SDABu Headlines

(Current)

1. Slapping of Umpire---PART 2: (posted 4/17/03)

Unfortunately, another "slapping" incident has result in a player being suspended.  In reality, the player didn't actually slap the umpire.  Rather, the player slapped the lineup card out of the plate umpire's hand in anger.  The player had been ejected for throwing equipment out onto the field because he was angry that the base umpire had "rung" a strike on an attempted check swing.  Seems the offending player hadn't heard he was ejected, and when his team went to take the field, he began to as well.  Then, upon being informed that he was ejected, the player got upset and slapped the lineup card from the plate umpire's hands.

An inquiry was performed and the player himself admitted to doing what was reported.  He didn't try to make any excuses and accepted his punishment without appeal.  Because this player has had no prior problems, he was only suspended for six weeks.  Upon return, he will be on probation for the remainder of this year and next.  Any further problems of this nature will result in a minimum of a one-year suspension, or more, depending on the seriousness of any further incidents.

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2. Judge Orders Coach To Umpire:  (posted 4/17/03)

As punishment for head-butting an umpire during an exchange of words after a high school game in West Newbury, Massachusetts while the teams were shaking hands, a substitute coach for one of the high school teams is being made to "do time" by umpiring 50 Little League and Senior League games with no pay.  (Although the local Little League snack bar may offer him a free hotdog or two).  It is hoped that this role reversal will provide him with a bit of humility and subsequently make him a "kinder and gentler" coach.  Might just work.  After all, there is nothing more "dangerous" and certainly nothing more humiliating  for an umpire than being chastised by some Little League mom who is going to do whatever it takes to protect her "baby" from that called 3rd strike.  Know what I mean?  (The complete article was contained in the May 2003 issue of Referee magazine).