The magic three-word defuser

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by jwwashburn

Varsity HS game
Zero outs
Bases Loaded.

The ball was hit and spun back and land on home plate. The catcher grabbed it, I pointed, the catcher touched home and tagged the batter who had not run-double play.

The Offensive Coach came out and said: "It was laying on top of home plate when he grabbed it."

When I've heard similar comments in the past I've replied, "Yes! I saw that too."

[Kevin Finnerty]

That is also a fine retort.

I wish I could have a hidden camera on some of these guys when they later re-read ... err ... discover the rule, and realize we are right and they're wrong.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Ump153

I took a couple of Advanced A League umpires out for drinks a little while back. They told me they use an even more economical one word defuser that they stole from a bit on SNL's Weekend Update. Their's is simply

"REALLY?!"

I like it and I agree with SSD, I am stealing this one!

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I like it and I agree with SSD, I am stealing this one!

I like the "Really?" also.

[Emperor Ump]

Earlier this season when confronted with the "Tie goes to the runner" arguement, I replied "Absolutely!"

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Ump153

"REALLY?!"

I've used this one myself and like it!

Sometimes I'll follow it up with, "Are you sure?" They usually go away then.....because they're not!

[JR12]

"There's no crying in baseball!"

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by grunewar

I've used this one myself and like it!

Sometimes I'll follow it up with, "Are you sure?" They usually go away then.....because they're not!

"Coach, when we each get home, we're going to read that rule. And one of us is going to learn something."

I know it's not short, but it brought a peaceful end to a difficult to follow ruling and made an extended dispute come to a stop.

[JR12]

Very Good!

[aceholleran]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

"Coach, when we each get home, we're going to read that rule. And one of us is going to learn something."

I know it's not short, but it brought a peaceful end to a difficult to follow ruling and made an extended dispute come to a stop.

I like this a ton! Must be the Irish gift o' gab.

ace in ct

[aceholleran]

From my buddy Biggy D. DC repeatedly carping about B1's stride and batter's box lines.

"Coach, I heard you the first time; there won't be a third."

ace

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by aceholleran

I like this a ton! Must be the Irish gift o' gab.

ace in ct

I always enjoy saying these words:

Why, thank you, Ace!

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

It's the knucklehead coaches that make these comments about not getting a good angle when a single umpire is calling the game. Most coaches understand that they are saving $$$ by paying one umpire. Case in point, straight steal of second. Where can a coach expect the plate umpire to get? I know I have to get a better angle and for that matter closer to the play!

"I have a buddy sitting at home who would have made that call from the cut-out for only seventy dollars."

Just tell him that.

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

I have worked a ton of solo games, and I don't put up with any questioning of calls, or positioning or anything like that. Zero tolerance. Anybody starts in questioning calls or angles gets the, "pay for two umpires next time" reply. I always feel like adding, "you cheap ba$tards."

Steve sets that up at the home plate meeting, like the guy who taught me.

[njdevs00cup]

"I have a buddy sitting at home who would have made that call from the cut-out for only seventy dollars."

Just tell him that.

Good stuff Kevin.

[Kevin Finnerty]