Cleaning the pitchers Plate

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I just take my time and use the brush.

Now, if the dirt and plate are wet , I may use my feet to get large clumps of dirt off the plate, but will then go to my short-bristled brush to get the rest of the dirt off. And, yes, I do carry a scraper for the muddy days (which, BTW, I abhor).

Between innings where the rain is light, but enough to clump and color the plate, I often kick some of the surrounding dirt on top of it (provided I have enough dry dirt around). Then, swirl my foot on it, then brush it off. Otherwise, the plate becomes completely indistinguishable from the rest of the field, even if I scrape it, kick it, everything short of powerwashing it. Been there, done that, didn't work! Carolina clay just doesn't come off easily.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Between innings where the rain is light, but enough to clump and color the plate, I often kick some of the surrounding dirt on top of it (provided I have enough dry dirt around). Then, swirl my foot on it, then brush it off. Otherwise, the plate becomes completely indistinguishable from the rest of the field, even if I scrape it, kick it, everything short of powerwashing it. Been there, done that, didn't work! Carolina clay just doesn't come off easily.

Up here in the drizzle, I will find some dry (usually about an eighth of an inch below the surface) and brush it up on the plate...and use that to dry the plate. Cleans it up and more importantly dries it up.

BTW...up here we must also have some folks who use their shirts to clean the PP -- just judging from the looks of their shirts.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Otherwise, the plate becomes completely indistinguishable from the rest of the field,

And an umpire should have a problem with that why?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

And an umpire should have a problem with that why?

I'm not referring to the PP, I'm referring to Home Plate. And one of my (many) jobs is to keep it clean.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I'm not referring to the PP, I'm referring to Home Plate. And one of my (many) jobs is to keep it clean.

Yeah, so am I. If the plate becomes indistinguishable from the rest of the field, how can anyone argue how wide your strike zone may be? Sort of like the lines of the BB. If I cannot see them, well.......

[Steve M]

No problem with that rant, Scott. I have to admit that my former district uic used to say just about the same thing regarding cleaning the pitcher's plate - "I don't do that 'cuz then I might see something."

Now, that's not how I work - but it is how I worked for a few years, until I got serious and the games I worked.

If it's a scrimmage or JV type of game I'm working, I'll stop the game & explain why something was not a legal pitch. Any other kind of game, I'll call the illegal pitch the first time it's seen - regardless of the inning or game conditions.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Yeah, so am I. If the plate becomes indistinguishable from the rest of the field, how can anyone argue how wide your strike zone may be? Sort of like the lines of the BB. If I cannot see them, well.......

Perhaps, but that also has the tendency to look a bit lazy. Everyone looks around for HP, wondering, "why doesn't that lazy bum of an ump get out and clean it?"

The fact that I keep it clean when possible earns a little more respect from the players. I often joke with the rec league players who slide into HP that they owe me a Shop-Vac.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

The goal is to get the plate clean.
The means is immaterial.

This doesn't surprise me.

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Perhaps, but that also has the tendency to look a bit lazy. Everyone looks around for HP, wondering, "why doesn't that lazy bum of an ump get out and clean it?"

The fact that I keep it clean when possible earns a little more respect from the players. I often joke with the rec league players who slide into HP that they owe me a Shop-Vac.

I see the wink, but I still think you lack a sense of humor.

[jimpiano]

This doesn't surprise me.


What's next, the Mike Rowe Order for entering the field for the pre-game meeting of the PU and the BU and the coaches?

An anxious softball nation wants to know.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I see the wink, but I still think you lack a sense of humor.

This is my serious face. Can't you see I'm serious?

Just kidding, Mike. I actually did get it when I first read it, but didn't want others without a sense of humor to actually take you seriously.