Now that I'm a dad and youth coach, parents are amazing. The constant volunteering and helping they do behind the scenes is impressive. Don't let a minor argument spoil your opinion.
I was an umpire a long time ago. When a coach threatened to harm me, I decided that was my last game. When I played little league, I had the same coach for 2 or 3 years. He never got mad, he never argued. He didn’t care if we won or lost. He was all about learning and having fun. We went undefeated in 2 of those years.
Then it was whiffle ball in the backyard and in the house when the street lights came on. Lol. Could a day ever get any better than that? I don't think so.@@markwhited1785
Lol. That's great! Do the whiffle balls still have the holes on one side to make them curve and dip or rise? That was the only way I could ever actually throw a curveball. I never could with a regular baseball. I'll never forget the year my friend Dean Kirkwood hit his 62nd homerun in the backyard breaking Roger Maris' record. That's why I couldn't under- stand all the fuss last year about Aaron Judge. Lol. Oh man, if we had lights and could play after dark (and didn't have to be inside when the street lights came on) there's no telling what Dino could have accomplished! Lol.@@markwhited1785
Never ceases to amaze me how many parents decide to take little league so seriously. I can only speak for myself but if my dad spent my little league days screaming at the umpire I’d probably not look back on those times as fondly. Too much pressure.
Yep...This is clearly a moment for the coaches of BOTH teams to huddle up their players and let them know that it is either the On Deck batter's or if possible, the catchers responsibility to remove the discarded bat.
My dad saw very few of my games as he was umpiring games elsewhere. He umpired for over 50 years high school, legion and semipro baseball, as well as slow pitch mens leagues and fast pitch.
However, if the catcher, or any fielder for that matter, is standing in the middle of the base path or blocking the base without the ball, then assumingt that a play is not yet being made on the runner, type B obstruction should be called. Type B obstruction takes place when a play is not being made on the runner who is obstructed and it is a delayed dead ball. Then, once the play is over, the umpire should call time and award the runner the base he would be awarded as on type A obstruction.
This is why it is so hard to get umpires to call little league games. Firstly there is only one umpire who is responsible for the ball catch/not fair/foul, the runners at all bases and any attempted play. Want more from umps? Pay for a 3 man crew. Secondly the bat is NEVER the umpire's responsibility to move. I do it anytime I can and tell runners uncontested at home to take it with them. (I address this with coaches and team captains in the pregame meeting) Thirdly there is not one kid on that team getting a scholarship or going pro based on this game. Parents at little league games need to be reminded these are kids playing a game for fun and to learn. Don't ruin it for them.
Pay for a 3 man crew in LL? You gotta be kidding me. When we play Select, we prefer rec ball, we pay $40 per ump at the plate for a timed 2 hour game. 3 man crew.. lmfao
@@MaydayAggro Little league umps don’t get paid. If this guy is pissed about the number of umpires out there he should get his ass out there and help, for free.
I watched this slowed down a bunch of times and he's out every time but it's really great playing. Too bad all of the real grown ups were in the game while the children misbehave
@@telestix6606 if he slid, he'd knock the bat out of the way. I think it's just a super close call. Slow it down and watch how close it is. It would be a tough call in real time but he was out
He never touched the player or the plate. Not an out at all. Watching at 1080p on a 65in. TV full screen at .25. You can CLEARLY see there was never any contact.
I umpired for 27 years, played for 36 years. The unwritten rule is when there is a play at the plate, the runner goes down, a slide. The little guy would have been safe. The on-deck hitter should have been coaching home, to let the runner know to get down.
@@trueotter123 You really didn’t think that one out. The bat is at home plate, yes, but when have you ever seen a runner wait till they are on the plate to start a slide? Never. The bat would’ve slid away…because it’s round. What the runner should’ve done was plow into the catcher, who was in front of the plate.
So whose responsibility is the bat? because I think that is the issue on this call. The runner didn't slide because the bat was there. When I played catcher on those plays I would toss the bat aside because I wanted a clean area to challenge the runner however I don't know who is actually responsible for it. I think the bat, no one moving it, is what had the coaches upset
@@telestix6606 The bat becomes part of the field once it leaves the batters hands. A catcher can choose to move the bat...or not. No rules stating that an umpire must move a bat. Especially when a play at home is about to happen. Think about how many players would be coached to leave their bat on the line, after hitting the ball, if the rules were what you think they are. Your way…the rules only benefit the offense. Even when they are the ones dropping bats on the line. See how that doesn’t make sense?
@@mannyflores4507 it becoming part of the field makes sense, to be clear I didn't have an opinion either way on it, just what I did and in my case it was fast pitch softball so the rules are different than baseball.
he is safe due to the catcher blocking the plate without the ball, he didn't catch the ball and make a play until right as the runner got there, the runner was trying not to truck the catcher and made an attempt to run around and jump over the bat at the same time...it was a dead ball play with the catcher blocking the plate without the ball and the runner should have been called safe at the plate...this is what pissed the parents off that the ump was sitting there not paying attention to player safety and ignored the obstruction and the hazard of the bat blocking the plate....the ump should be fired on both accounts, not that he made the wrong call but that he ignored 2 OBVIOUS safety issues on the play in addition to making the wrong call. Now that catcher is going to be empowered to continue blocking the plate and he is going to get trucked sometime in the near future, I hope he doesn't have the ball in his hand and gets knocked on his ass so he learns an important lesson and the obstruction rule is explained to him....that and this official never officiates another youth game ever again.
As an umpire, I HATED the term "blue"...In fact, I refused to respond to it. If a player of coach yelled "Blue! Blue!" I'd pretend in didnt hear them. They got the message. Before every game, I'd tell both coaches my name and would either respond to that or "umpire" or "ump"....
I thought I recalled this rule for Little League.... Enforcing Rule 7.13 Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the Umpire, the catcher, without possession of the ball, blocks the pathway of the runner, the Umpire shall call or signal the runner safe. ...the catcher was blocking the plate while receiving the ball on the throw. Although the ball was caught by the catcher and the tag was applied on the runner before he touched home plate... the catcher was blocking the path of the runner before he received the ball. Thus by rule the runner should have been called safe. For safety of the players in Little League that catcher is to stand in front of the plate towards the pitchers mound to receive the ball, once in possession of the ball the catcher may enter the path of the runner. This rule has a high level of "interpretation"... but I feel the catcher was blocking the plate before receiving the ball and should have been deemed in interference with the runner. Runner is safe at home plate.
I filled in to "umpire" a girls game with 6 year old and softball pitches coming out of a set pitching machine. One little girl running the bases ran in front of a slow grounder and the opposing coach said that that was "interference". These girls would not know interference if it hit them in the head, they just run when the ball is hit, I cant call interference on a 6 year old! Coach got all pissed and some fans got on my case as a "volunteer" umpire. My kids are grown now and I remember it some 30 years ago.
Your call is correct. It's only interference if they touch the ball. I ump little league baseball and occasionally soft ball and I give them a lot of slack. But when it comes to plays like obstruction and interference and other calls like that, I can't be lenient. You are correct but if she did kick the ball and you let it go, unfortunately that is just one call you can't let go. But if not, good job on you
I've umpired a currently coach youth baseball. The coaches in this age group should be teaching the kids to slide on close plays at home plate. This is how kids get hurt. The umpire should have removed his mask but clearly made the right call.
I agree with the slide remark. But the umpire could have moved the bat to give the runner a proper sliding path. I agree sliding is not taught the way it should be though.
@@josephjumonville1222 agreed, the ump standing around with his hands up his ass not looking out for the kids safety, then the blown call at homeplate, was obstruction by the catcher, he didn't have the ball and was blocking the plate and didn't catch it until right at the moment the runner was attempting to go around him and jump over the bat at the same time. blown call by the ump, didn't care about the kids safety on 2 counts, the bat and the plate obstruction by the catcher
I umpired Little League for many years, all levels. There were ALWAYS parents complaining from the stands or right behind home plate against the fence. It was the only part of the game I hated. What happened on the field... LOVED it! In the stands ... RUINED it!
The city I ump for had a rule. The umps could trespass anyone that caused a problem. (city and county police backed the umps) 3rd time they were not able to come to the park when any game is being played for a year. There was only one guy in over 5 years that got banded.
@@allanc3655 What were the conditions that had to be met for it to be a trespass? You throwing them out asking them to leave, but they refused. You couldn't trespass them for just yelling at you, right?
@@dartmaster501 Walking on the field of play. Cussing a minor and calling them names (even if it is their own kid). Throwing things, Drinking or smoking (our LL parks was alcohol and tobacco free)
@@dartmaster501 Texas trespassing is when you are asked to leave and you do not. First time it is (or was) a $27.50 ticket They were added to the list. If they came back to the park and behaves we did nothing. However if they acted up we then call the PD. then it could be criminal trespassing. Most learned from being trespassed for that day or week. Most came back a few day latter and apologize for being an A H We Were stewards of the park when we were there working or even watching a game. Now remember this is in a town of less than 5000 people. AND breaking the rule of drinking and or smoking (and spitting their chew..keep it in a can or cup, not on the grounds) can have them arrested the first time if we called the law. BIG signs everywhere with the county ordinance # on it BTW if they came onto the field and we knew what team they were backing we could have call the game making the other team the winner, However the games were for the kids, That is why we tried to keep the child minded grownups from spoiling it for the kids
I took two still shots at 9 and 10 seconds zoomed in and the Ump made the right call. He didn’t even touch home. Hats off to his dedication focus on a close call and calling for director to prevent any outrages moments from happening!! A class Ump!!!! Great job and thanks for your dedication to youth sports!!!!
First, not to be contrary, but to provide perspective, there are no "huge" plays in 9U baseball. They're kids learning to play the game. Parents and coaches need to focus on what's truly important: cheering for their children, staying positive, and making the game a fun experience for the players. Second, it is in no way the umpire's responsibility to clear the bat from the field of play. Rather, it is the coach's responsibility to teach the players what to do with the bat once they hit the baseball. If ever an umpire moves it, it is strictly a courtesy and an attempt to keep the players safe. Ironic that the coach is blaming the umpire.
While I agree on the parents, to make that comment about a bunch of 8-10 year olds that A. You couldn’t pick out of a lineup and B. Are prepubescent thus making that statement absolutely even more idiotic than it appears on the surface. If I had to guess that would make you the undersized bed-wetter projecting your deep seeded childhood anger at certain “jock flies” that likely made your life miserable (wonderful mastery of elementary spelling and grammar by the way)! Give me a break fella!
t was a safety call here, the ump should have called obstruction at the plate, the catcher didn't have the ball until right when the runner got there, it would have been a dead ball call before the runner got there if the ump had made the right call and looked out for the safety of the players. the slide/evade rule doesn't apply because again but he same rule the catcher did not have the ball when the runner got to home plate, he caught it right as he got there.
The coach, running down the line incites the "fans'. Coaches at this level need to accept the call. Ask the ump between innings what they saw but running down the line and arguing a call is nuts at this level. Ump made a call on a close play (look right), live with it, move on. Ump doesn't need to move the bat either.
I'm OK with the initial discussion, even if he is a little animated from :17-:33. However, coming back AGAIN to discuss the call in the sequence from :58-1:15 will earn him a trip to the top of the hill beyond the center field fence to watch the rest of the game.
there nothing wrong with coach asking an umpire a question like did he miss the tag? or did he miss the base? stuff like that yelling and screaming not getting you anywhere.
I agree, that is what I said - ask the ump between innings what they saw... But this coach running down the base line is a coach trying to be a higher league manager. "ask" and move on.
it was a safety call here, the ump should have called obstruction at the plate, the catcher didn't have the ball until right when the runner got there, it would have been a dead ball call before the runner got there if the ump had made the right call and looked out for the safety of the players. the slide/evade rule doesn't apply because again but he same rule the catcher did not have the ball when the runner got to home plate, he caught it right as he got there.
Takes a bit to find out what the coach is upset about. Never saw a coach believe the umpire needs to move the bat. Sure, they may if they have time, but his first job is to watch the play, especially being alone. Seriously can't believe the bat was the issue. The batter dropped the bat on his own team. It's not like the catcher picked it up and put it there. Unreal this was ever an issue. Get a new coach.
First off, not the umpire's responsibility to move the bat, especially when he is alone. Secondly, if that runner slides into home with the bat there, not only would it not hurt the kid, but that bat would get kicked out of the way like a car hitting a mailbox. He's out. Should've slid.
Correct, plus the offense was the ones who dropped the bat there, the kid should have slid into home. If the call was reversed, I wouldn't put it past coaches teaching their players to drop the bat there every chance they get. And last but not least, that was a great throw.
However, if the catcher, or any fielder for that matter, is standing in the middle of the base path or blocking the base without the ball, then assumingt that a play is not yet being made on the runner, type B obstruction should be called. Type B obstruction takes place when a play is not being made on the runner who is obstructed and it is a delayed dead ball. Then, once the play is over, the umpire should call time and award the runner the base he would be awarded as on type A obstruction.
that stupid rule people make up runner must slide home or they are out? the rules state slide or avoid interference those are the rules. there are no must slide rule. i hate when people tell me that.. i never call a runner out if she or he doesn't slide i call them out if they are out or interfered with the play.
Who said it was a rule? If you can get an out because it was a close play and he didn't slide, I'm taking the out. Also, fault the on deck man who just stood there and was no help to the runner. The left fielder made a great throw.
I said it was a stupid rule people made up... do you know ever time i go umpire youth game they tell me they should slide or there out. that not what an umpire does umpire calls fair game base of rules. I was speaking in genreal terms when i made that comment Matt. there no rule you must slide that the thing
Good lord, it's a play at the plate in a 9u game and we have people arguing like they're in court. Use it as a teaching moment about sliding into home and move on. Some of these coaches think they're going to get called up to manage the Yankees or something and some of the parents think their kid is the next Fernando Tatis. Everyone needs to calm down a bit and let the kids enjoy themselves.
As a former baseball coach, the first thing I would do is ask my on-deck batter why he wasn't in position telling the runner to slide? And then I would ask the runner, why didn't he slide? The burden to do the right thing is on your players and coaches. Not all calls are going to go your way, but it is your job as a coach to make sure your players are playing the proper way....and part of that is how they react to a call that goes against you. And that goes for the parents as well.
All those parents and coaches arguing over the call are wrong. Wrong because this a child's game and your ONLY responsibility is to set an example and teach these children how to play the game right.
@@skinnie2838 wrong the ump should have called obstruction on the catcher, he didn't catch the ball until the runner got there, he was obstructing the play before the ball got there, it is a dead ball play and he should have been called safe.
@@skinnie2838 Rule 7.08(a)(3) in the Little League rule book states that "a runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag." This means that any time the fielder has the ball and is about to attempt to make the tag the runner needs to either slide or attempt to avoid the tag (if he goes out of the base line he is out). This is in place in order to prevent runners from coming into home plate and running over the catcher. However, if the catcher, or any fielder for that matter, is standing in the middle of the base path or blocking the base without the ball, then assumingt that a play is not yet being made on the runner, type B obstruction should be called. Type B obstruction takes place when a play is not being made on the runner who is obstructed and it is a delayed dead ball. Then, once the play is over, the umpire should call time and award the runner the base he would be awarded as on type A obstruction.
t was a safety call here, the ump should have called obstruction at the plate, the catcher didn't have the ball until right when the runner got there, it would have been a dead ball call before the runner got there if the ump had made the right call and looked out for the safety of the players. the slide/evade rule doesn't apply because again but he same rule the catcher did not have the ball when the runner got to home plate, he caught it right as he got there.
wow a douchebag huh? for looking out for his players safety? The catcher blocked the plate without having the ball in his possession, that should have been a dead ball violation of obstruction which is in the rules to prevent collisions, the catcher didn't have the ball until right as the runner got to the plate, that and the bat not being removed makes this the worse ump ever for youth baseball, wasn't looking out for the kids in any fashion, lazy ass should have moved the bat. Coach and parents were right to be pissed off the ump had his head up his ass, both in the blown obstruction call and being lazy as fuck in not removing the bat...officials primary duty on the field is to ensure the safety of everyone, which is why we have rules to ensure the safety of the players.
Did this once in pee wee ball, scored standing up. Coach rip into me (correctly) about not sliding. Slides and he would be safe. The throw beat him. Agree runner was out.
Watched and rewatched several times. Good call by ump. Good play at home, runner is out. If the ump wants to really mess with the angry parents, he doesn't have to make calls from behind the plate.
I used to ump at little league games and it's hard. You cover all bases and also call balls and strikes. You're a volunteer. Nothing in the world more frustrating than trying to explain the infield fly rule to little Johnny's mom.
While umpiring solo is difficult, this wasn't a little league game and the umpire was definitely getting paid for this game. With that said, he made a great call on this play.
That's why I love the major leagues. They're so competitive and yelling at each other. In the little leagues it's so calm and boring and the kids just learn to play baseball and how to be a good sport. Just because I know there will be some comments, yes Karen, this is sarcasm.
That was very close. Without good sportsmanship we miss learning something very important. Good sportsmanship win or lose, we all make mistakes and this man is umpiring youth baseball ✊️
They call looked decent, as echoed by others. There are two issues I have in this play: 1.the umpire not taking his mask off. Anytime the ball is hit or otherwise leaves the area around home plate (hit, bunt, foul ball, wild pitch, etc.), you should take your mask off. 2. His positioning on this play was completely wrong. He should’ve taken this play almost third base line extended in order to get into the “wedge” for this play at the plate
@@mac2894 the number one mistake I see from umpires when I evaluate...when you take a play 1BLX, most oftentimes, you put the catcher or pitcher between you and the tag.
The other issue (although easily those are the two bigger issues) i see- dude has to sell the call. Saw a tag on the leg? Call it- "ON THE LEG- HE'S OUT" and punch him. This way makes it seem like he wasnt sure. Also- like he said- it is not his job to pick up the bat (although as its a safety issue, i always try to swipe it out of the way if possible)
ever stop to think he also had to watch the batter/runner? and that put him out of your divine position? 1 umpire can only do so much on a play. the batter/runner was also his responsibility
@@BigSkyCurmudgeon It's not MY "divine position". It's the position that is taught by anyone worth anything because it puts umpires in the perfect position to see what they need to on a play at the plate. Yes, the B/R is his responsibility also, but that is completely irrelevant to this play. Since you brought it up, did you not notice the fact that the umpire never once looked towards 1st or the B/R from the time the ball was hit onwards? He is watching the touch of 3rd, as well as the ball. His eyes then go directly to the plate and the tag when the ball arrives. The fact of the matter on this play is that his positioning takes him out of this play (especially considering he never glances at the B/R) and he ends up with a somewhat open look at the tag out of luck because 9/10 times, he'd be blocked out on this play
Everyone calm down. Clearly these kids are on the cusp of MLB and the only thing stopping them was this horrible (correct) call at the plate. Further, its every umpires job to move the bat. You'll always see MLB umpires move the bat as opposed to watching the runner touch third and track the throw. Coach was absolutely right in his decision to show no sportsmanship and to be a moron. Good decision by him!
Nope - you need to calm down. The guy is umping solo-has to watch everything. Dumb to compare to MLB. Catcher needs to move it. And from this short video it is very clear the kids are not well coached. Finally, if the kids are well-coached, the parents behave well
Some parents get way to involved in a game that is just for fun. FOR THE KIDS. These umpires are not professional’s. They get paid very little to get yelled at by spoiled parents. Just shut up and enjoy the game. Your child learns from your actions.
In ASA, we are told NOT to touch the bat. It's part of the field of play once dropped by the hitter. If the ump moves the bat, he becomes legally liable if someone steps on or trips over it.
never heard that in asa... but than again most leauges levels they pretty good at moving it. i had to tell another leauge i do that wait before the play is over before removing the bat.
We had a regional UIC tell us that at a clinic about 5 or 6 years ago. An umpire in the region was successfully sued by a parent of a kid who got hurt after the umpire tossed the bat during a play into foul ground. Their kid was moving into position to help coach the runner on a potential close play at the plate. She stepped on the still moving bat and broke her ankle.
They've got a crappy job alright. They can get every call right the entire game and still get booed off the field just because one side didn't win and wants to blame the umps instead of themselves.
Ummm..Alfred..you DO realize that 99% of players DO throw the bat somewhere OTHER than right on the plate, don't you? In fact, it takes LONGER to stop the momentum of your swing to drop it straight down than to toss it a bit away. Either way, every good coach at the lowest levels teach kids to toss it AWAY from the plate, either behind it, or on the first base side as they are heading to first so that it is not in play in any way.
as any umpire knows you are suppose to take your mask off to make the call. you really aren't suppose to be calling safe and outs iwth a mask on. but whatever be like that.
Did the ump make the wrong call? No. There is no rule in the umpire's copy of the rules, mechanics, or case book that states that the ump has to take off the mask. If they choose to, it's usually to sell a call. I ump all levels from high school on down. I wear a hockey style mask that is tough to just rip off. I don't take it off on plays at the plate. Getting a good angle and being in the right position trumps the mask coming off.
NOah did i ever say was a rule? NO read below i am not only one who mention mask should of been off good ump ire takes there mask off to make call this what taught in clinics. Excuses do not fly noah i wouldn't be using you personally if you made than an excuse to me. would i back your call up? 100% even if i thought you were? of course its judgement call i do not like hokey style mask i prefer the old style.
unkown a Angles and positing is what is taught in clinics. The mask is optional, it makes no difference on the style. Taking it off doesn't matter if you're in the right position. Again, the call is correct, the kid's dead meat.
I think if the umpire is more emphatic about the call instead of so matter of fact, he gets less, if any grief. His nonchalance on such a bang-bang play gives the appearance that he’s guessing on the call.
There is nothing definitive in this video on the tag. Though it appears that the momentum of the ball impacting the mitt carried both into the hip of the runner, the runner's position blocks whether the tag was actually applied. However, the umpire had a much better angle on the play than the camera. As an adult, if I were a coach, it is not a call that I would have argued because it was as close a play as you're likely to see. There ARE coaching opportunities here to instruct batters to get the bat away from the plate while going to first. To slide into home on a close play. Also to teach and use the base path rule to your advantage as a runner. He could have edged to his right and circled in a bit, and would have avoided the perfectly thrown(as it turned out) throw and tag. What a great throw that was.
what about obstruction? Little League rules state that if the defending player blocks the plate and doesn't have the ball it is a dead ball play for obstruction and the runner is ruled safe....it is a safety rule to protect the youth from collisions. Otherwise we see more plays with runners trucking the catchers at the plate which is why we have the slide or evade rule. But the slide or evade rule only comes into play if the catcher has the ball, and he did not so he was obstructing the runner from the plate. Saying the catcher has the right to make the play and catch the ball is not valid here, again because he still is not allowed to block the runner without the ball, nowhere in the rule does it state the catcher is allowed to block the plate attempting to catch the ball, the rule specifically states he has to have the ball in his glove or hand or he is in violation. The throw home was behind the runner causing the catcher to move forward and block the plate and he caught it right at the moment the runner was attempting to run around him so they didn't collide...should have been a safety call for obstruction by the catcher but the ump blew it just like his lazy ass blew not removing the bat so it wasn't a safety issue....the ump should not be officiating youth baseball when he doesn't care about player safety, that is why the parents were pissed off.
@@jamesw71 I don't see this as blocking the plate, but can see how it could be considered. But only seriously if your son is the runner. Haha! just kidding. The catcher wasn't blocking the runner at all and only slightly AFTER catching the ball. Had he runner been on 3rd at the pitch it would give your argument more meat as the runner path would have been direct. But he was on 2nd and rounded 3rd on the way to home, putting himself well out of that direct path. He chose not to slide or avoid the catcher altogether, which he could have, as base path isn't defined until the tag is attempted. Even so, as the play developed, the runner STILL had a direct path to home. So this is not the classic "blocking the plate" the rule addresses IN MY OPINION. Had he blocked the plate, the runner would not have been able to run through and step on it. Had the runner slid, as he should have in my opinion, he would have been safe. The runner could see where the mitt was and we can ALL tell when the ball is coming based on the catchers actions. The mitt was high and tracking the ball. If a "safety call" had to be made here, I would have called the runner out for not sliding before calling blocking the plate. Is the catcher supposed to just let the throw go to the backstop? No. Had there been a head on collision before the ball arrived, I'd agree with you 100 percent. But the fact is, he didn't block ANYTHING until he caught the ball. There is no number of steps or a distance that I'm aware of for this. Caught, tagged, out bang bang great play, no collision. I tell the runner, "Slide next time, son." The runner sealed his own fate by not sliding. Bottom line, there is no way the catcher makes the tag if the runner slides. I'm with you on the bat. But to me that's on the batter. We were taught 40+ years ago to drag the bat with you for a couple of steps to avoid this. In practice we got that drilled into our heads and had to run a lap if we left any part of the bat in the box area. It wasn't just our coaches either, as all players Do they not do that now? Don't confuse a single incident of distraction with "not caring about player safety". You have to do a lot of crazy extrapolation to get that from this video. That's just a bridge too far. But yes, of course he should have cleared the bad immediately. No question. This isn't a hill I'd choose to die on either way, though. If it was my kid catching and you called him safe based on your argument, I would say "C'mon blue, Really?!" and that would be the end of it. I feel strongly that youth sports provides valuable lessons for kids and parents that when things don't go your way, you have to deal with it. Every close play is not the end of the world. WAY too many parents just don't get that today. That said, I respect your opinion and hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Are there a lot of accidents/injuries with ppl sliding into bats? From a hockey background and not baseball here. So would there really be an issue with sliding into the bat feet first. Cleats protect the runner and the bat can move/roll.
My daughter got called out at first a couple of weeks ago at a softball showcase. It was close, but she was clearly safe. Later on, our coach told us she was called out because she slowed down and did not run thru the base. That’s what all the coaches scouting are looking for. So the ump did her a favor and hopefully she’ll remember next time.
Good call Blue. Kid was out from every angle I looked at. Iam getting old but have a question. Is sliding prohibited? If not, your call stands good from what I see. If sliding is still legal, the kid should have slid. The call was too close to cross the base standing up. Way too close.
Its times like this that made me not want to officiate any games. Baseball or basketball. Especially at this age group. When parents follow me to the parking lot to confront me with their kid in tow....I draw the line there.
First... IT'S 9u BASEBALL... for crying out loud... Second... IF the runner had slid into home there is every chance he would be safe...SO... that's on you COACH!!!
I am a baseball Umpire and this is more common than it should be. The idiots in the stands ruin it for the kids. More than once I have had to have both teams go to their dugouts and have unruly spectators sent to the parking lot.
1. It’s not the umps job to pick up the bat. 2. The kid never slid which would have resulted in him being safe. 3) The on deck batter is nowhere to be found to tell the runner to slide and to move the bat. 4) The coach is a douche and was 90 feet away from the play and is teaching his kids to argue with the ump. 5) Parents are the worst part of little league. 6) It’s 7 year olds. 7) The ump got the call correct. 8) Move on, it’s over, stop embarrassing yourselves.
9u down here the manager gets one chance to briefly discuss a call. If he comes back he's ejected. Any kind of comment by parents on an ump or his call and they're removed. Also, we have two umps per game.
I coached Youth Baseball for 17 year's. Every Year before the Season Started. I got all the Parent's together and gave them a piece of paper of what I Expected out of them. The number 1 thing was there Behavior. If they couldn't contain themselves during our game's then they needed to put there Child on another Team. Not once over All them Year's did We have 1 problem.. ⚾️😎
I think the argument that the coach and parents were making is that the umpire didn’t pull the bat away from plate therefore hendering the little guys ability to slide into the plate. I could be wrong though. Most amazing part of the video is the throw from left fielder. That was very impressive.
This all comes down to... DID HE TAG HIM??? If he tagged him he's out... If he missed the tag, he is safe... And truthfully from our angle, it is hard to tell... But, based on what I saw, he is out...
I am a highly trained youth baseball umpire (I have worked all levels of youth baseball, high school, Junior College and worked the LL World Series, in addition to being an instructor at a Western United States level for more than a decade.) A few things you notice about this play. The umpire is not well-trained. #1 - he has the indicator in the wrong hand. #2 He is out of position to make this call. He was straightlined - meaning he was making the call from a position where he was blocked by the runner from seeing the actual tag and the timing of that tag. Did he get the call right? Even after taking this into a software program that blew this up and slowed it down to a frame-by-frame analysis, you really can't tell. After the timing of when the tag should have occurred, the glove does not move substantially, which would have indicated a tag. That does not mean he wasn't tagged, however. I am not berating this umpire - he simply is not at a level to make this call from the proper angle, which would have been from the 3rd base line extended behind the plate. We have all been at that level of expertise in our development.
I umpired a few years for little league. Would never do it again for this reason. Exactly the reason it’s so hard to find volunteers for youth sports anymore
I am just the opposite. I have worked high school games for past 24 of my 31 seasons, and won't go back to the little kids again where I started and worked for 17 seasons.
Getting in correct position may have helped. Third baseline extended and he would have been in a much better vantage point. That being said, I had him out as well.
If it’s Little League, he’s out regardless as players are required to slide on close plays for safety reasons. If not, they are automatically out. He did not slide. Even so, he was clearly tagged before touching the plate anyway.
Parents are the biggest problem with youth sports. It’s insane how some of these people act.
Agreed
I ref and went to watch a game one time. The things people said astonished me.
The participation trophy kids grew up and are now parents and coaches
@@mrvaultguy1118 They never really grew up tho
Now that I'm a dad and youth coach, parents are amazing. The constant volunteering and helping they do behind the scenes is impressive. Don't let a minor argument spoil your opinion.
Baseball is meant for kids... grown-ups only screw it up"-- Bob Lemon
I was an umpire a long time ago. When a coach threatened to harm me, I decided that was my last game. When I played little league, I had the same coach for 2 or 3 years. He never got mad, he never argued. He didn’t care if we won or lost. He was all about learning and having fun. We went undefeated in 2 of those years.
Pretty easy not to get mad when you’re undefeated for 2 years
It’s much easier to be a sportsman when you’re winning .
*and now you turned into someone who looks for online videos to complain about, and brags about little league days. It paid off!*
@@davidchoate512 Not very 'sportsman'like if you have to be winning to show it.
@@thomassmith5199 be an adult
Our best games were with the neighborhood kids, no coaches, no umpires, and no parents. We had a blast.
Truer words were never spoken. Play all morning. Go home for lunch. Play all afternoon.
@@steverenom.299 Till it was to dark to see the ball.
Then it was whiffle ball in the backyard and in the house when the street lights came on. Lol.
Could a day ever get any better than that? I don't think so.@@markwhited1785
@@steverenom.299 I played whiffle ball with old friends yesterday. We can afford lights now, so we played way after dark.
Lol. That's great! Do the whiffle balls still have the holes on one side to make them curve and dip or rise? That was
the only way I could ever actually throw a curveball. I never could with a regular baseball. I'll never forget the year my
friend Dean Kirkwood hit his 62nd homerun in the backyard breaking Roger Maris' record. That's why I couldn't under-
stand all the fuss last year about Aaron Judge. Lol. Oh man, if we had lights and could play after dark (and didn't have
to be inside when the street lights came on) there's no telling what Dino could have accomplished! Lol.@@markwhited1785
Never ceases to amaze me how many parents decide to take little league so seriously. I can only speak for myself but if my dad spent my little league days screaming at the umpire I’d probably not look back on those times as fondly. Too much pressure.
Yep...This is clearly a moment for the coaches of BOTH teams to huddle up their players and let them know that it is either the On Deck batter's or if possible, the catchers responsibility to remove the discarded bat.
You are so right sir my dad always preached good sportmenship. Win or lose
This isn't little league, it's travel ball, where parents are worse 100-fold in my experience.
My dad saw very few of my games as he was umpiring games elsewhere. He umpired for over 50 years high school, legion and semipro baseball, as well as slow pitch mens leagues and fast pitch.
I agree on the call. Played it back half slower the speed and he was out clearly. Great play, and good call by umps!
Also runner never touched plate
I believe the question was the bat was in his way so he was unable to slide.
He wasn’t touched he was called out for not sliding on a close play at the plate.
@@matthewzimmerman5064 there is no rule that you have to slide
However, if the catcher, or any fielder for that matter, is standing in the middle of the base path or blocking the base without the ball, then assumingt that a play is not yet being made on the runner, type B obstruction should be called. Type B obstruction takes place when a play is not being made on the runner who is obstructed and it is a delayed dead ball. Then, once the play is over, the umpire should call time and award the runner the base he would be awarded as on type A obstruction.
This is why it is so hard to get umpires to call little league games. Firstly there is only one umpire who is responsible for the ball catch/not fair/foul, the runners at all bases and any attempted play. Want more from umps? Pay for a 3 man crew. Secondly the bat is NEVER the umpire's responsibility to move. I do it anytime I can and tell runners uncontested at home to take it with them. (I address this with coaches and team captains in the pregame meeting) Thirdly there is not one kid on that team getting a scholarship or going pro based on this game. Parents at little league games need to be reminded these are kids playing a game for fun and to learn. Don't ruin it for them.
Pay for a 3 man crew in LL? You gotta be kidding me. When we play Select, we prefer rec ball, we pay $40 per ump at the plate for a timed 2 hour game. 3 man crew.. lmfao
@@sergioarizpe9407 You just made his point. An umpire would rather get paid $30 and have a partner than $40 and be screwed.
@@MaydayAggro Little league umps don’t get paid. If this guy is pissed about the number of umpires out there he should get his ass out there and help, for free.
@@MaydayAggro nothing wrong with the call from ump either, kid left early, didn’t slide and never even touched home. LL has mandatory slide rule
@@sergioarizpe9407 Again. Made his point. They don't get paid, and the ones who do work alone. Why do it for this?
Freeze frame shows he is out. Great call by Ump. Could have gone either way
I think it was more the bat was in the way of the plate so the kid couldn’t slide
Yes, he is clearly out, so how can you say it could have gone either way?
well put Brad
@@colefrench5146 good point
@@alanhess9306 obviously you're not a baseball guy, too funny
I watched this slowed down a bunch of times and he's out every time but it's really great playing. Too bad all of the real grown ups were in the game while the children misbehave
I believe the issue is the bat was in his way so he was unable to slide.
Me too slow down to .25 and he was clearly o u t.
@@telestix6606 if he slid, he'd knock the bat out of the way. I think it's just a super close call. Slow it down and watch how close it is. It would be a tough call in real time but he was out
@@telestix6606 then that’s on the team that was batting. It’s not up to the catcher or umpire to move the bat.
He never touched the player or the plate. Not an out at all. Watching at 1080p on a 65in. TV full screen at .25. You can CLEARLY see there was never any contact.
That was a hell of a throw
You're right the outfielder is the star of that play
That’s what I don’t get.. We used to appreciate plays like that, even when they happened to us.. Great throw, and terrific job by the backstop, too..
I umpired for 27 years, played for 36 years. The unwritten rule is when there is a play at the plate, the runner goes down, a slide. The little guy would have been safe. The on-deck hitter should have been coaching home, to let the runner know to get down.
If he would have gotten down. He would have broken his ankle. The bat was laying across the plate.
@@trueotter123 You really didn’t think that one out. The bat is at home plate, yes, but when have you ever seen a runner wait till they are on the plate to start a slide? Never. The bat would’ve slid away…because it’s round. What the runner should’ve done was plow into the catcher, who was in front of the plate.
So whose responsibility is the bat? because I think that is the issue on this call. The runner didn't slide because the bat was there. When I played catcher on those plays I would toss the bat aside because I wanted a clean area to challenge the runner however I don't know who is actually responsible for it. I think the bat, no one moving it, is what had the coaches upset
@@telestix6606 The bat becomes part of the field once it leaves the batters hands. A catcher can choose to move the bat...or not. No rules stating that an umpire must move a bat. Especially when a play at home is about to happen. Think about how many players would be coached to leave their bat on the line, after hitting the ball, if the rules were what you think they are. Your way…the rules only benefit the offense. Even when they are the ones dropping bats on the line. See how that doesn’t make sense?
@@mannyflores4507 it becoming part of the field makes sense, to be clear I didn't have an opinion either way on it, just what I did and in my case it was fast pitch softball so the rules are different than baseball.
I would've called out. Watching it in slow motion looks like he's out. That's the magic of sliding folks. If the kid would've done that, safe easily.
Yes but I think the issue was the bat was in his way and thus he couldn't slide.
he is safe due to the catcher blocking the plate without the ball, he didn't catch the ball and make a play until right as the runner got there, the runner was trying not to truck the catcher and made an attempt to run around and jump over the bat at the same time...it was a dead ball play with the catcher blocking the plate without the ball and the runner should have been called safe at the plate...this is what pissed the parents off that the ump was sitting there not paying attention to player safety and ignored the obstruction and the hazard of the bat blocking the plate....the ump should be fired on both accounts, not that he made the wrong call but that he ignored 2 OBVIOUS safety issues on the play in addition to making the wrong call. Now that catcher is going to be empowered to continue blocking the plate and he is going to get trucked sometime in the near future, I hope he doesn't have the ball in his hand and gets knocked on his ass so he learns an important lesson and the obstruction rule is explained to him....that and this official never officiates another youth game ever again.
@@jamesw71Incorrect. Catcher was in fair territory until they received the ball. Nice try though.
@@puckeringsirrelevant that he was in fair territory. The entire plate is in fair territory
Good call Blue.
Now if we can just get rid of the parents and coaches and just let the kids play.
As an umpire, I HATED the term "blue"...In fact, I refused to respond to it. If a player of coach yelled "Blue! Blue!" I'd pretend in didnt hear them. They got the message.
Before every game, I'd tell both coaches my name and would either respond to that or "umpire" or "ump"....
@@patersonplankrd well... I do respond to "Blue" since "Lanca" literally means "Blue Wolf" in Chinese. So the term doesn't bother me.
Don't call an umpire "Blue." It's disrespectful.
I thought I recalled this rule for Little League....
Enforcing Rule 7.13
Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the Umpire, the catcher, without possession of the ball, blocks the pathway of the runner, the Umpire shall call or signal the runner safe.
...the catcher was blocking the plate while receiving the ball on the throw. Although the ball was caught by the catcher and the tag was applied on the runner before he touched home plate... the catcher was blocking the path of the runner before he received the ball. Thus by rule the runner should have been called safe.
For safety of the players in Little League that catcher is to stand in front of the plate towards the pitchers mound to receive the ball, once in possession of the ball the catcher may enter the path of the runner. This rule has a high level of "interpretation"... but I feel the catcher was blocking the plate before receiving the ball and should have been deemed in interference with the runner. Runner is safe at home plate.
I filled in to "umpire" a girls game with 6 year old and softball pitches coming out of a set pitching machine. One little girl running the bases ran in front of a slow grounder and the opposing coach said that that was "interference". These girls would not know interference if it hit them in the head, they just run when the ball is hit, I cant call interference on a 6 year old! Coach got all pissed and some fans got on my case as a "volunteer" umpire. My kids are grown now and I remember it some 30 years ago.
Your call is correct. It's only interference if they touch the ball. I ump little league baseball and occasionally soft ball and I give them a lot of slack. But when it comes to plays like obstruction and interference and other calls like that, I can't be lenient. You are correct but if she did kick the ball and you let it go, unfortunately that is just one call you can't let go. But if not, good job on you
I'm sorry you had too put up with some fans and parents trying too re live their youth through their kids
The call was correct. The tag was made, and the runner never even touched the plate.
Bingo!
Kid: I'm out, oh well
Coach: it's my time to shine
I've umpired a currently coach youth baseball. The coaches in this age group should be teaching the kids to slide on close plays at home plate. This is how kids get hurt. The umpire should have removed his mask but clearly made the right call.
I agree with the slide remark. But the umpire could have moved the bat to give the runner a proper sliding path. I agree sliding is not taught the way it should be though.
@@josephjumonville1222 why didn't the catcher move it out of the way, before the throw home was made?
@@josephjumonville1222 - Not the umpire's job or responsibility.
@@Subangelis i never said it was his job or responsibility but a little courtesy could help out a little.
@@josephjumonville1222 agreed, the ump standing around with his hands up his ass not looking out for the kids safety, then the blown call at homeplate, was obstruction by the catcher, he didn't have the ball and was blocking the plate and didn't catch it until right at the moment the runner was attempting to go around him and jump over the bat at the same time. blown call by the ump, didn't care about the kids safety on 2 counts, the bat and the plate obstruction by the catcher
I umpired Little League for many years, all levels. There were ALWAYS parents complaining from the stands or right behind home plate against the fence. It was the only part of the game I hated. What happened on the field... LOVED it! In the stands ... RUINED it!
The city I ump for had a rule. The umps could trespass anyone that caused a problem. (city and county police backed the umps)
3rd time they were not able to come to the park when any game is being played for a year. There was only one guy in over 5 years that got banded.
@@allanc3655 What were the conditions that had to be met for it to be a trespass? You throwing them out asking them to leave, but they refused. You couldn't trespass them for just yelling at you, right?
@@dartmaster501 Walking on the field of play. Cussing a minor and calling them names (even if it is their own kid). Throwing things, Drinking or smoking (our LL parks was alcohol and tobacco free)
@@allanc3655 How are any of those trespassing? There has to be other things you can charge them for.
@@dartmaster501 Texas trespassing is when you are asked to leave and you do not. First time it is (or was) a $27.50 ticket They were added to the list. If they came back to the park and behaves we did nothing. However if they acted up we then call the PD. then it could be criminal trespassing. Most learned from being trespassed for that day or week.
Most came back a few day latter and apologize for being an A H
We Were stewards of the park when we were there working or even watching a game. Now remember this is in a town of less than 5000 people.
AND breaking the rule of drinking and or smoking (and spitting their chew..keep it in a can or cup, not on the grounds) can have them arrested the first time if we called the law. BIG signs everywhere with the county ordinance # on it
BTW if they came onto the field and we knew what team they were backing we could have call the game making the other team the winner, However the games were for the kids, That is why we tried to keep the child minded grownups from spoiling it for the kids
I took two still shots at 9 and 10 seconds zoomed in and the Ump made the right call. He didn’t even touch home. Hats off to his dedication focus on a close call and calling for director to prevent any outrages moments from happening!! A class Ump!!!! Great job and thanks for your dedication to youth sports!!!!
0:09 out by a mile! Great call!!!
First, not to be contrary, but to provide perspective, there are no "huge" plays in 9U baseball. They're kids learning to play the game. Parents and coaches need to focus on what's truly important: cheering for their children, staying positive, and making the game a fun experience for the players.
Second, it is in no way the umpire's responsibility to clear the bat from the field of play. Rather, it is the coach's responsibility to teach the players what to do with the bat once they hit the baseball. If ever an umpire moves it, it is strictly a courtesy and an attempt to keep the players safe. Ironic that the coach is blaming the umpire.
Chad Boykin ....i was gonna say something but i think you covered it Chad. Well said!!!
Chad Boykin knock off this reasonable explanation stuff, can't you see people are trying to be emotional and irrational over here?!
there are no "huge" plays in 9U baseball." bullshit. that was a hell of a throw. that was a huge out at the plate and should be praised.
Oh christ..you said everything but "And all the kids should get trophies!"
knickknack07 You should worry more about blasphemy than criticizing others.
These “parents “ are former jock fly’s living vicariously through their non-athletic kids.
While I agree on the parents, to make that comment about a bunch of 8-10 year olds that A. You couldn’t pick out of a lineup and B. Are prepubescent thus making that statement absolutely even more idiotic than it appears on the surface.
If I had to guess that would make you the undersized bed-wetter projecting your deep seeded childhood anger at certain “jock flies” that likely made your life miserable (wonderful mastery of elementary spelling and grammar by the way)! Give me a break fella!
t was a safety call here, the ump should have called obstruction at the plate, the catcher didn't have the ball until right when the runner got there, it would have been a dead ball call before the runner got there if the ump had made the right call and looked out for the safety of the players. the slide/evade rule doesn't apply because again but he same rule the catcher did not have the ball when the runner got to home plate, he caught it right as he got there.
The coach, running down the line incites the "fans'. Coaches at this level need to accept the call. Ask the ump between innings what they saw but running down the line and arguing a call is nuts at this level. Ump made a call on a close play (look right), live with it, move on. Ump doesn't need to move the bat either.
I'm OK with the initial discussion, even if he is a little animated from :17-:33. However, coming back AGAIN to discuss the call in the sequence from :58-1:15 will earn him a trip to the top of the hill beyond the center field fence to watch the rest of the game.
there nothing wrong with coach asking an umpire a question like did he miss the tag? or did he miss the base? stuff like that yelling and screaming not getting you anywhere.
I agree, that is what I said - ask the ump between innings what they saw... But this coach running down the base line is a coach trying to be a higher league manager. "ask" and move on.
it was a safety call here, the ump should have called obstruction at the plate, the catcher didn't have the ball until right when the runner got there, it would have been a dead ball call before the runner got there if the ump had made the right call and looked out for the safety of the players. the slide/evade rule doesn't apply because again but he same rule the catcher did not have the ball when the runner got to home plate, he caught it right as he got there.
Takes a bit to find out what the coach is upset about. Never saw a coach believe the umpire needs to move the bat. Sure, they may if they have time, but his first job is to watch the play, especially being alone. Seriously can't believe the bat was the issue. The batter dropped the bat on his own team. It's not like the catcher picked it up and put it there. Unreal this was ever an issue. Get a new coach.
new*
First off, not the umpire's responsibility to move the bat, especially when he is alone.
Secondly, if that runner slides into home with the bat there, not only would it not hurt the kid, but that bat would get kicked out of the way like a car hitting a mailbox.
He's out. Should've slid.
Correct, plus the offense was the ones who dropped the bat there, the kid should have slid into home. If the call was reversed, I wouldn't put it past coaches teaching their players to drop the bat there every chance they get. And last but not least, that was a great throw.
However, if the catcher, or any fielder for that matter, is standing in the middle of the base path or blocking the base without the ball, then assumingt that a play is not yet being made on the runner, type B obstruction should be called. Type B obstruction takes place when a play is not being made on the runner who is obstructed and it is a delayed dead ball. Then, once the play is over, the umpire should call time and award the runner the base he would be awarded as on type A obstruction.
Let's face it. If an umpire were to call a PERFECT game he would still have 50% of the parents pissed off at him.
Close plays where the runner doesn't slide are usually outs. Ump, take off the mask.
that stupid rule people make up runner must slide home or they are out? the rules state slide or avoid interference those are the rules. there are no must slide rule. i hate when people tell me that.. i never call a runner out if she or he doesn't slide i call them out if they are out or interfered with the play.
Who said it was a rule? If you can get an out because it was a close play and he didn't slide, I'm taking the out.
Also, fault the on deck man who just stood there and was no help to the runner. The left fielder made a great throw.
I said it was a stupid rule people made up... do you know ever time i go umpire youth game they tell me they should slide or there out. that not what an umpire does umpire calls fair game base of rules. I was speaking in genreal terms when i made that comment Matt. there no rule you must slide that the thing
@@mattmoehring8021 some leagues put it in unfortunately but I go base of rule book slide or avoid interference
@@critter2 he was out anyway stop your whining
Good lord, it's a play at the plate in a 9u game and we have people arguing like they're in court. Use it as a teaching moment about sliding into home and move on. Some of these coaches think they're going to get called up to manage the Yankees or something and some of the parents think their kid is the next Fernando Tatis. Everyone needs to calm down a bit and let the kids enjoy themselves.
since Fernando is a cheating druggie, they probably are (sadly)
As a former baseball coach, the first thing I would do is ask my on-deck batter why he wasn't in position telling the runner to slide? And then I would ask the runner, why didn't he slide? The burden to do the right thing is on your players and coaches. Not all calls are going to go your way, but it is your job as a coach to make sure your players are playing the proper way....and part of that is how they react to a call that goes against you. And that goes for the parents as well.
Agree.
Players have to play "the right way" and make it easy for the umpire to make calls.
That's actually pretty tame compared to many I have witnessed in person.
Agreed, I didn't hear any "pissed off" parents.
All those parents and coaches arguing over the call are wrong. Wrong because this a child's game and your ONLY responsibility is to set an example and teach these children how to play the game right.
No.. they are wrong because the ump got the call correct.
@@skinnie2838 wrong the ump should have called obstruction on the catcher, he didn't catch the ball until the runner got there, he was obstructing the play before the ball got there, it is a dead ball play and he should have been called safe.
@@skinnie2838 Rule 7.08(a)(3) in the Little League rule book states that "a runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag." This means that any time the fielder has the ball and is about to attempt to make the tag the runner needs to either slide or attempt to avoid the tag (if he goes out of the base line he is out). This is in place in order to prevent runners from coming into home plate and running over the catcher.
However, if the catcher, or any fielder for that matter, is standing in the middle of the base path or blocking the base without the ball, then assumingt that a play is not yet being made on the runner, type B obstruction should be called. Type B obstruction takes place when a play is not being made on the runner who is obstructed and it is a delayed dead ball. Then, once the play is over, the umpire should call time and award the runner the base he would be awarded as on type A obstruction.
t was a safety call here, the ump should have called obstruction at the plate, the catcher didn't have the ball until right when the runner got there, it would have been a dead ball call before the runner got there if the ump had made the right call and looked out for the safety of the players. the slide/evade rule doesn't apply because again but he same rule the catcher did not have the ball when the runner got to home plate, he caught it right as he got there.
The amount a coach or parent agrues during Little League is "inversely proportional" to how good they were at baseball when they were kids.
Great call. Out by a step and then some. Coach is a dbag
wow a douchebag huh? for looking out for his players safety? The catcher blocked the plate without having the ball in his possession, that should have been a dead ball violation of obstruction which is in the rules to prevent collisions, the catcher didn't have the ball until right as the runner got to the plate, that and the bat not being removed makes this the worse ump ever for youth baseball, wasn't looking out for the kids in any fashion, lazy ass should have moved the bat.
Coach and parents were right to be pissed off the ump had his head up his ass, both in the blown obstruction call and being lazy as fuck in not removing the bat...officials primary duty on the field is to ensure the safety of everyone, which is why we have rules to ensure the safety of the players.
These kids are young. That was a strong throw! If he actually tagged him, he did it before the runner touched the plate. Kid was out.
Yep..perfect throw
Did this once in pee wee ball, scored standing up. Coach rip into me (correctly) about not sliding. Slides and he would be safe. The throw beat him. Agree runner was out.
Watched and rewatched several times. Good call by ump. Good play at home, runner is out. If the ump wants to really mess with the angry parents, he doesn't have to make calls from behind the plate.
I used to ump at little league games and it's hard. You cover all bases and also call balls and strikes. You're a volunteer. Nothing in the world more frustrating than trying to explain the infield fly rule to little Johnny's mom.
While umpiring solo is difficult, this wasn't a little league game and the umpire was definitely getting paid for this game. With that said, he made a great call on this play.
That's why I love the major leagues. They're so competitive and yelling at each other. In the little leagues it's so calm and boring and the kids just learn to play baseball and how to be a good sport. Just because I know there will be some comments, yes Karen, this is sarcasm.
That was very close. Without good sportsmanship we miss learning something very important. Good sportsmanship win or lose, we all make mistakes and this man is umpiring youth baseball ✊️
They call looked decent, as echoed by others. There are two issues I have in this play: 1.the umpire not taking his mask off. Anytime the ball is hit or otherwise leaves the area around home plate (hit, bunt, foul ball, wild pitch, etc.), you should take your mask off.
2. His positioning on this play was completely wrong. He should’ve taken this play almost third base line extended in order to get into the “wedge” for this play at the plate
His positioning was the older "1st base line extended" idea. It's no longer taught, but it only proves he has been doing it for a while.
@@mac2894 the number one mistake I see from umpires when I evaluate...when you take a play 1BLX, most oftentimes, you put the catcher or pitcher between you and the tag.
The other issue (although easily those are the two bigger issues) i see- dude has to sell the call. Saw a tag on the leg? Call it- "ON THE LEG- HE'S OUT" and punch him. This way makes it seem like he wasnt sure. Also- like he said- it is not his job to pick up the bat (although as its a safety issue, i always try to swipe it out of the way if possible)
ever stop to think he also had to watch the batter/runner? and that put him out of your divine position? 1 umpire can only do so much on a play. the batter/runner was also his responsibility
@@BigSkyCurmudgeon It's not MY "divine position". It's the position that is taught by anyone worth anything because it puts umpires in the perfect position to see what they need to on a play at the plate. Yes, the B/R is his responsibility also, but that is completely irrelevant to this play. Since you brought it up, did you not notice the fact that the umpire never once looked towards 1st or the B/R from the time the ball was hit onwards? He is watching the touch of 3rd, as well as the ball. His eyes then go directly to the plate and the tag when the ball arrives. The fact of the matter on this play is that his positioning takes him out of this play (especially considering he never glances at the B/R) and he ends up with a somewhat open look at the tag out of luck because 9/10 times, he'd be blocked out on this play
Clearly out. You can see a cloud of dust come from the catcher's mitt from tagging the runner. Good call, ump!
Everyone calm down. Clearly these kids are on the cusp of MLB and the only thing stopping them was this horrible (correct) call at the plate. Further, its every umpires job to move the bat. You'll always see MLB umpires move the bat as opposed to watching the runner touch third and track the throw.
Coach was absolutely right in his decision to show no sportsmanship and to be a moron. Good decision by him!
Nope - you need to calm down. The guy is umping solo-has to watch everything. Dumb to compare to MLB. Catcher needs to move it. And from this short video it is very clear the kids are not well coached. Finally, if the kids are well-coached, the parents behave well
@@beyondthepale9071 agree 100% - good points
@@beyondthepale9071 You completely missed the sarcasm, didn't you?
@@alanhess9306 actually champ, based on your 'comment' the whole thing is way over your head.
@@beyondthepale9071 You missed the sarcasm...little boy
Some parents get way to involved in a game that is just for fun. FOR THE KIDS. These umpires are not professional’s. They get paid very little to get yelled at by spoiled parents. Just shut up and enjoy the game. Your child learns from your actions.
7 years later, and those parents and coaches have likely seen how stupid they look. Kid was out all day.
When I saw it for the first time I said out before the ump made the call. Is the argument that the bat was blocking the runner?
It doesn’t matter if it was a bad call. Umps are human. Move on with life. Let the kids play.
if you slow the video down you will see the tag was applied before the player touched the plate
As a High school and middle school coach for over 15 years, you dont have a any right to argue if your kid doesnt slide...unwritten rule of baseball..
Yeah, ump could have moved the bat, ump is not required to move the bat though. Regardless, the kid was meat at the plate.
In ASA, we are told NOT to touch the bat. It's part of the field of play once dropped by the hitter. If the ump moves the bat, he becomes legally liable if someone steps on or trips over it.
never heard that in asa... but than again most leauges levels they pretty good at moving it. i had to tell another leauge i do that wait before the play is over before removing the bat.
We had a regional UIC tell us that at a clinic about 5 or 6 years ago. An umpire in the region was successfully sued by a parent of a kid who got hurt after the umpire tossed the bat during a play into foul ground. Their kid was moving into position to help coach the runner on a potential close play at the plate. She stepped on the still moving bat and broke her ankle.
that not good Keith that a shame.... accidents happen especially in sports. same that leauge got in trouble
Bullshit Bullshit Bullshit bullshit
Wah, wah, wah. I didn’t get my way. Call the commissioner, call my mommy.
he clearly had a touchdown
That’s actually a hole in one
All these comments but can we talk about that damn throw from the outfielder?!?!
I was that umpire for 26 years and this is why there's a shortage all over the country for sports officlals
They've got a crappy job alright. They can get every call right the entire game and still get booed off the field just because one side didn't win and wants to blame the umps instead of themselves.
if I was the umpire I would be tempted to just hand over my equipment to the coach and say here a hole you do it❗🤬⚾😂
was clearly out
One umpire to watch the entire field and make a split second call and he still got the call right.
He’s out. Just cause the parents failed in life and didn’t become pro doesn’t mean you ruin sports for your child. Grow tf up already.
Have you ever noticed the crazy coaches are hatchet-ass and walk the same way....I do
Hey coach, teach your players not to drop the bat directly in front of the plate.
lol one not my team, two a bat will land where a bat will land...
lol..no...a bat will land where the batter drops it. EVen at that age, a coach should teach players to toss the bat aside...no drop it.
SharkBird so u telling me u get a hit u gonna take time to throw the bat somewhere gtfoh
Ummm..Alfred..you DO realize that 99% of players DO throw the bat somewhere OTHER than right on the plate, don't you? In fact, it takes LONGER to stop the momentum of your swing to drop it straight down than to toss it a bit away. Either way, every good coach at the lowest levels teach kids to toss it AWAY from the plate, either behind it, or on the first base side as they are heading to first so that it is not in play in any way.
SharkBird you made a good point then killed it with your immature comment
tournament director safe or out is judgement call tournament director cannot do anything granted the umpire should of taking his mask off.
unkown a mask makes no difference in his angle or view, just the perception of the fans, who don't make the calls
as any umpire knows you are suppose to take your mask off to make the call. you really aren't suppose to be calling safe and outs iwth a mask on. but whatever be like that.
Did the ump make the wrong call? No. There is no rule in the umpire's copy of the rules, mechanics, or case book that states that the ump has to take off the mask. If they choose to, it's usually to sell a call. I ump all levels from high school on down. I wear a hockey style mask that is tough to just rip off. I don't take it off on plays at the plate. Getting a good angle and being in the right position trumps the mask coming off.
NOah did i ever say was a rule? NO read below i am not only one who mention
mask should of been off good ump ire takes there mask off to make call
this what taught in clinics. Excuses do not fly noah i wouldn't be using
you personally if you made than an excuse to me. would i back your call
up? 100% even if i thought you were? of course its judgement call i do
not like hokey style mask i prefer the old style.
unkown a Angles and positing is what is taught in clinics. The mask is optional, it makes no difference on the style. Taking it off doesn't matter if you're in the right position. Again, the call is correct, the kid's dead meat.
I think if the umpire is more emphatic about the call instead of so matter of fact, he gets less, if any grief. His nonchalance on such a bang-bang play gives the appearance that he’s guessing on the call.
Where was the kid on deck? We were always taught to get the bat if there was no runner on third. I think the runner was on second.
There is nothing definitive in this video on the tag. Though it appears that the momentum of the ball impacting the mitt carried both into the hip of the runner, the runner's position blocks whether the tag was actually applied. However, the umpire had a much better angle on the play than the camera. As an adult, if I were a coach, it is not a call that I would have argued because it was as close a play as you're likely to see.
There ARE coaching opportunities here to instruct batters to get the bat away from the plate while going to first. To slide into home on a close play. Also to teach and use the base path rule to your advantage as a runner. He could have edged to his right and circled in a bit, and would have avoided the perfectly thrown(as it turned out) throw and tag.
What a great throw that was.
what about obstruction? Little League rules state that if the defending player blocks the plate and doesn't have the ball it is a dead ball play for obstruction and the runner is ruled safe....it is a safety rule to protect the youth from collisions. Otherwise we see more plays with runners trucking the catchers at the plate which is why we have the slide or evade rule. But the slide or evade rule only comes into play if the catcher has the ball, and he did not so he was obstructing the runner from the plate. Saying the catcher has the right to make the play and catch the ball is not valid here, again because he still is not allowed to block the runner without the ball, nowhere in the rule does it state the catcher is allowed to block the plate attempting to catch the ball, the rule specifically states he has to have the ball in his glove or hand or he is in violation.
The throw home was behind the runner causing the catcher to move forward and block the plate and he caught it right at the moment the runner was attempting to run around him so they didn't collide...should have been a safety call for obstruction by the catcher but the ump blew it just like his lazy ass blew not removing the bat so it wasn't a safety issue....the ump should not be officiating youth baseball when he doesn't care about player safety, that is why the parents were pissed off.
@@jamesw71 I don't see this as blocking the plate, but can see how it could be considered. But only seriously if your son is the runner. Haha! just kidding. The catcher wasn't blocking the runner at all and only slightly AFTER catching the ball. Had he runner been on 3rd at the pitch it would give your argument more meat as the runner path would have been direct. But he was on 2nd and rounded 3rd on the way to home, putting himself well out of that direct path. He chose not to slide or avoid the catcher altogether, which he could have, as base path isn't defined until the tag is attempted. Even so, as the play developed, the runner STILL had a direct path to home. So this is not the classic "blocking the plate" the rule addresses IN MY OPINION. Had he blocked the plate, the runner would not have been able to run through and step on it. Had the runner slid, as he should have in my opinion, he would have been safe. The runner could see where the mitt was and we can ALL tell when the ball is coming based on the catchers actions. The mitt was high and tracking the ball. If a "safety call" had to be made here, I would have called the runner out for not sliding before calling blocking the plate. Is the catcher supposed to just let the throw go to the backstop? No. Had there been a head on collision before the ball arrived, I'd agree with you 100 percent. But the fact is, he didn't block ANYTHING until he caught the ball. There is no number of steps or a distance that I'm aware of for this. Caught, tagged, out bang bang great play, no collision. I tell the runner, "Slide next time, son." The runner sealed his own fate by not sliding. Bottom line, there is no way the catcher makes the tag if the runner slides.
I'm with you on the bat. But to me that's on the batter. We were taught 40+ years ago to drag the bat with you for a couple of steps to avoid this. In practice we got that drilled into our heads and had to run a lap if we left any part of the bat in the box area. It wasn't just our coaches either, as all players Do they not do that now? Don't confuse a single incident of distraction with "not caring about player safety". You have to do a lot of crazy extrapolation to get that from this video. That's just a bridge too far. But yes, of course he should have cleared the bad immediately. No question.
This isn't a hill I'd choose to die on either way, though. If it was my kid catching and you called him safe based on your argument, I would say "C'mon blue, Really?!" and that would be the end of it. I feel strongly that youth sports provides valuable lessons for kids and parents that when things don't go your way, you have to deal with it. Every close play is not the end of the world. WAY too many parents just don't get that today.
That said, I respect your opinion and hope you have a wonderful weekend.
That left fielder must be Yasiel Puigs kid…..
Are there a lot of accidents/injuries with ppl sliding into bats? From a hockey background and not baseball here. So would there really be an issue with sliding into the bat feet first. Cleats protect the runner and the bat can move/roll.
That was a sweet play. Umpire was in perfect position. No obstruction. Out.
I think that was a great play and call
My daughter got called out at first a couple of weeks ago at a softball showcase. It was close, but she was clearly safe. Later on, our coach told us she was called out because she slowed down and did not run thru the base. That’s what all the coaches scouting are looking for. So the ump did her a favor and hopefully she’ll remember next time.
It was a Good Call ! what are they arguing about ?
Good call Blue. Kid was out from every angle I looked at. Iam getting old but have a question. Is sliding prohibited? If not, your call stands good from what I see. If sliding is still legal, the kid should have slid. The call was too close to cross the base standing up. Way too close.
Perfect throw and tag gets rewarded.
I guess they expect the Ump to wipe they're asses as well. SPORTS! thank you Rockzie.
Its times like this that made me not want to officiate any games. Baseball or basketball. Especially at this age group. When parents follow me to the parking lot to confront me with their kid in tow....I draw the line there.
HE SHOULD HAVE JUST CRAWLED. U OUT. 😂😂
Why didn't the lazy ump move the bat out of the way?
I blame the batter putting the bat in front of the plate. Thats usually why you wouldn't want to put it there.
What happened to sliding? He might have been safe.
How is this being filmed? Just recorded? Or is it one if those sports streaming app so people can watch remotely? Anyone?
Go pro
Maybe if he would hand him some money the Ump might change his mind😆😂😭🤪😬⚾️ on a judgement call?!
Awesome call, from the blue!!
This video pretty much sums up why I stopped coaching, after 20 years, and started farming. People have lost their minds.
First... IT'S 9u BASEBALL... for crying out loud... Second... IF the runner had slid into home there is every chance he would be safe...SO... that's on you COACH!!!
mjb2424 right on!! Tell that coach haha.
I am a baseball Umpire and this is more common than it should be. The idiots in the stands ruin it for the kids. More than once I have had to have both teams go to their dugouts and have unruly spectators sent to the parking lot.
He's bellyaching because the ump didn't move the bat....not the umps job! Great call.
1. It’s not the umps job to pick up the bat. 2. The kid never slid which would have resulted in him
being safe. 3) The on deck batter is nowhere to be found to tell the runner to slide and to move the bat. 4) The coach is a douche and was 90 feet away from the play and is teaching his kids to argue with the ump. 5) Parents are the worst part of little league. 6) It’s 7 year olds. 7) The ump got the call correct. 8) Move on, it’s over, stop embarrassing yourselves.
if he slides instead of going in with not sliding he is more likely could be safe. For us umpires that always a tough call to make
those kids are amazing players, I'm so impressed by them. Parents...not so much! Also, I have 2020 vision and that kid is clearly out.
Great play by the left fielder and catcher, also great call by the umpire, the runner was out.
After slowing it down he was out. So the call was correct.
he was OUT
I'm an umpire. I never talk to anybody on the other side of the backstop under any circumstances.
Good job. People are always tying to curry favor with the boys in blue.
I would like to see now that these 9u players are now 16 year olds, where they are at?
Eastlake and Bonita in Chula Vista, CA. Spread a month those two schools mostly.
9u down here the manager gets one chance to briefly discuss a call. If he comes back he's ejected. Any kind of comment by parents on an ump or his call and they're removed. Also, we have two umps per game.
I coached Youth Baseball for 17 year's. Every Year before the Season Started. I got all the Parent's together and gave them a piece of paper of what I Expected out of them. The number 1 thing was there Behavior. If they couldn't contain themselves during our game's then they needed to put there Child on another Team. Not once over All them Year's did We have 1 problem.. ⚾️😎
I think the argument that the coach and parents were making is that the umpire didn’t pull the bat away from plate therefore hendering the little guys ability to slide into the plate. I could be wrong though.
Most amazing part of the video is the throw from left fielder. That was very impressive.
NOT HIS JOB the player should not have left it blocking the plate.
@@63076topher Never said it was his job. Read the post.
This all comes down to... DID HE TAG HIM??? If he tagged him he's out... If he missed the tag, he is safe... And truthfully from our angle, it is hard to tell... But, based on what I saw, he is out...
I am a highly trained youth baseball umpire (I have worked all levels of youth baseball, high school, Junior College and worked the LL World Series, in addition to being an instructor at a Western United States level for more than a decade.) A few things you notice about this play. The umpire is not well-trained. #1 - he has the indicator in the wrong hand. #2 He is out of position to make this call. He was straightlined - meaning he was making the call from a position where he was blocked by the runner from seeing the actual tag and the timing of that tag. Did he get the call right? Even after taking this into a software program that blew this up and slowed it down to a frame-by-frame analysis, you really can't tell. After the timing of when the tag should have occurred, the glove does not move substantially, which would have indicated a tag. That does not mean he wasn't tagged, however. I am not berating this umpire - he simply is not at a level to make this call from the proper angle, which would have been from the 3rd base line extended behind the plate. We have all been at that level of expertise in our development.
I umpired a few years for little league. Would never do it again for this reason. Exactly the reason it’s so hard to find volunteers for youth sports anymore
Forget the call cant believe kids WALKING leisurely onto the field. Wow times change
Some parents are just shitty. Living through their child… I’ve been in near identical situations at the plate. I hate umpiring anything above 8u now.
I am just the opposite. I have worked high school games for past 24 of my 31 seasons, and won't go back to the little kids again where I started and worked for 17 seasons.
Getting in correct position may have helped. Third baseline extended and he would have been in a much better vantage point. That being said, I had him out as well.
If it’s Little League, he’s out regardless as players are required to slide on close plays for safety reasons. If not, they are automatically out. He did not slide. Even so, he was clearly tagged before touching the plate anyway.