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Interactions between Umpires, Catchers, and Hitters

G GFK10+ posts
My son is a 9 YO catcher playing modified OBR (open bases, lead offs, dropped third strike). As a catcher, he will interact with the umpire more than anyone else on the team. What are some of the do’s and don’ts with respect to interaction between the catcher and umpire? Also, what are some of the do’s and don’ts with respect to interaction between the hitter and umpire? I purposely left the questions as vague as possible because you will think of things he needs to know that I will not even think to ask. (Come on guys, here is your chance to give some input to better your portion of the game and help a player to develop.)
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LonBlue67LonBlue67100+ posts
as long as he ends every sentence with "Yes, m'lord", we'll get along fine Big Grin


but seriously, I wouldnt expect much interaction w a catcher at this age, because as a PU Im looking for the catcher to manage his pitcher (on my behalf, somewhat, if its required). I wouldnt expect a 9 YO to be managing pitchers. I might ask him about the latest SpongeBob episode, and how Squidward is doing these days.

I do HS ball and I dont mind being friendly or making a few comments about game goings-on and such, as long as game management is not compromised.
I know umpires that make a big deal out of knowing all the catchers in the area and giving them big briefings on what they want them to do/not do, but I dont operate that way. I assume they are competent unless proven otherwise, and if I need them to manage the pitcher I'll tell them on a case by case basis.
Last edited by LonBlue67
FungoFungoHighly Regarded and Beloved Old Timer
Do's and don't for a catcher. I always like it when the catcher shakes hands with the ump at the start of the game. But from that point on all this interaction depends on the attitude of the ump. Most umps don't mind a little verbal exchange with the catcher as long as the catcher NEVER looks at him and leaves his mask on. The catcher should always show concern for the ump when the ump takes a foul tip to the body. Call time and walk out to the mound to give the ump time to clear his head. Don't try to frame obvious balls ---- frame the close strikes but not too long. A good catcher will normally get the borderline strikes which could mean the difference in a close game.

Interaction between the hitter and the ump??? There should be NO interaction between the hitter and the ump in my opinion.
Fungo
L larrythompson500+ posts
I want my catcher speaking to the umpire when:

1. A ball gets by the catcher and hits the ump (sorry sir)!

2. Turns to ask for timeout to visit the pitcher.

3. When the umpire speaks to him first.

I want my hitter speaking to the umpire when:

1. He swings at a pitch and misses (would that have been a strike if I didn't swing?)


I have witnessed the diminishing respect players have for umpires over the years, and I think some of it has to do with kids being given the latitude to speak to umpires at an early age.

A kid that played for me about 8 years ago...2nd game into the season (his first season with me). Ump calls strike 3 on a pitch a little outside. Player draws a line in the dirt for the umpire. The only thing that saved him from getting tossed was me running down the 3rd base line screaming at him to get in the dugout. I removed the player immediately from the game. Ump told me he was glad I did it, cause he was getting ready to toss the player. Violation in our league for getting tossed, you sit out the next game. Player and his parents probably are still ****ed at me, but don't realize junior would have sat out of the next game had I not intervened.
Michael S. TaylorMichael S. Taylor1,000+ posts
As a young catcher I suspect he is going to be busy just doing his job. Any interaction will lead by the ump. I personally like to have a good time with catchers but some don't like that. Some umps don't like to talk to players. It's really a case by case thing. In 32 yrs aI have only found a few catchers that I flat didn't like. two were at the HS level and were nowhere near as good as they like to think they were.
A archangel10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by larrythompson:
I want my catcher speaking to the umpire when:

1. A ball gets by the catcher and hits the ump (sorry sir)!

2. Turns to ask for timeout to visit the pitcher.

3. When the umpire speaks to him first.

I want my hitter speaking to the umpire when:

1. He swings at a pitch and misses (would that have been a strike if I didn't swing?)


I have witnessed the diminishing respect players have for umpires over the years, and I think some of it has to do with kids being given the latitude to speak to umpires at an early age.

A kid that played for me about 8 years ago...2nd game into the season (his first season with me). Ump calls strike 3 on a pitch a little outside. Player draws a line in the dirt for the umpire. The only thing that saved him from getting tossed was me running down the 3rd base line screaming at him to get in the dugout. I removed the player immediately from the game. Ump told me he was glad I did it, cause he was getting ready to toss the player. Violation in our league for getting tossed, you sit out the next game. Player and his parents probably are still ****ed at me, but don't realize junior would have sat out of the next game had I not intervened.


I'm sure your intention was meant well, but I would be unhappy w/my partner running in to deal with "my" batter, and my call. Would you have done the same for any player?- or just one you had coached? The kid deserved to get tossed, and learn a lesson. Not sure you did him, or his future games umps, a favor....
StyleMismatchStyleMismatch100+ posts
Another slightly different question, but not too far off topic:

How much interaction is tolerated between a catcher and batter? I'm talking about the catcher trying to get on the hitter's nerves. Things like:

Catcher talking to himself as the pitch is delivered ("Yup, here comes the heat. He's got his stuff today........")

Catcher telling the batter knock-knock jokes while he's getting ready for a pitch.

Catcher yelling "SWING !!!" as the pitch comes in.

I've seen all of the above and don't care for it. I'm just wondering at what point most umpires would tell the catcher to knock it off?
P pilsner500+ posts
quote:
Catcher talking to himself as the pitch is delivered ("Yup, here comes the heat. He's got his stuff today........")


"OK catch, knock it off."

quote:
Catcher telling the batter knock-knock jokes while he's getting ready for a pitch.


"OK catch, knock-knock it off."

quote:
Catcher yelling "SWING !!!" as the pitch comes in.


"This is your warning catch. If you do that again you'll be knock-knockin' the rest of the game on the bench."
Last edited by pilsner
T T-Rex10+ posts
I work mainly the lower level youth league games, coach pitch and the first level of kid pitch. I try to limit my interactions with the catcher, and especially the batters. I do find that from time to time I do have to help catchers as their coaches seem to be forgetting them.

I have had catchers who in the middle of a play are returning the bat to the offensive dugout, catchers who stand in the middle of the plate while the ball is in the outfield and runners are trying to score. This past weekend I had a catcher who told the first batter of the game to strike out, "You can go back to the dugout. You're out."

I try to only give direction in these instances. I can see the value of having some level of communication in older leagues, but don't see much point in the games I work, as catcher's rotate to other positions throughout the game at this age still.
piaa_umppiaa_ump5,000+ posts
I want my interactions wwith my catchers to be cordial. They dont have to be nice, but pleasant is welcome. I will exchange a bit of back and forth with the older level catchers.

I want those things we all want....but admire hustle, knowing when to throw the ball down without being told and staying still...

I do not tolerate smack talk between batters and catchers.....not a word...
catcher09catcher091,000+ posts
Many times a coach will ask the catcher where the ball was on a close ball call. My son always supports the unpire - outside/inside/low/etc. Never show up the Ump.

The catcher's primary job is to make sure the man in blue trusts him that he will block just about everything.

The best chest protector for an ump is a great catcher. A catcher like that will get you more strikes then the best framing of pitches or any other BSing or whatever.

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