Are you calling a Balk?

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

The proper mechanic is to immediately signal a delayed dead balk.

That's pretty funny!

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Thank you for your advise on the balk but, I don't need to bark out commands or make threating statements to let the coach know I am in charge or satisfy my ego. I know I have the final say and there is no need to flaunt it.

No one said anything about "barking" or "flaunting". I will warn coaches about announcing their "count" of what "I owe them." If you feel that requires barking or flaunting, look inward. I don't.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Nice point. I see more than a few umpires think it is good form to instruct the dugout from afar when a mere shake of the head or palm shown their way will suffice. Opening your mouth to the team usually opens the door to trouble. Silence can never be misquoted.

Have not had a problem with a quiet warning at any level, HS through D-1. But thanks for your input.

[RPatrino]

Delayed dead balk signal? Huh?

In this case he delayed it to, well next season, maybe?? In my humble opinion, we can't pick and choose which rules to enforce and which ones not to. If you see a balk, call it. If appropriate, give a quick explanation of what you saw. I have always been against not calling certain rules. We always hear, 'its too early in the season to call that, blue'...

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Have not had a problem with a quiet warning at any level, HS through D-1. But thanks for your input.

When I first began umpiring three decades ago, I issued ultimatums like the one you suggested too. I no longer feel compelled to do so. If it works for you, stick with it.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

When I first began umpiring three decades ago, I issued ultimatums like the one you suggested too. I no longer feel compelled to do so. If it works for you, stick with it.

I've managed a career for 32 years that has included regionals using warnings when necessary. I'm happy for you that you don't warn. Thanks again for your input. I'll file it appropriately.

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Mediocre Varsity teams. Score not important. R3. Pitcher is in windup and steps on to the plate with both hands together. After taking sign and setting ball in glove he removes hand about 4 inches out of glove, returns it to his glove and begins his motion. Coach insists pitcher has balked. We move on.

One week later, same team , same coach ahead by 9 runs in 7th inning and everyone yells for pitcher to step off. Lo and behold he does, but not with the pivot foot. He looks over and says "that is two you owe me". I tell him after the game that both cases were technical balks and he says " a balk is a balk." We agreed to disagree and moved on.

I know the differences, are you calling these?

What does the skill level have to do with it?

For the record, I would balk 13-14 year olds on those.

Accidentally dropping the ball is also a balk. You calling those?

Rita

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

I've managed a career for 32 years that has included regionals using warnings when necessary. I'm happy for you that you don't warn. Thanks again for your input. I'll file it appropriately.

Yawn. Umpires are not supposed to be antagonists. Sadly, you continue to display that trait.

Obviously you do not comprehend the meaning of "silence cannot be misquoted". I would love to see the report where you describe your ejection after such an amateurish line in the sand.

[Rich]

Forgive me, but I don't get where "quietly warn" equates with "barking out commands."

I'm not going to let a coach repeatedly yell out "That's 2 you missed" either. I respect the coach's job and seek to never show up or embarrass him, however I expect the same consideration from so-called professionals. That doesn't change whether the participants are college players or Little Leaguers.

[jicecone]

Thank you all, for your input about the balks.

For the record, no one was deceived in either case but, I understand where you are coming from Steve. Everyone knew on the ball field that the pitcher was stepping off because the coach yelled it out. I use the word technical because NO ONE was deceived on either of these. Again they were mediocre teams. One can find fault with selective enforcement of the rules but, we all know that in any given game and because of ambiguity in the rules, it happens. I have called these in more competive levels.

As far as comments from the coach, as shown, there are different approaches on how one handles them, in officiating their contests. That is something each one of us has to deal with on the field and after the games if applicable.

Have a good season all.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Yawn. Umpires are not supposed to be antagonists. Sadly, you continue to display that trait.

Obviously you do not comprehend the meaning of "silence cannot be misquoted". I would love to see the report where you describe your ejection after such an amateurish line in the sand.

Thanks again, ever so much. Really. I have no idea how I ever managed a career with never having a protest over a call or complaint filed over game management without your amazing tips. Thanks to your input I know understand that when one does not do things as you suggest, it simply means that one is wrong.

Please, keep those tips and tidbits coming. I look forward to your advice daily. I know of no one else who so freely shares their superior knowledge. Really. Thank you.

[Publius]

Originally Posted by jicecone

For the record, no one was deceived in either case but, I understand where you are coming from Steve. Everyone knew on the ball field that the pitcher was stepping off because the coach yelled it out. I use the word technical because NO ONE was deceived on either of these.

There's a particular umpire/author with a long history of passing on "technical balks" when "nobody is deceived." He's been wrong, IMO, the entire time.

Just call them when you see them.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Yawn. Umpires are not supposed to be antagonists. Sadly, you continue to display that trait.

Obviously you do not comprehend the meaning of "silence cannot be misquoted". I would love to see the report where you describe your ejection after such an amateurish line in the sand.

I agree. I would have dumped the coach when he said "That's two you owe me." Problem solved. No misinterpreting "You're gone." He was lucky Mr. Umpire was in a good mood and only warned him.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Thank you all, for your input about the balks.

For the record, no one was deceived in either case but, I understand where you are coming from Steve. Everyone knew on the ball field that the pitcher was stepping off because the coach yelled it out. I use the word technical because NO ONE was deceived on either of these.

Not all balks require deception.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Not all balks require deception.

No Sh#t Sherlock.

Don't take this personnal however, in all your 32 years of experience and expertise officiating, it just sticks out like a sore thumb, the one thing you just haven't mastered is, when to shut your trap. You don't always have to have the last say, even if YOU think you do.