All,
Please let me set this record straight. First off, I now know that this in fact is NOT a rule violation. At the time I legitimately thought it was, since I know it was enforced in a tournament last year. I remembered being told about it. I'm specifically referring to the legality of the situation not the morality of it. What I should have done after I heard about it last year was to research the rule myself, to see what rule was actually applied. As an umpire I should have done that research. I did not do that and that was my mistake. I have also been told that this is an often enforced situation, which we now know it should not be. Maybe some good will come of this situation, because this will draw so much attention to a myth that is mis-applied. (Again, this is purely what I'm told...I cannot personally attest to having seen this applied many times.)
This rule was enforced late last year and I remembered it. It was that experience that I drew upon which led me to believe that this was in fact a rule violation. This is why I told Matt about this infraction. It was brought to the umpire's attention and it was again mistakenly applied. Matt was not 100% clear about the rule, nor was I, but I was trusting the precedent that was set by that former ruling. Looking back, we both know that this entire situation is wrong and we both regret that it happened. There's nothing we can do to un-do the situation other than learn from it and be sure it never happens again.
I truly apologize to the young girl on the Slammers who hit that shot. It was a fantastic hit and I'm glad that Matt had his team presented that girl with a signed ball. The hit will never be taken away.
On a personal note, there have been many personal attacks on my character and my reputation. I am not a bad guy. I am a good coach. I have a deep passion for this game and for teaching the game to young girls which drives me to spend countless hours every week teaching, planning, coaching, etc. Those who know me, know that I am a dedicated and extremely hard working coach who gives his entire heart to teaching and coaching this game. I love talking about this game, about the players and what teams have great defenses, how such & such is pitching or hitting, etc. I enjoy talking to and I try to emulate the great coaches out there for I see the good that they do and I try to be like them. I do not sell altered bats nor do not I have any altered bats on my team so don't believe any of that because it is not true. I never have any bad intentions towards any player or team out there. Ever. I applaud and congratulate defensive players on opposing teams when they make great plays and I do that from the bottom of my heart. My team recognizes a player on the opposing team with a "Player of the Game" medal at the end of every pool play game, win or lose and that is the absolute BEST part of my entire tournament. I get to recognize that young girl in front of her teammates and my team and they all clap for her. I have been coaching youth sports for 7 years, 4 of them in travel softball and I absolutely LOVE it. I have been an umpire for 4 years and I believe I have at least average knowledge of the rules. (Missed out on this one...I admit that. I am not perfect and nobody is.)
I have posted over 600 times on this forum and there are only one or two that I regret. My batting average is pretty good.
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The girls who have played for me have always had positive experiences and I have left an indelible impression on them. I strive to be the coach that they tell their kids about, that I may bump into at the county fair 25 years from now and they say to their children, "THIS is Coach Chris....the coach I told you about....my best coach ever." That is my dream.
I honestly regret ever bringing up this rule this last weekend and I regret suggesting to Matt that it be envoked. I wish it had never happened and I'm very sorry it did. It was a mistake and I have learned from this.
CZ
