A LLWS Observation

[ozzy6900]

So, I was bored and decided to watch a little of the LLWS to see how the officiating was doing. In the bottom of the 6th inning of the Ohio vs New Jersey game, there was a "routine" whacker at 1st (not really close but at this level it was).

The BR touched 1st a split second after F3 caught a bounding throw. U1 called the BR out and the 1st base coach (the manager) appealed the call and asked the umpires if the umpires would get together. They did and the decision was the BR was out. The manager now goes to the PU and requests to contest this call, in which the PU goes to the backstop to speak to the "baseball god", who upholds the call - BR is out.

Now, I know that LL has changed and has gone to the kissy-kissy, let's all have a group hug, board meeting, but for kramity's sake isn't that enough? Now "daddy coach" can contest even that call to the "baseball god" behind the backstop? Oh, and this "baseball god" can over rule the decision of the 4 or 6 umpires on the field!

Personally, that's enough to make me puke! Let me tell you this, my answer to the manager's original appeal request would have been, "I've got the call, Joe. I have him out, it's my call and no one else's. We are done with this, no Joe... back to the game.". And believe me folks, that is exactly how I handle these situations.

The only time I get into a huddle about my call is if I do not have enough information to make the call. And seeing as how I do not make a call unless I have enough information, I do not call a huddle of my partner(s). I make sure that I am in the proper position and I have all of the information needed to render my call. There is no need to huddle nor will I entertain a request for one and yes, I have ejected coaches who kept insisting!