by Bruwinfan » Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:44 pm
Back in the days when I worked early morning shift, I decided to umpire high school softball games to fill the time until the wife came home. I'm working the plate, part of a two man crew during high school playoffs...tensions are high and the game is a good one. Tie game, runner on 2B when a ball is singled to right...runner tries to score...catcher gets the ball 15 feet prior to the runner getting there. There is a "must slide" rule in place (too many injuries previously put in this rule). Runner doesn't, and bowls into the catcher. Catcher gets up, throws the ball into the runner's face, and the fighting begins...both benches clear...The coaches, the other umpire and I are literally pulling players apart...we send both teams to their respective dugouts while the BU and I decide what to do...Fans are screaming, players are still jawing, and then this nutty parent comes out onto the field demanding someone gets kicked out..just literally getting into our faces about it...I turned, said, "you're right...and you're first to go...get out of here or your team forfeits...." The guy turns beet red...starts to say something, starts to walk away, turns back, and finally leaves...That team's parents start cheering...Now I'm totally confused...the coach walks out, and says quietly..."We've been waiting for someone to throw him out all year....Thanks!"...and walks back to the dugout... I start cracking up at this point...
Oh yeah....we only throw out the runner (mandatory ejection) and the catcher for retaliation. Warn each team that it ends now...no beanballs, no hard swipes, nothing...just play ball...
In the end...a 14 inning game that ended 2-1....not only well played, but both coaches came up afterwards and thanked us for how we handled things. One of the more enjoyable times out there....