How would you handle?

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Not exactly equal, but shick reminds me of a green umpire I once had in my association - 2 weeks in, he asks advice on how to handle the constant complaints about his strike zone. We discuss a bit until our veteran guy says, "so, are you getting it from one side or both?" Both. "It it all over the place, or is it consistently on pitches you're calling balls or strikes?" Balls. "Just low, outside, or everywhere?"

"Everywhere, all sides. What these coaches don't understand is that the strike zone is much smaller than everyone thinks it is, smaller than baseball."

Um ... what do you mean?

"Well, the ball is bigger - it's harder to get the entire ball over the plate."

And let the umpire training recommence.

One coach might complain, and the other coach doesn't care as long as you're consistent. Shut it down in a polite manner, if that approach works. If not, use a more "conforming" tone of voice. I don't hardly have the same problems of some of y'all. Boggles my mind.