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This is a first in so many ways. We were entering the dugout after an 18U game (at the Stingrays tournament) when the coaches from the Sapphires warned us that the field umpire called over 30 illegal pitches on 5 different pitchers during the game. At first, I passed it off, but it did not take long to see that they were telling the truth.
Before the 2nd game was over, 3 more pitchers were called with "illegal" pitches making it a total of "8 PITCHERS IN 2 GAMES THAT WERE CALLED FOR ILLEGAL PITCHES". From what I was told, the "illegal pitches" in the 18U game ended up deciding the game. Note - two of these 18U pitchers were all Ohio pitchers.
I have coached my pitcher for 3 years and this is the first time that she has ever had "illegal" pitch called. I have been around long enough to know what an illegal pitch is (you have to trust me on this). Toe dragging, according to the field ump, was an illegal pitch.
I want to give a thumbs up to the Ohio Wave coach, Rich. He walked over to our dugout and told me, the coaches and our pitcher, that he was with us all the way with our contention against the field ump. He was also disgusted with the obvious attempt of the umpire to make the game about "him". Rich, I thank you. I know we may have had our differences in the past but I appreciate what you did today and the class your coaches and team showed when our pitcher was hit by a batted ball and a pitch. We could tell your pitcher felt bad about the hit batter, that is why my assistant took the time to assure her that we knew it was not intentional. She is an exceptional young lady.
Folks, if my pitcher was delivering an illegal pitch - I would never, ever complain. I know what is an illegal pitch (after 8 yrs in FP softball, I should) That was not the case today.
I left the Stingrayt tournament with a sour stomach. I will say this - I will not put my team on the field if this umpire is assigned to any future game. I will be sending the Stingrays officials an official complaint. This guy should NEVER officiate a major venue -ever. He was that bad.
Before the 2nd game was over, 3 more pitchers were called with "illegal" pitches making it a total of "8 PITCHERS IN 2 GAMES THAT WERE CALLED FOR ILLEGAL PITCHES". From what I was told, the "illegal pitches" in the 18U game ended up deciding the game. Note - two of these 18U pitchers were all Ohio pitchers.
I have coached my pitcher for 3 years and this is the first time that she has ever had "illegal" pitch called. I have been around long enough to know what an illegal pitch is (you have to trust me on this). Toe dragging, according to the field ump, was an illegal pitch.
I want to give a thumbs up to the Ohio Wave coach, Rich. He walked over to our dugout and told me, the coaches and our pitcher, that he was with us all the way with our contention against the field ump. He was also disgusted with the obvious attempt of the umpire to make the game about "him". Rich, I thank you. I know we may have had our differences in the past but I appreciate what you did today and the class your coaches and team showed when our pitcher was hit by a batted ball and a pitch. We could tell your pitcher felt bad about the hit batter, that is why my assistant took the time to assure her that we knew it was not intentional. She is an exceptional young lady.
Folks, if my pitcher was delivering an illegal pitch - I would never, ever complain. I know what is an illegal pitch (after 8 yrs in FP softball, I should) That was not the case today.
I left the Stingrayt tournament with a sour stomach. I will say this - I will not put my team on the field if this umpire is assigned to any future game. I will be sending the Stingrays officials an official complaint. This guy should NEVER officiate a major venue -ever. He was that bad.