What is "Borderline"?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Do you really remind pitchers to come to a stop in Fed or NCAA rules ball?

(My first reply since clearing the ignore list. Wonder how long this will last.)

Yes, I'll send the catcher out if it's "borderline." I did it when I worked college ball (D3), too. I don't really care if the coach knows, or not. If he comes out, there will be no tap-dancing. I'll simply say, "He's close and I'm simply letting him know that. I'd do the same for you." Then he can go back to the dugout.

Why do you make it sound like we have to be afraid or wary of coaches? In the end, I hold all the cards (I can make the coach leave if I need to). No reason to be afraid or upset or worried or tap dance. He asks, I answer, we move on. If he doesn't want to move on, that's not really my problem.

[bob jenkins]

I agree. What you CAN NOT say is anything along the lines of "if you do that again I'll balk you" or "you need to give me a better stop than that."

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

(My first reply since clearing the ignore list. Wonder how long this will last.)

Yes, I'll send the catcher out if it's "borderline." I did it when I worked college ball (D3), too. I don't really care if the coach knows, or not. If he comes out, there will be no tap-dancing. I'll simply say, "He's close and I'm simply letting him know that. I'd do the same for you." Then he can go back to the dugout.

Why do you make it sound like we have to be afraid or wary of coaches? In the end, I hold all the cards (I can make the coach leave if I need to). No reason to be afraid or upset or worried or tap dance. He asks, I answer, we move on. If he doesn't want to move on, that's not really my problem.

I did pretty much the exact same thing the other day. After a couple of borderline stops I sent the catcher out to let his pitcher know he was close to balking for not stopping (only the catcher knew the reason for his visit). Two innings later, he blew through a stop (not borderline) with the bases loaded. Oops. I was not questioned on the balk call, but if I was, I would have no problem telling the coach what I did two innings earlier. I think it would diffuse any argument he might have.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

(only the catcher knew the reason for his visit).

Depending on the level, my guess is that most participants knew the reason.

It can still be a useful tool, though.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Depending on the level, my guess is that most participants knew the reason.

It can still be a useful tool, though.

Personally, I'm happier if everyone knows. When I balk him two pitches later, there's no surprise.

[Welpe]

Well glad to know I'm not completely off-base.

[MikeStrybel]

Rich,
I sent you a PM a while ago to try to clear the air.

I understand why some of you do this. I've done it and seen it done many times. I simply related why I don't do it any more. My partner was roasted for telling a player to talk to his pitcher about making certain he came set. The HC was in his box with a runner on third when the shortstop approached the mound and said, "The ump said to make sure you come set or it's a balk." It was ugly. The HC went nuts. I've got a ten and twelve year old at home. I don't need any more drama.

I hope that explains it and was civil enough to merit further discussion. If surreptitious/preventive umpiring works for anyone here, great. I have no problem with you doing it. Too many people watch us here in Illinois. We are rated by partners, coaches, evaluators and administrators. I just work hard to make sure I am not noticed for the wrong reasons out there.

Take care.