My balloon protector is going with me tomorrow

[JPaco54]

I too have been hit many times due to a catcher's inability to catch. I don't recall any rules that I can encourage a coach to change up the catcher or force the coach to change the catcher. I have thought about calling the plate from behind the pitcher, 'cause I am not going to get beat up by all those missed balls. One post stated unsportsmanlike conduct. Can one justify that by rule? Or are there any other rules that we can use to protect us to Ump another day.

[AtlUmpSteve]

In my opinion, you can only use unsportsmanlike conduct if you believe the player or coach is making no effort to field the position reasonably. It is not unsportsmanlike conduct to simply be incapable of protecting the umpire; it is unsportsmanlike conduct to not make a reasonable effort.

If they are that incapable, I believe you are justified in making the adjustments to your mechanics that you believe are appropriate; that may be backing up, it may be calling from behind the pitcher, it may require more protective equipment (how about a 4x8 sheet of plywood with cutout eyeholes??). You are only justified in encouraging a change if the catcher is making no effort; you are justified in treating lack of effort the same as intentionally allowing or causing us to get injured.

[wadeintothem]

Thats about as reasonable a response as I've heard..

Unfortunately the powers that be believe I am a human back stop.

Thats not happening though, I need to work M-F.

[bniu]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

The singular worst tournament I can remember in a long time and the cause was simple.

3 games with a horrible catcher. The coach would NOT pull her, at one point I did lose it. I am injured. I got hurt pretty good 3 times where I am in pain even as I type. In two games hit about 25 times. She couldnt catch a ball to save her life. If I get the unlucky draw tomorrow of this attrocious catcher, I'm using the balloon. It was terrible. It ruined the game for me and them. I told them repeatedly they needed a new catcher. "OH shes a good catcher just having a bad day".

Shes not a good catcher. She had no mechanics of a good catcher. Even the pitches she accidentally caught were not caught with any skill or proper technique. She couldnt block the ball. She would set up outside and while I was dumb enough to stay in the slot I would take the inside shot somewhere.. because she couldnt catch it.

Total bull crap and I actually felt disrespected.. that they would leave me to get hurt just to keep their crappy catcher in. After awhile I could hear the parents even laugh a little when I would get hit. "Oh he got hit again." I was seeing red. I did threaten to eject her... but i didnt.

And, I even feel sorry for the catcher. Someone has put it in her head she can catch or she wants to catch and the simple fact of the matter is she cannot play that position. They should move her. She probably feels horrible about herself tonight and thats not fair to her.. and me. I got a M-F job, I cant be devastated by taking 25 shots in 2 games. That coach needs to pull her head out of her rectum.

Just had to vent a little.

here's a trick, if it's cold, buy a set of football player pants (yes football player pants) and you can tuck thigh pads in there and knee pads if u want. Then put on soccer shin guards and then place your regular shin guards over the soccer shin guards, and put your extra large plate pants over all that. Now you are double protected and even have thigh protection. For upper body, wear a jacket and put on elbow pads and forearm pads (your jacket will conceal all of it). Of course, steel toed shoes, throad guard for your facemask or the hockey mask. wear the inner protector and the balloon protector, now you are more machine than man! haha! That should get you really well protected and keep you warm sometimes in extreme cold weather, I keep my chest protector and shin guards on when I'm doing bases (jacket conceals the protector and shin guards are hidden under my combo pants. All I need to do is flip my ball bag inside my pants and I'm all set. No one will know that I didn't bother to change and I get to stay warm! Needless to say, I LOVE umpiring in cold weather! just throw on the jacket and go, no need to worry about shirts coming untucked, etc...

[CajunNewBlue]

Having done a bit of fast pitch wreck ball and taking my share of shots from both types of catchers (ones that are inable and the ones that wont make the effort)
Whats wrong with standing up and calling pitches from outside the normal position? (like 5 feet left of the slot on a right handed batter)
Nothing in the "rules" say we have to stand in the slot and be a human shooting gallery target, and the butt of the joke (coz thats what it is, a JOKE) of course the manual gives us all kinds of tidbits on where and how to stand during a "normal" game.
I'm not saying ive done it, but i have thought seriously about it. especially last night!!

I mean it is safety FIRST? isnt it?

This would send both coaches a strong message and protect the umpire at the same time. (because, you KNOW they have someone either riding the pine or out in right field that can freaking catch just fine!)

And you "purists".. dont gimme yer crap about protecting the "integrity" of the game. because once someone giggles and says "ooooh!! look, he got hit again" that chit is out the window!!

[wadeintothem]

Well there are going to be those that absolutely think its your job to be a human back stop and "thats what the equipment is for"... As if we are wearing a suit of armor.

[CajunNewBlue]

well aren't they the shining example of stupidity.... yeah, i said it!!

[CajunNewBlue]

Originally Posted by bniu

here's a trick, if it's cold, buy a set of football player pants (yes football player pants) and you can tuck thigh pads in there and knee pads if u want. Then put on soccer shin guards and then place your regular shin guards over the soccer shin guards, and put your extra large plate pants over all that. Now you are double protected and even have thigh protection. For upper body, wear a jacket and put on elbow pads and forearm pads (your jacket will conceal all of it). Of course, steel toed shoes, throad guard for your facemask or the hockey mask. wear the inner protector and the balloon protector, now you are more machine than man! haha! That should get you really well protected and keep you warm sometimes in extreme cold weather, I keep my chest protector and shin guards on when I'm doing bases (jacket conceals the protector and shin guards are hidden under my combo pants. All I need to do is flip my ball bag inside my pants and I'm all set. No one will know that I didn't bother to change and I get to stay warm! Needless to say, I LOVE umpiring in cold weather! just throw on the jacket and go, no need to worry about shirts coming untucked, etc...

Come to louisiana or texas and wear that stuff... its ok i will take your plate and your fee after about 10 minutes.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CajunNewBlue

Come to louisiana or texas and wear that stuff... its ok i will take your plate and your fee after about 10 minutes.

But if he wears that, he will be expected to attend church since he is dressed for it

[CajunNewBlue]

hrmmm.... just waiting to to find out if wade used his raft or what.

[scottk_61]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

The singular worst tournament I can remember in a long time and the cause was simple.

3 games with a horrible catcher. The coach would NOT pull her, .

I once did and ISF event with a catcher who was much like you describe, the Canuck Nat team was trying a new girl in the F2 slot.

After 4 hard shots in the identical area with her never putting a glove on the ball, I told the coach to give me a new catcher.
You guessed it, I heard all the same trype you did but I said "too bad" new catcher or no game.
I can't call a game if I am beat up.
Invoked the ISF version of rule 10 and got a new catcher.
As I left the field, Henry and Merle were waiting for me, and I figured I was pretty much sunk until I told them what and why I had done.
I will never forget Merle's response, "what are you explaing for, you did it by the rules."
Henry just laughed at me and said that was what I got for eating all the prime rib the night before. (You gotta understand I am 6'5" and at the time weighed in at about 320).
Don't be afraid to make a call and if you aren't really sure how the UIC wants it dealt with, have a talk with them before hand.
I have been at two Nationals where I saw plate guys in the same position who talked to the UIC beforehand and it was dealt with quietly and effectively.
Just because you were a protector doesn't mean you have to be beat up in a game. It is there for protection, not as a backstop.