Ruled out by the plate umpire, this call was upheld by Big Ten video replay. (Press Pros File Photos)
Letters from back home (Press Pros readers) on criticism of officials and umpires…a vote for area high school baseball coaches…and is there a chance that high school baseball will be played in warm weather?
Since our previous TRS post three weeks ago, we’ve received a number of emails and texts that pretty much explain the crisis with officials, the shortage of high school coaches (who stay), and why relevant amateur baseball in the summer will never see the shores of the great state of Ohio.
Here’s a few, with responses where appropriate:
“To Press Pros Magazine, I’m disappointed in your repeated criticism of [Big Ten] umpires, and your opinions during the basketball season that because the game itself has changed, that officiating should not change with it. For one, officials in every sport already take enough crap from parents in the stands, and even in Little League games where it serves as a poor example of sportsmanship to the kids. In your case, all you can talk about is how small the strike zone is…when it’s clearly defined in the baseball rule book. So which is it? Your way, or the afore-agreed-upon rules of fair play and respect for the game?” … Thomas Fairbairn
(Ed. Note: I’m glad you brought up the rule book, that states the strike zone is between the letters on the uniform and the hollow beneath the knee cap. Seen any letter-high strikes called lately?)
“First time writer, and exactly what is your issue with the Big Ten umpires?” … Steven Crispi
(Ed. Note: To begin with, technology. College umpires don’t manage the pace of game from behind the plate anymore. They squeeze the strike zone on amateur pitchers because they’re graded on accuracy and that 17-inch plate, and the higher you grade the greater your chances of landing a po$t-$eason tournament gig. And video replay at the Big Ten level is a joke because it’s half-ass. Not enough camera angles to get it right (above), and they rely on it too often. Officiating at that level has always been a good ol’ boys club and I see guys now out of shape and run like they’re wearing a suit of armor. I’ll also tell you that there are some good young umpires working. But I’ve seen so many exceptions this spring that it’s hard to talk about the glass being half full.)
“I don’t watch Big Ten baseball, but it’s hard to watch Big Ten basketball because of the way it’s officiated.” … Gene from Ironton
In a matter of days last week’s column on Lehman baseball and assistant coach Dave King brought a surprising number of supportive comments:
“Very nice piece on ‘Kinger’ and Lehman. You showed him all the respect he deserves in that article. Well done, and thank you for recognizing him for being a damn good dude.” … Aaron Klopfenstein (via text)
“I remember Coach King from his days at Sidney and his impact on kids who probably grew up to be a lot like him. Enjoyed reading this.” … Dave Smith
“They don’t make them like Dave King, Jim Hardman, and Lou Brunswick anymore. All three were involved with kids and baseball, even after they retired.” … Jeff Forror
On our recent posts about the concern for the future of community amateur baseball….
“It used to be that dads were more involved with their kids growing up in baseball. Now not so much because in many cases dad’s not around, dad didn’t play baseball himself, and dad has other, more important priorities.” … Terry Pope (via Facebook)
“What you wrote about Jim Hardman is the absolute truth. He was the epitome of community baseball leadership in Piqua.” … Bob Elliot
“One thing you didn’t mention about kids not playing baseball is that baseball is very expensive, compared to other sports. A good baseball glove costs at least $300, and a good baseball bat costs $400. Only amateur hockey is more expensive for kids to play.” … Thom Killilea
“I’ve followed your posts on high school and college baseball all season and endured some of the wet, cold weather myself. So I’m asking…do you think high school and college baseball will ever be played in the summer months, like it’s supposed to be played? Hoping for a response.” … Donald Motz
Ed. Note: Probably not, Don. At least for high school kids. There are simply too many moving parts, the game is a non-revenue sport, and it would involve too many adults giving up their personal time. It’s hard for me to say this, but where baseball and spring sports are concerned they both take a back seat to prom in terms of priority. And in the college game the southern and western schools have a weather advantage that they’re just not willing to share.)
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