Home plate appeal costs HS Conn team Championship.

[LilLeaguer]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Your need to insult is sad. I can have an opinion without needing to demean the other. I read the posts just fine.

Tim and RichMSN both spoke about warning a pitcher after seeing him do something that you know isn't right. (Otherwise, you are simply an OOO.) As I and many others here have stated before, it ether is a balk or it isn't. If it isn't and you feel the need to tell a player to do something to avoid balking then you are coaching. If you don't have the fortitude to call the balk then hang up the gear. Yes, we all miss balks and then stew over the reality of it. Warning a guy after that is just as awful. Call what you see. Let the coaches do their job.

I find it particularly funny that a number of threads involve members who insist that they aren't paid to coach and bemoan leagues that require explanations for balks, INT, OBS, etc. Now, they are silent. Hmmmm.

Yes Bob, we all have tolerances for what is ethical and not. As with many things in umpiring, acceptable behavior is evolving. At one time, you could argue just as vehemently as the antagonist. At one time, you could simply make your call and ignore the call for getting assistance. Old school, unwritten rules are slowly falling away from upper level baseball. You won't see a CWS umpire pick and choose which rules are worthy of enforcement. Those are the guys I emulate.

I'll agree that Tim's response may have been ambiguous. But RichMSN pretty clearly is saying (I've put it in italics) that he'll warn a pitcher only when he is pitching legally. Are you going to continue to characterize this as warning pitchers instead of calling balks?

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by LilLeaguer

I'll agree that Tim's response may have been ambiguous. But RichMSN pretty clearly is saying (I've put it in italics) that he'll warn a pitcher only when he is pitching legally. Are you going to continue to characterize this as warning pitchers instead of calling balks?

I don't warn a pitcher (directly or through an intermediary) who 'is close to balking'. That is being an OOO. If he balks, call it. If he didn't then it is a legal pitch.

This thread has wandered far from the original post. It seems some of you think it as acceptable to prevent players from breaking rules. This is certainly old school and has been a way of officiating for a long time. Contemporary umpiring at the highest levels is predicated upon removing oneself from the game and merely being an observer/rule enforcer. Umpire as you see fit and what your assignor/league demands. I'm through trying to convince anyone here that our craft is evolving. Watch the CWS tonight and enjoy the skill those guys bring to the field. I have a feeling my beloved Cubs will grab their ankles tonight, so the CWS is a safer bet. I wish all of you who disagree with my opinion well. God bless America and long live the favorite person of your choosing. Amen and hallelujah. This concludes the entertainment segment of the show.

[LilLeaguer]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

I don't warn a pitcher (directly or through an intermediary) who 'is close to balking'. That is being an OOO. If he balks, call it. If he didn't then it is a legal pitch.

I am quite sure that I understand your position. You've stated it often enough, and my parents got their money's worth. I am now more interested now in how you will respond after admitting that you have been mischaracerizing RichMSN's position in this thread.

At the risk of being an OOOFR*, I'll warn you that you are close to appearing unethical at this point. Call it preventive posting.

* Overly Officious Official Forum Reader