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So my partner calls a VERY consistent game behind the plate in a very close game. He was leaving pitches up, down, in and out. In the top of the sixth and seventh the pitchers from the home team were just missing out of the strike zone on every pitch, he was still doing a great job. Then all the heckling started coming down on him, he remained consistent, doing a great job even still. In the sixth the visiting team ties it, and in the seventh, they go ahead 2 runs, the home team never comes back...game over home team loses by two. As we walked off (out of the winning teams gate) a few players from the home team are screaming out at my partner everything in the book. Then I made a big mistake that I will never do again, I went to the bathroom and let him go to his car ALONE. I have never been in a situation like this before and will NEVER do this again. I get out of the bathroom, where one fan was really letting me have it about said partner's "inconsistent" strike zone. After the bathroom I went to our cars to find two wonderful gentlemen letting my partner have it, partner does not say anything and I really had to bite my tongue to not say anything. I was thinking two of us 100 of them...not good odds at all....Oh, for the best part, I'm at the same field, same team, tonight for a doubleheader....oh those baseball Gods, you have to love them....
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quote:
Then I made a big mistake that I will never do again, I went to the bathroom and let him go to his car ALONE.


The best thing is about this situation is that you know you violated one of the cardinal rules of umpiring....so it wont happen again....

that being said.....you never leave a partner.........especially if you are the base umpire.....

One of the things I teach umpires is where and how to park at the game. You should never park in the lot with the fans...try parking on the other side of the field or across the street.....and back in to the parking space.....

That way you can dress behind the vehicle giving you some privacy and keeps any oncoming fan in front of you.

The base umpire should stand by while the plate man gets out of his gear. You should never pull out before he does.. if you feel there is a chance for hostility, then get in your vehicles and drive a mile or so away and then change.....

It is when changing you are at your most vulnerable.....a good partner gives you the heads up when oncoming trouble shows up and can divert it away.........

You cant control the fans, but you should be able to count on your partner. I would let your association know about the situation , but more to the point I would make sure your partner knows you didnt mean to leave him out there......
I have seen this before - maybe not as bad. What are people thinking - the Ump is going to say "oh your right", give me the scorebook and I will change everything.

Sometimes people are unreal....Once the game is over it is OVER. I would have your association call the coach as well - this is his responsibility!!!!!

PS: Im no angel, I will ride an Ump during a game but never after
quote:
I had a similar situation Thursday night, although not as bad. I called a LLSr game for dark.


Michael Taylor

I had a similar situation many years ago. Game is going on well pitchers are around the plate. should we play the last inning I discuss with my partner we figure 123 we are out of there home team winning by 3 visiting team bats scores 5 or 6 wouldnt you know it. Now we are in trouble it is tough to see. Weneed 1 2 3 real quick a walk an error now it is beyond being safe. Having hard time picking up the ball. I am home plate umpire. I call it. I am followed to my car by a parent of the visiting team yelling and screaming calling me this and that. I say nothing. Grttimn my gear off still saying nothing he is leting me have it. I urn around and say You just called me a (*&^% and a (*&&^% What would you have called me if a kid got hit in the head or the face because I did not call the game. He left.

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