Fun suggestion.........

[NCASAUmp]

I've made similar statements to catchers, minus the part about not calling strikes.

I just tell them, "catch, you can be where you are, but you're taking me out of the game here because I can't see jack."

A catcher worth his/her salt will figure it out.

[surf24]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I've made similar statements to catchers, minus the part about not calling strikes.

I just tell them, "catch, you can be where you are, but you're taking me out of the game here because I can't see jack."

A catcher worth his/her salt will figure it out.

Well, truthfully, I said, "if I can' see.....I can't call strikes." Wrong wording......but you get the idea I see.

Plus, you know those big guys are dangerous.!!!!!!!! I got stepped on and backhanded. Both accidents, but seriously HOW DO YOU FORGET THE OFFICIAL IS THERE?

[MD Longhorn]

I've done this at a lot of levels - especially that 12U catcher that likes to stand up suddenly as the ball's coming in. "Catch, if I don't see it cross the strike zone, it's a ball." And if that doesn't work, "Catch, when you stand up suddenly, I can't see the ball ... and if I can't see it cross the strike zone..." They usually get it then.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by surf24

Well, truthfully, I said, "if I can' see.....I can't call strikes." Wrong wording......but you get the idea I see.

Plus, you know those big guys are dangerous.!!!!!!!! I got stepped on and backhanded. Both accidents, but seriously HOW DO YOU FORGET THE OFFICIAL IS THERE?

It's easy to understand when they usually look and act like this guy:

[surf24]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

It's easy to understand when they usually look and act like this guy:

I can't see that. Is it a "little person?"

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by surf24

I can't see that. Is it a "little person?"

Nope. Think: Blazing Saddles, Candygram scene.

[surf24]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Nope. Think: Blazing Saddles, Candygram scene.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by surf24

Please tell me you've seen Blazing Saddles...

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by surf24

I can't see that. Is it a "little person?"

Karen,
Mongo is not quite a little guy. In that classic movie you have not yet seen, Mongo decks a horse.

[umpirebob71]

Instead of telling the catcher, casually mention to the ptcher as he is on his way back to the dugout, that you would love to be calling more strikes, but the catcher keeps blocking your view, so the pitches have to be called balls. Then just stand back and watch the show in the dugout. They really can be fun to watch.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Steve M

Karen,
Mongo is not quite a little guy. In that classic movie you have not yet seen, Mongo decks a horse.

[Dutch Alex]

Originally Posted by surf24

... Plus, you know those big guys are dangerous.!!!!!!!! I got stepped on and backhanded. Both accidents, but seriously HOW DO YOU FORGET THE OFFICIAL IS THERE?

Karen, as I read it (also between the lines / those words that are not written): You're not a tall, young, female umpire. You're still playing so you I guess you're also not well accepted in the group players as an respected umpire. The actions of the catcher you just discribed are good examples of this disrespect... All starting umpires are getting tested by the players and coaches. This is how it works and how one umpire gets the respect quick and others later or not at all...

I don't think that catcher forgot that you're there. Why do you think it was an accident? In FP a catcher can let the pitched ball hit the umpire full on the mask and still let it look like an accident. I took one there

We have also a tiny, younger, female umpire. In the lower TOP-league's (2nd & 3rd division) she's getting all the pain one can imagine. Unlucky she took it all personal last year, but this year she ain't taking no more crap from the coaches! Had her first ejection and is starting to gain some respect.

I know it ain't fair but it is as it is: The male umpires are getting their credits easier. Women have to work harder for the same thing. I don't know how you can change that but if you get the feeling you're tested, don't hesitate: ejection! "Testing the umpire" is an act of disrespect.
They'll learn to know you...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dutch Alex

Karen, as I read it (also between the lines / those words that are not written): You're not a tall, young, female umpire.

So you're saying she is a short, old male umpire?

You're still playing so you I guess you're also not well accepted in the group players as an respected umpire.

Actually, in SP community, it is like dealing with children. They will believe their peer before anyone of authority not matter how ludicrous is it. If they know you are a player, you are going to be believed before an umpire who is no longer playing the game or place umpiring first. Unfortunately, some of these "active" umpires tend to be reluctant to enforce some rules.

actions of the catcher you just discribed are good examples of this disrespect... All starting umpires are getting tested by the players and coaches. This is how it works and how one umpire gets the respect quick and others later or not at all...

I don't think the players are that smart. You want respect from the AA, just hustle and be where you are supposed to be (even though the players may think differently). And yes, when they cross the line don't be afraid to dump 'em. Just don't make that an habitual reaction.

[Dutch Alex]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So you're saying she is a short, old male umpire?

I know that you know what I meant... I also know that you know that the Queens English isn't even my second langue. So why do you want to make fun of me and my disabilities? (wanna get tossed???)

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Actually, in SP community, it is like dealing with children. They will believe their peer before anyone of authority not matter how ludicrous is it. If they know you are a player, you are going to be believed before an umpire who is no longer playing the game or place umpiring first. Unfortunately, some of these "active" umpires tend to be reluctant to enforce some rules.

So... what is different compaired to FP in this matter?

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I don't think the players are that smart. You want respect from the AA, just hustle and be where you are supposed to be (even though the players may think differently). And yes, when they cross the line don't be afraid to dump 'em. Just don't make that an habitual reaction.

AA = Ano...something Alcoholics?
Players are that smart... Well, no they're not smart. They just know by hart how to make us look like a fool. If we don't do what we're supposed to do and be where we're supposed to be. And when we are getting started as an umpire we make those mistakes frequently... And they take gladly advantage of that.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dutch Alex

I know that you know what I meant... I also know that you know that the Queens English isn't even my second langue. So why do you want to make fun of me and my disabilities? (wanna get tossed???)

If you heard the English they speak in the Queens........

Obviously, just kidding, but you knew that

So... what is different compaired to FP in this matter?

Mentality. See answer below.

AA = Ano...something Alcoholics?

Close.....it is the Alleged Adults that turn us umpires in to alcoholics!

Players are that smart... Well, no they're not smart. They just know by hart how to make us look like a fool. If we don't do what we're supposed to do and be where we're supposed to be. And when we are getting started as an umpire we make those mistakes frequently... And they take gladly advantage of that.

Which was the point of my post. Just do what YOU know you are supposed to do, not what the players think you are supposed to do. Too many new umpires will allow themselves to be talked into something especially if it is fellow players. An umpire who is not associated with the local players is going to follow what s/he was taught as an umpire.

A perfect example is with bases loaded in a one-umpire game and you have to make the calls at 2B & 1B from the holding zone on the 3B line. Don't know how many times I've been told by the players that I have to get out there to make that call. Well, no, I'm not leaving the plate anytime there is a possible play there. I would like to get closer to the plays I'm calling, but that is not the probper mechanic and I know better than the players. Meanwhile, some "buddy" umpire will get out in the middle of the infield for a play like that and be staring at 1B looking for the ball that was thrown to the plate instead. Oops!