Asking umpire about pitch location?

[Bucksalum]

Bretman and other umpire friends: if done respectfully, do you have an issue if a pitcher asks about the location of the pitch if it was called a ball? I noticed that my DD did this a couple of times last weekend and wanted to get your opinions on it. When I asked her about why she did it after the game, she told me she was just trying to understand where the umpire saw the pitch and figure out how to adjust accordingly.

Thanks!

 

[Klump]

I never have a problem with it as long as they don't ask every pitch. When I was a catcher, most umpires had no problem with it but every once in a while you get a jerk with a stick up his/her butt and they take it as a personal attack on their judgement and make you wish you would have never asked. You just have to feel the umpire out a little and see what you have before you start asking.

 

[wow]

This is a great topic.. Two examples come to mind.

The first was when a catcher asked and was told ( by the ump) only the head coach to talk to the umpire! That included ball location and defers! Say whatttt?

The other was when the head coach asked and was told the only rules which mattered were his... Different game

Most of the time as long as its not every pitch and done with the right tone its not a issue.. I think it actually builds a rapport with the ump.. A dialogue if you will.

 

[coachjwb]

All rolling of eyes should be avoided as well!

 

[SoCal_Dad]

I recommend coaches and pitchers ask the catcher - they should know whether it was a ball, a borderline pitch or a bad/missed call. The catcher is in the best position to size up each umpire's strike zone and a good one will speak up when they need to adjust to it.

 

[Comp]

Asking loud enough for everyone to hear along with the tone of voice can easily be construed as arguing balls and strikes. It is best if the catcher quietly asks the umpire without making it obvious where a pitch may have missed. I don't mind the occasional question from the catcher but not every pitch. A coach yelling it from the dugout gets no response from me. If they want to approach me between innings and privately ask where the pitcher is missing I will respond.

 

[Westler33]

As long as it is done respectfully and not for all to hear.

 

[BouldersDad]

All rolling of eyes should be avoided as well!

Some times coach thats all ya have left

 

[daboss]

I instruct the girls to ask respectfully but if possible ask after the inning is over. I'm not talking about every pitch or those complete breakdown moments when nothing seems to be working but referring about a particular pitch they believe is working yet the ump isn't giving it to her. Be polite and simply tell him you're wanting to make your adjustments for him but just unsure how you're missing so corrections can be made. Most umps are receptive when asked but not all as we know. Many times after a brief meeting between innings you'll find that border line pitch suddenly is now a strike. Spread the honey and thank them for their input after. Can't hurt in most cases and as for those others, just chalk up the experience and let the coaches handle the ump the rest of the game.

 

[Lenski65]

I recommend coaches and pitchers ask the catcher - they should know whether it was a ball, a borderline pitch or a bad/missed call. The catcher is in the best position to size up each umpire's strike zone and a good one will speak up when they need to adjust to it.

Bingo!!!!!!