I think it is funny to tease Robert about it, but don't want anyone to think he is one of those psycho Little League parents so I am putting the whole story here.
Our boys have been working hard at practice (and when we have nothing going on we go out for even MORE practice) Jake has been working on not swinging when the pitch is high. At yesterday's game Jake was up to bat and had a full count. The final pitch came across his helmet. Jake didn't swing, yes finally all that practice payed off. Unfortunately our umpire called it a strike. I never knew the strike zone included the helmet. Jake was called out and went to the dugout and cried because he had done exactly what dad told him to and he got out. Rob was basecoaching at 1st and at the end of the inning walked back to our dugout. He couldn't resist just one comment to the umpire as he walked past. He said "Good job making a player cry because you couldn't call it right when it came across at his helmet." The umpire gave Robert a warning and Robert walked to our dugout to calm Jake down. Robert was at our dugout door talking to Jake and the other players when the umpire decides to walk towards our dugout and continue the fight with Robert. The umpire then says "You can't argue balls and strikes ump". Robert said "I am not the ump, I am a coach" and for that was ejected from the game. For Robert's temper and what he probably wanted to say I was amazed that he held his tongue and think that it is rediculous that the umpire can walk over to our dugout to continue the problem when Robert is no longer questioning the call and doing what he is supposed to be doing and Robert get's ejected.
Then at Jake's next at bat we were in the last inning and had 2 outs already. Jake got struck out making the final out. This putz of an umpire who has been told that his bad call already made this child cry has to call the strike and the out very exaggerated and over dramatic. He did not call any other strike or out the way he called Jake out. It is pathetic what somebody on their power trip will do, especially when they are supposed to be enforcing sportsmanship.
This is a first in our family, but given our number of boys and their love of baseball I don't think it will be the last time it happens. The more I thought about it the more mad I got. There were other things with the other team that did not even get questioned (the other team manager is also the President of the League go figure) So I got up in the middle of the night to write a letter to the league. We will see what happens. So yes Robert is one of those crazy Little League dad's but not really!
2 comments:
It's sad that they can't remember that the game is about the kids and not themselves. We haven't come across that too much in the five years my boys have played soccer, but I'll tell you that there are some really stupid coaches and parents that we have come across! Good luck!
Those that can do...those that can't ump! Robert would have been totally appropriate to stangle the ump. I pity the poor fool that makes my kid cry to try to get to me.(spoken in the voice of Mr. T)
Bart
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