First game
of the year I was umpiring the bases. At the completion of the top half of the
first inning I approached the pitcher as he was walking off the diamond. I wanted to let him know from the set when he
came to a stop, his glove was above his chin and that is considered a balk in
high school baseball.
This is one
balk seldom called, but rather than a pitcher not knowing and having a balk
called on him in a playoff game, this was a perfect non-league game to help
educate a player. The player thanked me and went to the dugout.
The bottom
of the first inning now with the visiting pitcher on the mound, from the set he
also had his glove above his chin when he came to a stop. At the end of the inning I repeated the same
information in the same manner to the pitcher but with just the opposite
effect.
This pitcher
became defensive and was not receptive. Soon I see his head coach approaching and
asks what is going on. I informed him what his pitcher was doing wrong and let
him know I was simply providing rule information. The coach first asked, “When
did this become a rule?” As we parted, it was clear he was upset that I had
even brought this rule to their attention.
One inning
later I’m in the A position as the base assistant coach approaches and
immediately begins a loud negative assault at me related to me providing information.
I immediately shut him down without an ejection and with no further comments
throughout the remainder of the game.
This umpire’s
afterthoughts: 1. I should have told the
head coach I had previously given the other pitcher the same information. This
may or may not have reduced his concerns. 2. In this instance, I experienced
small grief for providing what I thought would be helpful information. As
umpires we are trained to limit information, for this very reason. 3. As
umpires and coaches when we are quick to pre-judge or assume the worst, we can miss
opportunities to become better.
Jim
Bettencourt, NCOA, RCOA, Baseball Rules in Black and White
