What to do ?

In a recent HS game one pitcher was called for 4 illegal pitches with no warnings in the top of the first. Result 2 runs . Bottom of first the other pitcher was pitching illegal which was brought to umpires attention, umpire then warned pitcher 2 times that inning but did not call illegal pitch.We lost by 2 runs.

 

I was told by an umpire we had earlier in the season, "it's all in how you word your protest." Read into that how you want. Think carefully about what you are exactly protesting, then appeal to the proper official.

 

Either the head coach or Athletic Director should contact the booking agent for that area and inform him of what happened.

 

I'll Have To Agree With Nate !!

Present yourself with dignity and respect,and know what you are doing. Most of the time appeals go directly by the book !!

Guru

 

First, an appeal is a book-defined term that you use when you tell the umpire "the runner left early" or "the runner missed second." What you're doing is asking the umpire to reconsider a call. Perhaps to get help from his partner. If that fails, then as a last step, protest.

Always keep in mind that you can't protest judgement calls. If the umpire says "in my judgement, she is not illegal." Say thank you, and walk away.

On the other hand, something I think works well is to approach the umpire and ask if he sees a specific action that you know is prohibited by the rules. For instance:

"Blue, do you see the pitchers non-pivot foot leaving the ground when she pitches?"

If you get a No, see above. If you get a Yes, then nicely ask, "isn't that a violation of Rule 6.x.x.x?" (But don't EVER bring your rulebook out on the field... most umpires consider this trying to imply to the fans and players that you know the rules better than they do.)

If they agree that they see something, but won't apply the book penalty, then you can protest (which means put it in the book at the point of infraction and play on).

 

Agree with Cheese...

sometimes it's best to remain silent and respectful, especially on illegal pitches and leaving early. We had a situation a couple of years ago in a HS game where the pitcher was clearly outside of the 24" lane when she threw her (very effective) screw ball. Toward the middle of the game she had dug a hole where she was planting her lead foot way outside of the lane. When I was leaving the third base coaches box I caught the attention of the home plate umpire and simply pointed to the hole and smiled. The very next inning he called her for two illegal pitches...I never had to say a word.

Whenever I have a parent or one of the girls tell me that a pitcher is illegal I just tell them that we are trained to hit the ball...not the girl's feet!

 

Good Advice !!

Excellent Comment !!!

 

Pushing hard off the rubber

I had an illegal pitch called against my pitcher last night as well. Someone seems to be stirring the pot amongst the umpires. I had the ump who called it tell me that they were being drilled to watch for the pitchers foot leaving the ground.
We teach kids to push hard off the rubber. Tell me how many of us coaches can do the very same move without our foot leaving the ground a little. If it's not gaining an advantage and is part of the normal pitching motions, what's the big deal.

 

Agree With You !!

If you can't beat them find some way to distract them. There kids for gosh sakes let them play ball !!!

PF