Unsafe catcher

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Totally disagree here. We are not coaches, we apply rules. If F2 is where he should not be, call the offense as it occurs. If you tell F2 "Don't stand there" and he moves to a worse position and gets nailed, you are responsible. Keep your mouth shut and take care of business when it happens,. You can't be held responsible for stupidity.

Ozzy, thanks.

Preventive officiating does not involve telling a catcher to move because he MAY be in the way. That is being an Overly Officious Official and an invitation for fallout when your meddling is ignored or causes a more serious scenario.

I recall a discussion a while ago about another OOO. With R3 he told the batter to move far away if the ball gets away from the catcher. The batter didn't move and he ejected him, citing the player's lack of respect for his authority. Telling a catcher or scored runner to remove a bat is another example that some think is fine but others whince at. I have seen what happens when a partner tells a catcher to "Get the bat out of the way." One involved the on deck batter having a bat sail his way and the other had the catcher try to kick the bat with his foot, fall and miss the catch. When his coach learned that the umpire told him to do it, the coach was justifiably upset. The umpire felt justified that he was trying to make the play safer but forgot to simply call the play. One of the first things I tell new umpires is to be Harry Carey out there - see the play and tell everyone what happened. I have heard other instructors preach the same thing - watch and report, but never coach. Call the game.

[dileonardoja]

The problem with this board is that we some umpires that do 10U baseball and other that can't remember there last JV game. Granted at the Varsity level and up there is rarely a need to say anything (and you shouldn't) because these acts of ignorance don't occur very often and the players know better. But pre-shaving age kids are a different story. Many have not learned what to do and many are poorly coached. I do NOT want to coach them but I want to get through the game with as few problem as possible so if I tell a 13 year old catcher to get out of the baseline while the ball is being fumbled out in the field and runner is barreling home, I clearly don't see that as OOO.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by dileonardoja

The problem with this board is that we some umpires that do 10U baseball and other that can't remember there last JV game. Granted at the Varsity level and up there is rarely a need to say anything (and you shouldn't) because these acts of ignorance don't occur very often and the players know better. But pre-shaving age kids are a different story. Many have not learned what to do and many are poorly coached. I do NOT want to coach them but I want to get through the game with as few problem as possible so if I tell a 13 year old catcher to get out of the baseline while the ball is being fumbled out in the field and runner is barreling home, I clearly don't see that as OOO.

Well said. You are correct that for those of us who no longer work baseball below varsity level sometimes forget what little guys do out there. I am only speaking to baseball umpiring at varsity and above. While others may disagree and feel the need to involve themselves in the game, I would rather not and it has served me well for thirty plus years. Long ago, I was taught the 'don't do that' method of umpiring. It still has it's place but I don't believe on fields where varsity level and above play ball. Penalize what they do (or don't do as the case may be).

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Harry Carey is a legend in Chicago. Calling games for the Sox and Cubs endeared him to almost every baseball fan around this area. While no longer with us, his message of waiting and speaking still resonates here. Feel free to use the beloved commentator of your choice, the analogy works well. Umpires simply see what happens and then tell the world.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Harry Carey is a legend in Chicago. Calling games for the Sox and Cubs endeared him to almost every baseball fan around this area. While no longer with us, his message of waiting and speaking still resonates here.

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

I still remember... "IT MIGHT BE!!!! ... IT COULD BE!!!!!!!! IT'S caught. By the shortstop."

Waiting? Could have fooled me.

[Rich]

Did you know that Harry Caray spelled backwards is Yrrah Yarac?

I liked Harry, but it's always sad watching your childhood memories grow senile before your eyes.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Did you know that Harry Caray spelled backwards is Yrrah Yarac?

I liked Harry, but it's always sad watching your childhood memories grow senile before your eyes.

+1

In the end, he was an iconic caricature.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by dileonardoja

The problem with this board is that we some umpires that do 10U baseball and other that can't remember there last JV game. Granted at the Varsity level and up there is rarely a need to say anything (and you shouldn't) because these acts of ignorance don't occur very often and the players know better. But pre-shaving age kids are a different story. Many have not learned what to do and many are poorly coached. I do NOT want to coach them but I want to get through the game with as few problem as possible so if I tell a 13 year old catcher to get out of the baseline while the ball is being fumbled out in the field and runner is barreling home, I clearly don't see that as OOO.

Age matters. You have a good point.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

One of the first things I tell new umpires is to be Harry Carey out there - see the play and tell everyone what happened.

I don't know if Harry Carey is the best example to use.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by yawetag

I don't know if Harry Carey is the best example to use.

+1

I still remember... "IT MIGHT BE!!!! ... IT COULD BE!!!!!!!! IT'S caught. By the shortstop."