Mind That Message

By Brad Tittrington

There are times in a game when umpires need to relay messages, whether to a player or to a coach. Usually when an umpire is speaking with a player, it is preventive umpiring and trying to avoid a violation or penalty. However, it can be a dicey situation when umpires start conversing with players. Here are some tips on dealing with some common situations that occur during games and how to relay messages without crossing a line.

Illegal pitches. It is important to watch the warmup pitches, especially at the beginning of the game and each time a new pitcher comes to the circle. It is during those pitches when you can determine relatively quickly if the pitcher is doing something illegal. If you notice the pitcher doing something illegal, how do you handle it? It all depends on what the pitcher is doing. If it is something that is an easy fix, the base umpire can brush off the pitcher’s plate and quickly remind the pitcher not to do the illegal act (for example, while bending down to brush off the pitcher’s plate, you can mention the pitcher has to stay in contact with the front of the pitcher’s plate if the pitcher loses contact by either stepping or sliding the foot forward). The main thing is, don’t make it obvious. If you make it obvious, the opposing team is going to think you are taking away an advantage from them.

Another way to relay a message is if the pitching coach or head coach remains at the pitching circle during a pitching change. If you notice the pitcher doing something illegal, mention it quickly and briefly to the coach and move back to your position. Remember, most coaches would prefer you talk to them instead of their players. There are a couple of reasons for this. One, coaches don’t want you coaching their players. Second, if an umpire tells a player that player is doing something wrong, it potentially could have a psychological effect on that player’s performance. If you let the coach correct the issue, it may not become a mental issue.

Obstruction. If you have obstruction on a fielder, it is usually in our nature to simply tell the player where they can and cannot stand during a play. However, if the player doesn’t specifically ask you what they did wrong, be careful about passing along information. Again, not all coaches teach their players the same on where to stand when making a play. This is especially true at home plate and how coaches teach catchers to receive the ball before making a play on the runner. Some coaches