How do you handle this

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Don't acknowledge his existence by giving him instruction during the play --- you have stuff to do. The instant play is over, eject the clown.

Why wait?

[war story]

Men's D States, loser's final. Two umpires the game, both with multiple NC with Excellent ratings. Defensive team resided in the dugout on the 1st base side of the field.

The umpires "camped out" on the side of a hill overlooking left field, so there were a handful of us watching the game, including the tournament UIC.

There is a play @ 1st where F3 never got a handle on the throw from F4 and scrambled across the bases trying to get possession of the ball as the BR is closing on the base. In scrambling for the ball, he stirs up a small dust storm. The BU moves toward the line to get a better view of F3 trying to pick-up the ball and obviously hasn't made a call yet.

This all happened pretty quick and the coach and sub came flying out of the dugout screaming at the BU for not making a call because the ball clearly beat the runner, but they did not see the ball on the ground.

PU who was dutifully trailing the runner sees them rush onto the field and before they get near the foul line has dumped both of them. The eventual call was "safe" as F3 never gained possession of the ball.

The LF who knew we were watching screams to us in shock that the PU ejected those two:

LF: He threw them out of the game!
Umpires: Yes, he did.
LF: It was a live ball!
Umpires: Yeah, it was.
LF: But he threw them out while it was a live ball!
Umpires: Yeah, he sure did.
LF: He can't do that!
Umpires: Oh, yeah, he can, he did and he was right.

As they were heading toward the parking lot, the player was pissed, but the coach just looked at us and said he couldn't believe we got ejected. I asked him if he understood why and he said, "Oh, yeah. He ejected us for running out on the field during a play. He was right, I just don't believe it." The player started to open his mouth and the coach told him to shut up and keep walking.

Sometimes I wonder if we should give them some of the money back when they provide such great entertainment.

[/war story]