Coach asking you for help?

[David Emerling]

Originally posted by Coach D
I agree that a catcher should be the one to ask. However if your dealing with 10 to 12 year old catchers you will probably get the shoulder shrug. I think this all boils down to a coach wanting a little conversation with the official. A coach can tell,sitting on his bucket, whether his pitcher is tipping her change up. A good coach knows if his pitchers balls are breaking or not.(no pun intended).

And if a 10-12 yr old catcher can't tell, then neither can a 10-12 batter. So what difference would it then make whether the pitcher is tipping her pitches or not?

I think you're right - I would interpret this conversation as the coach trying to "suck up" to the umpire by trying to inflate the umpire's ego. The coach is creating the impression that he VALUES the umpire's assessment and opinion. Seldom does the coach need, nor want, any tactical help from the umpire.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

[Edited by David Emerling on Dec 11th, 2005 at 08:39 AM]