Warn First? Or Just Eject?

[Texas Aggie]

"You. Are. AWFUL!"

I don't do softball anymore, but that's an automatic (fill in the penalty) in any sport. The only thing I might add is that I will under no circumstances let a player or coach get away with heavy gestures -- like you described with throwing up the hands. Talking with the hands or pointing back at something else is one thing; gesturing is another entirely. "Get the hands down; there will be no gestures..." and then deal with it appropriately if it happens again. You guys on the diamond might be a little more lenient than I am, but don't let it go too far.

In my view, whether an ejection is quick or not is irrelevant. The question is: was it deserved. Here, it clearly was.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

You showed a little restraint. I would have tossed him as soon as he remarked my strike zone being the size of a postage stamp.

Yup, I agree. I'm not going to let a player neuter me like that.

[constable]

I made the switch from softball to hardball. I also do basketball. I concur. You tell me I'm awful and you're done.

I actually had someone say to me in a baseball game this summer

HC " You don't even know who's call it is- you're awful"
Me" You're outta here"
HC' At least I was in the game in the first place"
Me" Well I'm still here- get going"

I don't put up with personal attacks, neither should you. I too probably woulda dumped him with the postage stamp remark.

[chymechowder]

thanks for the responses. KJ, good point with your question. I think the reason I didn't toss him on the postage stamp line was that I was partially shocked to be hearing what was being said. we've never had anything close to that, arguments-wise.

the league still hasn't ruled on his appeal. (he appealed the automatic 1-game suspension that, if upheld, will keep him out of the first playoff game next week.)

[IRISHMAFIA]

You wouldn't believe how often I have issued an "arguing balls and strikes" warning this year prior to the 3rd inning, often in the 1st.

It seems to get the point across early and effectively.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by chymechowder

the league still hasn't ruled on his appeal. (he appealed the automatic 1-game suspension that, if upheld, will keep him out of the first playoff game next week.)

For that BS? I hope they give him 3 games just for appealing it. I know they won't, but it's still wishful thinking.

If you act like a d0uchebag, man up and admit it. Don't appeal it, admit it.

[senorazul]

sooner is alway better than later...nips everything....

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by senorazul

sooner is alway better than later...nips everything....

Sí, estoy de acuerdo, Mr. Blue.

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by chymechowder

thanks for the responses. KJ, good point with your question. I think the reason I didn't toss him on the postage stamp line was that I was partially shocked to be hearing what was being said. we've never had anything close to that, arguments-wise.

the league still hasn't ruled on his appeal. (he appealed the automatic 1-game suspension that, if upheld, will keep him out of the first playoff game next week.)

Don't be shocked...just ALWAYS expect the worse from these rats. Like the large number of experienced veteran umpires on this forum, I never go looking for trouble on the field, but I always expect it to (and am never surprised when it does) rear it's ugly head. When it does I deal with it. Doesn't mean it always results in an EJ....but you need to let them no what kind if sh** you're not going to tolerate.
Over time (you've only been at this 5 years), they'll learn that you're not the kind of umpire to pull that kind of BS on. BTW...that last statement is only true if you are the kind of ump who works hard every game by looking and carrying yourself in a confident professional manner. That you hustle, display crisp mechanics and good positioning on every call. That you show you have a firm grasp of the rules and a through understanding of their intent and application in game situations. That you display couarge, confidence and conviction in your calls and decisions.
Good luck in your development as an umpire...sounds like you're already on the right track. Your question in your OP was a good one, and something that all young umpires have to learn how to handle.