I am dealing with what happens between the fences. The dugout is between the fences.

You may remember a few years ago when the following paragraph was included in 10.9:

A. Players, coaches, managers or other team members will not make disparaging or insulting remarks to or about opposing players, official or spectators or commit other acts that could be considered unsportsmanlike.

I have no idea why it was removed from the rules and not exactly happy that it was. However, just because it was omitted from the umpire section when the book was "overhauled" doesn't make the cheers, chants, etc. any less unsportsmanlike.

Actually, it's a rare occasion that I see this happen, but if it does. Would you permit a runner to go behind a SS and scream "I got it" to see the SS move away and let the ball drop?

So to continue this wondrous thread re: spectators.

2-2 game. 2-2 count. Pitch comes in six inches inside...where the line would be if we had a batter's box. I call a ball.

3-2 count. Same pitch, same location, Ball 4. Bases loaded.

Next batter, first pitch right down the middle. Batter lines it off the pitcher's stomach. Pitcher goes down in a heap. I kill it, give all runners one base. Pitcher is eventually ok.

Mother comes down behind the backstop.

"If you'd call that F*ing pitch on the inside corner my daughter wouldn't get hurt."

I didn't know whether to direct her to the parking lot for ignorance -- no one's gonna line an inside pitch sharply and directly back to the pitcher -- or for the f bomb, but I ran her just as swiftly as I would a coach. TD escorts her away.

Of course coach comes to me between innings. "Yeah, we've had problems with her for two years, but her daughter's a helluva pitcher..."

Now youre talking about something totally different. An active attempt by a player to mess up an individual play is MUCH different than a team chanting a chant about a new pitcher from a dugout..... One is an issue... one isnt....

Well, Darrell, we are just going to have to disagree on this one. AFAIC, the players should not be addressing the opponent in any negative manner or in an effort to distract.

AFA the "swing", ever hear of verbal obstruction? Yeah, it is a tough call, but it is one that can be made. Ever have a runner hesitate or stop when the catcher screams "foul" while you are standing on the line pointing fair?

IMJ, same thing.

Lost It
 

I was BU. R1 on 3rd. Passed ball we have a close play at the plate. My partner comes up with an "OUT". The fans are pretty close to the backstop. They all start shouting at my partner-he loses it and starts yelling at them about the play. :eek:
It was bizarre. It was pretty hot around here this weekend so I'll cut him a break,that and he is a really good umpire who had a not so good moment.

Just thought I would mention it in honor of this thread....

You know, like player, umpires occasionally need to "clear" the dirt from the bottom of their shoes. It's amazing how well-suited the backstop is for such a task. :D

Apparently, it does. If the rule isn't there, how can you enforce it?

"In my judgment"