Leaving Partner in the Parking Lot

[aschramm]

I had a situation earlier this week where none of the pitchers after the 3rd inning could hit the strike zone. I was hearing things, from both sides I believe, including "I think he needs a refresher course" and "Wake up Blue". After the second one my partner came to one of the dugouts to inform the coaches that they needed to keep that person in check. Well, after the brutally long game, I am giving the game balls back to the home team coach. He gives me the wonderful "advice" of saying I should stick to being a base umpire. Not wanting to make a scene, I am politely disagreeing with everything he is saying (opening the zone, etc.). Well, after that exchange I'm looking around and my partner is no where in sight. So I start walking and find him about 50 ft from the field already, leaving me to walk through all the upset fans.

Funny thing though, they had no problem yelling when my back was to them behind the plate, but I didn't hear a thing as I walked back to the parking lot.