Can I vent?. . . and then get opinions

[gsf23]

Originally Posted by JPRempe

If someone has a question about the strike zone, I either refer them to the 2007 ASA Regs/Rules/Umps book, or just state the wording of the rule to them.

On a little side script, I always enjoy it when a player says something to the effect of "How can you call that a strike? It landed right here" - as the batter is pointing to a spot in the dirt.

I respond with "Yep, it sure did".

And I always respond with "yes it landed here, but the strike zone is up here.." and motion to the area above the plate.

[NCASAUmp]

Jesus... Maybe his screen name should be "justcallmeblackandblue" with the way everyone's been beating up on him. Sure, it wasn't the best question in the world, but it most certainly wasn't the worst...

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Jesus... Maybe his screen name should be "justcallmeblackandblue" with the way everyone's been beating up on him. Sure, it wasn't the best question in the world, but it most certainly wasn't the worst...

The point is, it was an extremely unprofessional question for one professing to be a fellow umpire.

What it demonstrates is that he has not fully embraced the profession of umpiring, and still views himself primarily as a player where softball is concerned.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

The point is, it was an extremely unprofessional question for one professing to be a fellow umpire.

What it demonstrates is that he has not fully embraced the profession of umpiring, and still views himself primarily as a player where softball is concerned.

Yes. And no. To those of us more experienced and more seriously entrenched, obviously a wrong question. It is only "extremely unprofessional" in that context; I suspect it is more an unknowing faux pas to him. He hasn't indicated pride in his actions and insisted it wasn't wrong, like so many others who insist they are right in face of overwhelming opposition. He asked if he was wrong to do it; he has been told over and over it was wrong.

About two years ago, I had a "broomstick up the a$$" partner tell me it was "extremely unprofessional" for me to suggest during a top level D1 NCAA pregame that we really didn't hope to need the tiebreaker; this was in the NCAA Leadoff Classic, the game was starting 1:00 late because I had just completed an 11 inning plate game. Probably not the most professional thing I have ever said, but I really smarted and begrudged the unnecessarily harsh comment. That phrase really hurts when you care.

On the other hand, I got to watch and laugh when she made a total fool of herself in that year's (2006) WCWS. But, she got there, I won't (that hurts, too).

I suggest we stop short of where we have gotten in this thread, and go back to " yes, don't do that".

[tcblue13]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

On the other hand, I got to watch and laugh when she made a total fool of herself in that year's (2006) WCWS. But, she got there, I won't (that hurts, too).

Why not??