Unsportsmanlike Conduct ejection

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by WestMichiganBlue
Seems like an unfair, or narrow application of a penalty. An out can only be called on a batter or runner elgible to be put out. What about the runner put out at 1B who then flings his helmet into CF? What about the on-deck batter that has a few choices words for the umpire? Or any defensive player, on the field, or in the dugout? What if a defensive and offensive player tangle and take a couple swings at each other? Each player is ejected, but the offensive team takes a bigger hit for they get an additional penalty.

What would you do in the following scenario? Home team up by a run, last of the 7th, visitors have bases loaded and 2 outs. Hot head Charlie, coming back to 1st base after the the pitch, is bumped by F3 Sly Sylvester. A couple words, a little pushing, and then they are swinging. You eject them both, call an out on Charlie - inning's over, that's game. Sly's team pulls out a victory.

WMB

Unfair? Narrow application? Until now, you had NOTHING! Personally, I liked the interpretation the way it was just fine, but it's not my job to ignore what I have been told. Why don't we just rule out and eject everyone who looks at us cross-eyed?

Part of being an umpire is to be a bit more intelligent than the participants when it comes to the application of the rules.

Your scenario could bring a variety of responses. Being the good umpire that we are, we will see Sly Syl try to start trouble or hear the exchange or words and in a loud, commanding voice will instruct them to "KNOCK IT OFF!" After that, the first swing is the first ejected. Retaliation is the next to go. If reactions are simultaneous, they both get dumped at the same time. Any additional teammates in the fray will drop in order of participation. And, no, I'm not stepping in to try to break it up.

When it's over, I ask for the substitutes. If both teams can legally cover the positions in the BO, then game on. If not, the team that comes up short loses the game. If neither have enough substitutes, that then becomes the league or tournament director's problem, as the game is over.

If you think that is unfair to either team, TOUGH! If they believe it should be different, maybe they shouldn't let Hothead Charlie play for their team. And if pulling off his little stunt helps his team win a game is what make's Sylvester sly, so be it. Protecting idiots from themselves is not part of our job.