For your viewing pleasure, redux...

[johnnyg08]

Yeah, it's one sentence, one request.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Yeah, it's one sentence, one request.

Usually they understand after you get the catcher to get the first one.

[bob jenkins]

Different expectations in different leagues / levels. You don't (imo) want to be the "******* umpire who makes us carry the balls out to him on an effin silver platter", nor do you want to be the "effin LL umpire who doesn't understand the protocol at this level."

And, you do sometimes have to spend some time "training" the participants what is expected / allowed. It's (occasionally) a fine line to walk.

[johnnyg08]

I don't make a big deal of it. I mention it one time casually and in good fun. If they don't do it, I don't remind them that we talked about it at the plate meeting. If they do it, I thank them each time they walk them out to me or a short toss, or if F2 helps...as a method of positive reinforcement.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Yeah, it's one sentence, one request.

But, Johnny, veteran coaches will roll their eyes at you right from the plate meeting when you get too officious right from the start. It is not the tone you want to set. Cover only the stuff that is necessary and be brief.

[johnnyg08]

Kevin,

I agree with you. Typically the veteran coaches know that's it's a courteous thing to do.

[Kevin Finnerty]

You'll overhear them sometimes, after a ball has been flipped to you: "Next time, hand it to the umpire."