Weird or maddening "mechanics"

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by jmkupka

Every time there is a pitching change, I'm always watching my partner (BU or PU), & thinking to myself, "please don't, please don't"...

If I were an OC and had an umpire do this, I'm sure I'd have words with him.

Speaking of OCs. Two weeks ago in an girls' ASA FP tournament, I was on the Plate and Mark, Jr., was on the Bases. in a 10U game.

Red Team (who is the Visiting team and is losing) makes a pitching change during the inning. The new F1 comes in and takes her five warm-up pitches while her HC stands next to her during her warm-up pitches. After F1 finishes warming up her HC continues to stand next to the Pitching Circle. I tell the HC we are ready to play and our conversation goes as follows:

Defensive (Red) HC: Aren't you going to tell her what the situation is?

Me: What?

Red HC: Aren't you going to tell her where the runners are and how many outs there are?

Me: No. You need to leave the field now Coach.

Red HC: But that is your job.

Me: No, that is your job. (She is now just outside her dugout gate.) I am not her coach, you are.

Offensive (White) HC (from the 3B Coaching Box): Yes it is your job.

Me (to White HC): That is enough because you are not part of this conversation.

Red HC: See! She even knows you are not doing your job.

Mark, Jr.: Time! Game over. Time limit has been reached.

There is nothing like a long conversation on a very hot afternoon when the time limit is close at hand.

MTD, Sr.