.

A straight forward question, deserves a straight forward answer. You were given an oppurtunity to display your knowledge as an umpire and gain more respect but, you choose to let the kid walk away thinking you were a pompus blue with an attitude.

I would have taken the time to answer the question, then if the kid started with and attitude, it would be treated differently or he may have just said, "thanks Blue, I didn't know that."

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by jicecone

This is the problem we get ourself into. The kid asks a very legit question and gets a "none of your business answer." Instead of treating the kid like he had no idea what he was talking about, how about "Time, son your exactly right, the rule say this and that but the penalty for this is ..... and therefore we basically are only obligated to give a warning" or someting similar to this.

A straight forward question, deserves a straight forward answer. You were given an oppurtunity to display your knowledge as an umpire and gain more respect but, you choose to let the kid walk away thinking you were a pompus blue with an attitude.

I would have taken the time to answer the question, then if the kid started with and attitude, it would be treated differently or he may have just said, "thanks Blue, I didn't know that."

You would interrupt the at bat, the pitcher and the flow of the game to gaive a rules clinic?

Good gravy.

[Pensaump]

Originally Posted by jicecone

This is the problem we get ourself into. The kid asks a very legit question and gets a "none of your business answer." Instead of treating the kid like he had no idea what he was talking about, how about "Time, son your exactly right, the rule say this and that but the penalty for this is ..... and therefore we basically are only obligated to give a warning" or someting similar to this.

A straight forward question, deserves a straight forward answer. You were given an oppurtunity to display your knowledge as an umpire and gain more respect but, you choose to let the kid walk away thinking you were a pompus blue with an attitude.

I would have taken the time to answer the question, then if the kid started with and attitude, it would be treated differently or he may have just said, "thanks Blue, I didn't know that."

The more you talk, the more trouble you get into.

Give him a hug and cookie while you're at it.

[Tim C]

After that you could ask for everyone to have a group hug.

I go with waltjp on this one.

I don't EVER explain rules to players.

[GA Umpire]

Although my response might have been less authoritative than Walt's, I would have said something like "OK. He wasn't. Let's go. Play!"

I'm still not going to spend the time to explain it. If he wants to learn the rules, pick up a few books like us and learn them. Then, he can have the same level of understanding as we have. Otherwise, leave him as dumb as he was when he stepped in the box.

Simple, short baseball answers. I'm not there to give a rules clinic. Just to call a game.

[spokanelurker]

I absolutely understand where most of you guys are coming from! Why would any of you want a player to think you're not just another arrogant prick? But seriously, Georgia, if the kid was right about the rule, what's your point in saying, "Leave him as dumb as he was when he stepped in the box"?

Waiting for the "rat" references.

[SanDiegoSteve]

My response to the batter: Okay, so what? What is the proper penalty?

Okay then, get in the box and bat.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by spokanelurker

Waiting for the "rat" references.

If the cheese fits...

[mbyron]

"No, he's OK. Let's go."

Same as when a coach asks about a balk move that isn't. I'm going to answer the question, not give a rules clinic. I try not to be an azz about it.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by mbyron

"No, he's OK. Let's go."

Same as when a coach asks about a balk move that isn't. I'm going to answer the question, not give a rules clinic. I try not to be an azz about it.

I think this answer is okay. I'd probably go with something along the lines of, "Maybe -- but that's allowed."

While we should address the question, and not be arrogant, we should also try to keep the "rules clinic" to 5 words or less.

[David B]

Originally Posted by mbyron

"No, he's OK. Let's go."

Same as when a coach asks about a balk move that isn't. I'm going to answer the question, not give a rules clinic. I try not to be an azz about it.

that's more what I would do and what I like. Short and simple, but you did answer his legitimate question.

Hey, the kid might be an umpire one day ...

Thanks
David

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by spokanelurker

I absolutely understand where most of you guys are coming from! Why would any of you want a player to think you're not just another arrogant prick? But seriously, Georgia, if the kid was right about the rule, what's your point in saying, "Leave him as dumb as he was when he stepped in the box"?

Waiting for the "rat" references.

You apparerently understand umpiring as much as you understand the concept of lurking.

I love coaches. First they scream, "don't coach my players" if an umpire talks to the catcher. Then they whine when an umpire decides getting on with the game is more important than coaching their batter.

It's summer time, spokane, don't you have t-ball game to prepare for?

[jicecone]

Ah!!!!!!!!

The arrogant official.

Thanks for validifying my point guys.

I am sure though, your nose is too far in the sky to care.