Reflections of a 15 Year Old Umpire, Ejecting An Adult

         When I was 14, I became a little league umpire. Throughout high school, it provided the perfect employment for a young baseball fan, with a desire to work hard, use their extensive knowledge of the game, and take advantage of having no fear of crowds. Looking back it was an awesome experience, and definitely NOT without its growing pains. Its fair to say that a little league coach or parent can make Billy Martin look like Buddha. No matter how little you fear crowds, or extensive your purview of the game may be at that age, nothing properly prepares you to face an adult aggressor. Especially one who is aggravated over an outside strike.
         Over those years, players, parents, and coaches entered and left the league regularly, as did the umpires. Yet over four years, there were always a few special cases. A select few individuals that developed an infamous reputation for crossing the line from genuine dedication, to aggravated assault. These folks were known by everybody, you simply could not miss them. Rather, you could never truly be out of ear shot. Unfortunate for every wonderful coach, parent, or league official, there were occasionally those who flirted with court issued restraining orders. These are the people that force politicians to write and pass legislation on adult conduct at youth sporting events.
        One afternoon, as part of the standard operating two-man umpiring team, I was covering the second of a Sunday afternoon triple-header on the bases. My fellow umpire that afternoon, whom we will call Matt, had this game behind the plate. In attendance we had one of the aforementioned infamous characters, who had developed an astounding reputation for umpire abuse. I had never really let him get to me during my time as blue. There were definite benefits to a booming voice, and consistent strike zone (not that it always helped). Though that afternoon this gentleman, whom we will call Mr. X, was in vintage form. As an assistant coach, he always had a favorable vantage point to ride an umpire. With all the courage and bravery it takes to bully a teenage umpire, that afternoon Mr. X tangoed over the line. While I do not clearly recall exactly what the magic words were, Matt in command of the plate called for time. He rose from his crouch, removed the mask from his face, took once step to his right to where Mr. X was standing on the other side of the batting cage, and emphatically motioned for his ejection. I can only describe Mr. X’s description as stunned. Perfectly, honestly, totally stunned. Matt had just ejected an adult coach, at least 30 years his senior from a little league baseball game. To my knowledge, it was the first time Mr. X was politely asked to leave. After that moment of shock wore from Mr. X’s face, as well as everyone else’s in attendance, protocol took over. X stood back, picking up his personal belongings, and left the complex. Should he not have complied, league protocol would have dictated that he receive a police escort (they really didn’t mess around with any ambiguity in these matters). 
        Later that day at the conclusion of the triple header marathon, the league commissioner came to Matt and myself to hear our report of the incident. Once we had informed of our version of events, Matt walked off to discard his gear. The commissioner (who looked and acted like a far more wholesome version of Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone) took a deep breath, and in words that I may never forget said to himself, “Man, that kid’s got...” Yes Mr. Commissioner, he certainly did.
        I suppose what was most important about that afternoon was that Mr. X’s reputation had finally caught up with him. I don’t really ever remember seeing him again, except perhaps providing transportation for his son. The league did the right thing, they addressed an unacceptable situation, and trusted the judgment of their young umpire. This experience is one of the most poignant reasons I believe all ball players should umpire at some point. Not simply to learn the game further, but to truly understand and appreciate the challenge making the right call, AND the reality of maintaining proper order, while maintaining a positive playing environment. Atop all of those wonderful and high quality experiences, it does provide the occasional opportunity to gather your courage, and dispatch an overgrown bully. THAT is an experience that is truly invaluable in the development of an individual, despite how unpleasant it is at the time. 
       With the departure of Derek Jeter, I, like many, find themselves reflecting on their best baseball memories over a lifetime. This Friday, a beautiful Fall Ball afternoon, I felt the need to share this one with you. I haven’t seen Matt in many years, but I can bet my last dollar on one fact, he’s got….

                                           (It was dramatic, but perhaps not THIS dramatic)

*Photo product and courtesy of AP H. Rumph, Jr.

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