So, let's say you are the catcher. Your team has suffered because the ump has called a lousy game. It's hot, and you're angry. You'd like to get even....
This involves a big-news item in the local sports page around here. Stephens County was badly losing the High School playoff game. The pitcher threw a high fast ball, and the catcher appeared to intentionally duck, allowing the projectile to hit the umpire in the face. The pitcher and catcher have denied any evil collusion, claiming they were crossed up with the pitch. I guess that is possible. If the catcher is looking for a change-up or a slow curve ball, and the pitcher surprises him with high heat, the ball could be badly missed. And no one knows the absolute truth about the matter except the pitcher and catcher. However, the matter appears to be obvious. Stephens County has been fined $1000 and placed on a probationary watch by a sports regulating authority. And the news today is that the catcher had his College Baseball Scholarship withdrawn because of the incident.
The heat of the battle provides a test of genuine character. Do you respond with sportsmanship and dignity when you are hot, and losing, and you perceive that the other guys are not treating you well? In the midst of such a situation, should opportunity come along to inflict pain upon your nemesis, how do you deal with such temptation? The opinion of most is that the kids from Stephens County failed the test. However, the good and bad news, is that another opportunity will come along. Thus will come the possibility of redemption. My thinking is that, if this catcher wants to play baseball in College, he should work hard to make his case. Convince a gatekeeper that he simply messed up, and this is not a reflection of ongoing character. And prove it.
posted by: OldSchool (reply)
post date:
06.06.08 (8:52 pm)
I have been in that position many, many times. It is very difficult. The 'heat of the moment' can make you act out in a way you normally would not. I was always able to restrain myself within reason, but I can definitely understand how it can happen.
I am sure many pitchers/catchers have talked about letting a fastball go and drill the ump, but these 2 were the first to actually go through with it.
Thanks for sharing. I might not have heard about this otherwise.
posted by: LadyG (reply)
post date:
06.06.08 (8:54 pm)
It is not always easy to do the right thing, if guilty
posted by: LadyG (reply)
post date:
06.06.08 (8:57 pm)
If guilty of this, I hope that he has learned a lesson, that this is not the way to respond when things are not going your way.
posted by: surrogate (reply)
post date:
06.07.08 (4:57 am)
Sure looks like an intentional act on the video.
I was a catcher in little league and till I was in the middle of high school when I realized how crappy I was and decided to concentrate on other things, but I certainly remember more than once having sweat drip into my eyes just after giving the pitcher the signal and feeling completely blinded as the ball was zipping toward me. It's a pretty helpless feeling. Made me want to do just what it looks like that catcher did, which is, bail out - though I don't remember ever doing it.
Sure hope that one mistake doesn't affect his tomorrows too much, but, it probably will. Deserved? Who knows. Only him, I suspect. If it does wreck his immediate future and color the rest of his life, then I sure hope it's because he did it on purpose.
Reply to: OldSchool
The "revenge motif" hits me when driving, and when interacting with a self-righteous person who has used his/her powers to zing me on a previous occasion. And there have been times when I've failed the test. Thank God for opportunities of redemption.
By the way, I'm still thinking about your frightful sombrero photo. It has ruined my day.
Reply to: LadyG
It is good when we can learn our lesson and do better next time. Unfortunately, sometimes there is not opportunity for such improvement and redemption. Murder is sometimes committed in a moment of blind passion or anger. Words can be blurted out, never to be forgotten. Even "good" people can make such mistakes.
I sure wish there was a pill for stupidity. I'd have an ongoing prescription.
Reply to: surrogate
It surely does appear that he did this on purpose. He's a jock. He's a foolhardy kid. He deserves another chance.
A catcher? I was a pitcher! We'd make a great battery. I was able to throw hard, and wild, and thus bean a lot of guys. I hit five batters in one game, before being relieved. I was also a bad fielder and hitter, but being left-handed does have it's advantages in baseball. One of my prouder memories is a sever beaning I applied to Mike, my cousin's (and frequent commenter on this blog) former husband. He lay on the ground for several minutes, before gingerly limping to first base. Let's see- I guess that was a character test that I flunked?
posted by: OldSchool (reply)
post date:
06.07.08 (7:59 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
Sorry that the picture has traumatized you. I just thought it was pretty funny. Hope you can get it out of your mind. Have a good one!
posted by: bawdy (reply)
post date:
06.07.08 (12:08 pm)
It sure looks intentional. I wouldn't say he deserves a second chance. That sends the wrong message. If he says he's sorry, it's likely more for himself.
posted by: Barbara (reply)
post date:
06.07.08 (12:21 pm)
Yeh, they say character is doing what's right even tho no one is looking. Out at the mtn where I walk, there is a one-way loop which seems unnecessary when no cars are coming and I often see people disregard it. So far, I haven't.
