Fun suggestion.........

[surf24]

how about (in slowpitch) the catchers can not be bigger than the umpire.

Last night, one guy kept (I am sure it was intentional) staying between me and "the zone". I finally told him, "if I can't see the zone I'm not calling strikes." He took the hint and found a spot to "land."

Any of you ever have to do that? Just curious.......I did a search and didn't find where this was dicussed.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[surf24]

Originally Posted by argodad

Let's see. First movie I took my wife to. 1974. Something tells me that Surf is a little younger than we are.

It is not that I am young, it is that I do not really care to watch tv or movies.

Originally Posted by Az.Ump

I guess the Monty Python stuff is out too.

Well, he's...he's, ah...probably pining for the fjords.

Paul

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.

poor horse

Originally Posted by 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.

THIS sounds like a very fun way to get them out of my way. haha

Originally Posted by Dakota

this failed for me.....haha

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. 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...

LOL. Nope I can not be accused of being tall. As with everything -- there is always that one "guy" (or person) that is going to test you, etc. This instance was "that guy", and I dealt with it.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

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

haha......no..........this is funny though.


I did start this thread just for a little fun side of umpiring. A little history is that I have actually run a fund raising tournament for my local Special Olympics and umpired that for years. My local complex just finally talked me into coming on board and umpiring for them and getting my certification--which I also think will lend more credence to my big tourney I do each year. I am still very much a player. In fact I played 15 games last week as well as umpiring a couple of nights.

Don't any of the rest of you still play?