I have mine. (You know him, 55 years old, still playing SP, thinks he hasn't lost a step from HS glory days although he weighs about 275 now)I avoid him all year but yesterday I got him. Bottom of the 7th, tie game, his team is at bat, lead off batter strokes a single. He is the third base coach and gives the steal signal by nodding his head to R1 on first. (I'm BU) I stay with the runner right into the bag- my angle is perfect 90 degrees from 10 feet away- F6 is covering 2nd, perfect throw- bag flys into the air. The only one who knows she is out (about 100 people in the stands) is me. When I punch her out, the 275 pound gorilla charges me screaming I made the call before she slid and brings up all the other close calls I made in the game that went against him. I head toward him, he stops and heads back to the coaches box with his tail between his legs. He still is bellowing from the coach's box as I head back to first- classic unsportsmanship. His next batter hits walk off home run (defense appeals missed base- can you imagine if I ever called that?) He (the coach) immediately corners my partner and starts chirping- pointing at me- as I head in to shake hands with the coaches, I wave him off in disgust and wait for my partner at first base. As we walk off the field together, my partner asks me why I didn't partake in the post game congratulatory rituals.

Suggest you never head toward an argument. If the coach has anything to say to me, he can bring it to me. The situation is adversarial enough, without you going anywhere, but back to your position. BTW, if he truly "charged" you, why was he around for the next batter?

Quote:

He still is bellowing from the coach's box as I head back to first- classic unsportsmanship. His next batter hits walk off home run (defense appeals missed base- can you imagine if I ever called that?) He (the coach) immediately corners my partner and starts chirping- pointing at me- as I head in to shake hands with the coaches, I wave him off in disgust and wait for my partner at first base. As we walk off the field together, my partner asks me why I didn't partake in the post game congratulatory rituals.

Shake hands with the coaches? Don't think so. I'll meet my partner or wait for him/her and exit the field in a quick and quiet manner.



[Edited by IRISHMAFIA on May 8th, 2004 at 10:46 AM]

Ah, yes. The standard "coaches know who the better umpires are and are capable of rating them better than us" syndrome.

That's right, rub it in.

What's funny is when you meet up with
guys like that years later and they go on
about some call you made say 10 years ago
that you've long forgotten !!

Your position for the call on the steal
 

Willie,

You mentioned your position, 90 degrees and 10 feet away.

I am a first year ump...help me with where you were at the beginning of the play and where you were at the end.

Where you between 1st and 2nd for the pitch and then moved where?

Thanks for your help.
Tchaap

Lower levels
 

With the runner on first, I am shading F4 on the left side
(for the pick-off, or an attempt on doubling up the runner on a line drive). I have betweeb a 15' to 20' lead on the runner
for the steal or play on her at second. (In this case, the third base coach is nodding his head looking at R1 on first- a no brainer clue she is probably going). In this situation on the pitch, she breaks for second, I run parallel to her, get to the base and set (stop all movement- you don't want your eyes going up and down) You have the best seat in the house to watch this whole thing unfold. A beautiful thing. (Remember on a slide if you lose sight of the ball, immediately shout to the defensive player to show you the ball- she should in one motion pick up her glove- if there is the slightest hesitation or she reaches with her other hand you have to determine if she held on to the ball. You don't have to make your call until you see the ball in the glove. Don't rush the call- take your time- get it right!~

Thanks Willie, that was just what I was looking for.

tchaap,

Note that WinterWillie said to run "parallel" to the runner. This is important. I find a lot of new and some vets have a tendency to run diagonal to the bag which puts them in behind the runner. Impossible call to see clearly when this happens.

"When I punch her out, the 275 pound gorilla charges me screaming.."

"Keep going coach, until you are out of sight and sound. You are no longer in this game. Head coach, please replace this person I have just ejected. Thank you."