AA's Strike Again

[IRISHMAFIA]

Had the "if" game of league playoffs last night. Supposedly one of the top leagues in the county.

Top of 7th, runner on 1B with 2 away and a RH batter in the box.

B hits sinking liner toward SS. I get around batter to see what I believe (but not totally sure) the ball being shorthopped by F6. I hesitate my safe signal a second to see the reaction hoping the players will give it away.

Well, R1 keeps running, F4 heads toward 2B and F6 fires the ball passed him and into DBT down the RF line. I allow the runners to finish up while the SS is jumping up and down, now screaming he caught the ball in flight. I turn the the catcher standing next to me and tell him, "Ask me the question." After repeating this, he finally asks if the SS caught the ball in flight. I tell him, no problem, I'll check with my partner. My partner has the ball hitting the ground. After they got the 3rd out on the next batter, F4 tells me we got the call right. R1 echoes his sentiments.

Guess who the lead-off batter was in the bottom of the inning? That's right, the SS who has been known to be a royal pain in the tail. Every game and play is like we were in game 7 of the World Series. He is running at the mouth about how terrible every umpire in the world was, especially me. It got so bad, the opposing catcher started on him to give it a rest.

I figured there would be some things said, but I expected it as the play was close and without the players and my partner telling me so, I would still be wondering whether the ball hit the ground or not. I'm willing to give the players a little room in situations like that. Second pitch is a liner to RC, easily grabbed by F9. My new best friend picks up his bat, proceeds with the obligatory "you suck" and "I'll see you in the parking lot" bit which got him tossed. Actually, the first statement got him tossed, the second one may get him a little extra suspension time at the beginning of next season.

When I asked for a substitute, guess what? That's right, no more players. They wasted all their subs earlier in the game. Now, not only am I blind and the best defender for the other team, I am the reason people don't like to play ball any more. Go figure.

And they wonder why we have a hard time getting umpires to work their games.