Plate Conference

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by JefferMC

Someone really needs to tell some people south of "the border."

You mean that place just off I-95?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

You mean that place just off I-95?

Say hi to Pedro

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Say hi to Pedro

Been there many a time. It was sort of a regional requisite back in the day, much in the same way that the Czech Stop in West is for Texans today.

[JefferMC]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

You mean that place just off I-95?

Is that place still in business? That's a bit east for me.

And, Irish, I did look it up when Dave stated it was an ASA rule.

But as Dakota points out, you're going to have trouble calling that first pitch a ball or a strike while standing at the backstop pushing the button. (Can we call that the "KitchenAid stance?") I suspect one or two umpires add a minute to allow for the time it takes to get everyone on the field, but I know from observation that most of them do not.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by JefferMC

Is that place still in business? That's a bit east for me.

I think so. Wife and I drove by it in October or November when we went to Florida, and it was still open then.

Originally Posted by JefferMC

And, Irish, I did look it up when Dave stated it was an ASA rule.

But as Dakota points out, you're going to have trouble calling that first pitch a ball or a strike while standing at the backstop pushing the button. (Can we call that the "KitchenAid stance?") I suspect one or two umpires add a minute to allow for the time it takes to get everyone on the field, but I know from observation that most of them do not.

I think it's better to push the button, walk back to the catcher, signal "play" and lose a few seconds than it is to lose a couple of minutes by starting the clock after the plate conference.

Sure, some coaches will hem and haw over those precious few seconds, but if they're that concerned, hire an actual scorekeeper to keep the clock (and a legitimate book, for that matter).

[JefferMC]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I think it's better to push the button, walk back to the catcher, signal "play" and lose a few seconds than it is to lose a couple of minutes by starting the clock after the plate conference.

Okay, now that you mention it, I have seen the rare Plate Umpire who does walk back and start the timer after the first pitch. But this is extremely rare.

Sure, some coaches will hem and haw over those precious few seconds, but if they're that concerned, hire an actual scorekeeper to keep the clock (and a legitimate book, for that matter).

Some volunteer scorekeepers are very conscientious and care about keeping a legitimate book. Granted, some are all about inflating their daughters stats and some just don't have a clue. But, there's bit of range in the quality of umpires, too.

[SRW]

We've hashed this out before. Go read all about why we don't like 'em.

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[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by JefferMC

Is that place still in business? That's a bit east for me.

And, Irish, I did look it up when Dave stated it was an ASA rule.

But as Dakota points out, you're going to have trouble calling that first pitch a ball or a strike while standing at the backstop pushing the button.

Which is why I have the BU keep the time.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Which is why I have the BU keep the time.

Does the BU still put the kitchen timer on the RF fence?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Does the BU still put the kitchen timer on the RF fence?

Of course, where the heck else is he going to put it?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Of course, where the heck else is he going to put it?

I'm sure some people here can tell him where to put it...