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MAY 26, 2005
This week I decided to go back to Plain to try the chicken at the Palace...oh, and work a HTL game. It's worth the trip, plus it's really great working a game for Ed and the Plain team.
Of course, the game went 12-innings and 4:08 and I had the plate. On top of that I got hit over and over again as I had one of the most unlucky games I've had in a while. Pitches found my hand, my stomach, and my shin guard, and I took the hardest foul ball off a plate shoe I've ever taken. Even with a top-notch plate shoe it hurt -- my foot swelled up and turned red.
I thought I was unlucky, but only until I heard a voice mail left by one of our HTUA umpires while I was finishing up my marathon. A first base coach, in the process of arguing a call " physically pushed" the umpire and "shoved his glasses into [the umpire's] cheekbone." (Quotes taken form the ejection reports.)
Folks, this is assault and battery. As I see it, the coach (who has been suspended until July) is fortunate that the umpire didn't stop the game and call the police and press charges. Umpires should never wonder if a call they make will result in physical contact by a player, coach, or fan. Frankly, we don't make enough money to have to think that way.
I've lived and officiated in six states over the past 20 years. I've been the subject of verbal threats and the recipient of my share of police escorts to the car, the most recent of these after a varsity boys' basketball game in Rockford, IL this past winter.
I've never been touched, thank goodness. And we are doing everything we can as umpire coordinators to make sure that you can work your games free from wondering if you will be touched, too.
I hope everyone has great games this weekend. One of us will be back in this spot next week.
--Rich