Are you calling a Balk?

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

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.

With each post, you remind me and this board of a spoiled child who was caught behaving badly.

You profess endless umpiring knowledge but cannot fathom that drawing a line in the sand, per your suggestion, is a bad idea. Your advice is akin to stating, "One more word from you and you're done." That is called baiting. I know of no professional school that teaches such, nor any credible umpire who embraces that tact. Meanwhile, I suggest what every professional umpiring school currently does - umpire silence can never be misquoted. You seem to believe that I am alone in this belief. That arrogance is stupifying. You criticized another but cannot accept the same. Your post games must be amazingly frustrating for partners.

For what it's worth, the word is 'now' and not 'know'. If you intend to insult, don't make mistakes while doing so.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

With each post, you remind me and this board of a spoiled child who was caught behaving badly.

You profess endless umpiring knowledge but cannot fathom that drawing a line in the sand, per your suggestion, is a bad idea. Your advice is akin to stating, "One more word from you and you're done." That is called baiting. I know of no professional school that teaches such, nor any credible umpire who embraces that tact. Meanwhile, I suggest what every professional umpiring school currently does - umpire silence can never be misquoted. You seem to believe that I am alone in this belief. That arrogance is stupifying. You criticized another but cannot accept the same. Your post games must be amazingly frustrating for partners.

For what it's worth, the word is 'now' and not 'know'. If you intend to insult, don't make mistakes while doing so.

At some point, silence equals condoning the behavior. If a coach says, "That's two you missed," I'll probably ignore it. If that's interpreted as, "He mustn't have heard me, so I'll yell it louder," then it has to get addressed. Not addressing it at this point would not be the right solution.

I still haven't gotten a response, either - how is a quiet warning the same as drawing a line in the sand and baiting a coach? I'd never say, "one more word," but I have told coaches in arguments (at the college level), "you need to walk away now" and they did. If they don't, then they simply aren't getting the message and the ejection report writes itself.

It's been three years since my last college/HS ejection, but if I had one tomorrow I wouldn't interpret it as anything but another day at the office.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

At some point, silence equals condoning the behavior. If a coach says, "That's two you missed," I'll probably ignore it.

Thank you. That was my point. The best umpires know this. It is what the schools teach and veterans preach.

If that's interpreted as, "He mustn't have heard me, so I'll yell it louder," then it has to get addressed. Not addressing it at this point would not be the right solution.

Did you read what I suggested? I wrote that a simple head shake his way (parents know this well!) or a stop sign (palm up and held his direction) are far more professional for the comment he made. Neither bait and both demonstrate authority. I think you'll agree that the job gets done without the umpire being the aggressor.

I still haven't gotten a response, either - how is a quiet warning the same as drawing a line in the sand and baiting a coach?

It isn't a warning. It is a threat. As stated prior, it is akin to the amateur philosophy of "Another word from you and you are done!" What happens when he says, "You're right. I'm sorry."? You look silly, that's what happens.

I'd never say, "one more word," but I have told coaches in arguments (at the college level), "you need to walk away now" and they did. If they don't, then they simply aren't getting the message and the ejection report writes itself.

That is a directive, not a threat. That is a reasonable response to many situations, especially at the college level. You agreed with my contention that the umpire lets the coach eject himself. There is no need to bait.

It's been three years since my last college/HS ejection, but if I had one tomorrow I wouldn't interpret it as anything but another day at the office.

Agreed. I don't worry about coaches who get tossed. It has been even longer since I ejected a coach. I don't bait and they don't feel a need to cross a line. Like you, I don't worry about comments like "That's two you missed." Silence can never be misquoted does not mean ignore blatant infractions of the rules. For me, it is a guiding principle - don't make a small problem become a big one by baiting a contestant. Enjoy your spring.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by GROUPthink

At some point, silence equals condoning the behavior. If a coach says, "That's two you missed," I'll probably ignore it.

I don't say very much to coaches except usually, "That's enough. I don't want to hear anymore about it."

I did get, "That's two you've missed." I just gave him, "What game are you watching, because I can think of at least three or four more."

Got a huge response from the audience. Feel free to borrow.

Oh, one of my other classics was, "You gotta get better, Blue!" "You think this is bad, you should have seen my last game." with a Groucho Marx cigar flare. (But that was to a parent sitting behind home plate, not a coach) Not as good as the first one IMO, but effective none the less.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

If you intend to insult, don't make mistakes while doing so.

Not at all my intention. Thanks, however for your input. Again you go out of your way to share your experience, vast knowledge and never erring writing with us. I know I appreciate it and from what I hear from my Illinois friends, it is very typical of you to be this unselfish and giving. Thanks, again. I look forward to your next post.

[MikeStrybel]

I see you are still unable to discuss baseball umpiring and rely on personal attacks to feel better about yourself. I use my legal name and use this board to learn and help. Try it some time.