[cat86]

Absolute travesty of justice in the Prestonsburg Bethlehem All A classic game...

Very good game, with outstanding pitching performances by Bethlehem's pitcher and Prestonsburg's Adam Griffith, who had a no hitter through 5 innings.

Bethlehem was able to load the bases in the top of the 8th and push across a couple of runs for the win.

However, it should never have gotten that far...

With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 5th, Prestonsburg's Grant Anderson was on third and Bryson Williams on first, with Trey Stapleton at the place. Williams attempts to steal second, and when the catcher throws down, a tag attempt is made on Williams. The second base umpire called Williams safe when the Bethlehem shortstop had the ball, but lost it on the tag attempt. Anderson crossed the plate on the double steal to give Prestonsburg a 2-1 lead. Bethlehem's coach came out of the dugout to ask the umpire what the call was. Then the entire 4 man umpiring crew met for about 2 minutes, and the call was changed to "out", which was the third out of the inning, and took the run back off the board. Coach Simpkins from Prestonsburg immediately took to the field to protest and seek an explanation. When Simpkins asked who overturned the call, he was told by the second base ump that he himself overturned his own call. When Simpkins asked why, the ump told him that "that was my call...out". Simpkins asked if there was an attempt by the runner to intentionally knock the ball out of the Bethlehem players glove, and the umpire said "No". Simpkins then again asked why the call was changed, and the umpire repeated, "that was my call...out". When asked if the player dropped the ball, the umpire said, "yes". When then asked how he could possibly change the call to out, the umpire repeated again "that was my call...out". Ultimately, Simpkins was ejected from the game for arguing the call.

I usually try to give the umpires the benefit of the doubt in most situations. This however was absolutely an abomination that defied any description I have ever seen in a baseball game. The most troubling thing was that Simpkins was never given an explanation as to why the ump changed the call...only that it was the second base umpire's call and he overturned himself. No reason why...no runner interference, no aggressive contact to knock the ball loose, no attempt to say the fielder held onto the ball long enough (which he obviously did not). Just that the umpire who made the call "overturned himself". If that call is not changed, Prestonsburg wins the game 2-1 in 7 innings.

Prestonsburg fans went ballistic. Simpkins (fighting for his kids...and rightfully so) went ballistic. Heck even the TV crews filming the game went ballistic.

I know the 15th region umpires catch alot of flack...however, I would take the worst umpire in the 15th over any of those absolute idiots that called the game at Whittaker Bank Park today. If this is the best the KHSAA has, then we may as well fold baseball on the High School level in the state of KY.

[OffTheHook]

Hate to hear this. Can say that I blame Coach...well warranted toss from the way it sounds.

[lchsalumnus]

Hate to hear this. Can say that I blame Coach...well warranted toss from the way it sounds.

hate to hear that too. and to add on to all this, now the coach has to sit out 3 games for the umpire's screw up that caused this entire mess while the umpire gets nothing done to him. how fair is that?

[OffTheHook]

It isn't. But, I bet if you ask Coach. He would tel you it's worth it. Cause I would say that they got a pretty good piece of his mind about the entire situation...lol.

[TroubleWithTheCurve]

And to beat it all, Simpkons got tossed for this statement to his team.. "If that doesn't fire you up I don't know what will!"

[lchsalumnus]

It isn't. But, I bet if you ask Coach. He would tel you it's worth it. Cause I would say that they got a pretty good piece of his mind about the entire situation...lol.

if it had been football, a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty and that would have been all. in basketball it would have been a T and 2 free throws and time on the bench for the coach. but in baseball you get ejected and suspended 3 games. i wish they would adopt some form of adaptation to the ejection rule where the first ejection of the year would be only for the remaining innings of that game, or a confinement to the dugout if it is a base coach. just my thoughts. which if you ask an umpire, don't mean squat.

[campbell]

I wasn't able to attend the game but from what I heard was after the play was changed and the next inning was getting ready to start Simpkins yelled out at his guys and said "If this doesn't fire you up nothing will" and then the home plate umpire tossed him cause he thought he was talking to him.

Is that true?

[cat86]

Shane DID say that to his team, but I don't know WHEN he said it. All I know is that when he was ejected, he went to speak to the home plate umpire (who had just tossed him), and asked what he did to deserve getting tossed. And once again, just like the examples above, the umpire gave no answer.

Look...If you are going to change a call, at least explain WHY (although there is no earthly reason for the ump to have changed it). If you are gonna eject a coach, at least have the decency and backbone to tell him WHY. Instead, all we got were stonewalls and no answers to any question.

I used to listen to other teams talk about a prejudice that exists against teams from the mountains. I never really gave it much thought. But after yesterday, if that does NOT exist, I can certainly understand WHY people think that.

Worst series of umpiring decisions I have ever seen. And it cost Prestonsburg the game. Sure, Prestonsburg had (as it turns out) 3 more innings to play. But by reversing the call, it took the winning run off the board, took away a gem of a 2 hit 7 inning pitching performance by Adam Griffith (who would have gotten the hard fought victory if the run counted...as it should have), and made the entire crew look utterly incompetent, although I doubt that matters much to them.

[Commanche]

Sad

[OffTheHook]

Shane DID say that to his team, but I don't know WHEN he said it. All I know is that when he was ejected, he went to speak to the home plate umpire (who had just tossed him), and asked what he did to deserve getting tossed. And once again, just like the examples above, the umpire gave no answer.

Look...If you are going to change a call, at least explain WHY (although there is no earthly reason for the ump to have changed it). If you are gonna eject a coach, at least have the decency and backbone to tell him WHY. Instead, all we got were stonewalls and no answers to any question.

I used to listen to other teams talk about a prejudice that exists against teams from the mountains. I never really gave it much thought. But after yesterday, if that does NOT exist, I can certainly understand WHY people think that.

Worst series of umpiring decisions I have ever seen. And it cost Prestonsburg the game. Sure, Prestonsburg had (as it turns out) 3 more innings to play. But by reversing the call, it took the winning run off the board, took away a gem of a 2 hit 7 inning pitching performance by Adam Griffith (who would have gotten the hard fought victory if the run counted...as it should have), and made the entire crew look utterly incompetent, although I doubt that matters much to them.

Been there many times and seen it first hand. Plate gets squeezed and "bang bangs" never go your way.

[OffTheHook]

if it had been football, a 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalty and that would have been all. in basketball it would have been a T and 2 free throws and time on the bench for the coach. but in baseball you get ejected and suspended 3 games. i wish they would adopt some form of adaptation to the ejection rule where the first ejection of the year would be only for the remaining innings of that game, or a confinement to the dugout if it is a base coach. just my thoughts. which if you ask an umpire, don't mean squat.

This is what should have happened first. Kinda like the T you talked about in basketball.

[cowcreek]

Absolute travesty of justice in the Prestonsburg Bethlehem All A classic game...

Very good game, with outstanding pitching performances by Bethlehem's pitcher and Prestonsburg's Adam Griffith, who had a no hitter through 5 innings.

Bethlehem was able to load the bases in the top of the 8th and push across a couple of runs for the win.

However, it should never have gotten that far...

With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the 5th, Prestonsburg's Grant Anderson was on third and Bryson Williams on first, with Trey Stapleton at the place. Williams attempts to steal second, and when the catcher throws down, a tag attempt is made on Williams. The second base umpire called Williams safe when the Bethlehem shortstop had the ball, but lost it on the tag attempt. Anderson crossed the plate on the double steal to give Prestonsburg a 2-1 lead. Bethlehem's coach came out of the dugout to ask the umpire what the call was. Then the entire 4 man umpiring crew met for about 2 minutes, and the call was changed to "out", which was the third out of the inning, and took the run back off the board. Coach Simpkins from Prestonsburg immediately took to the field to protest and seek an explanation. When Simpkins asked who overturned the call, he was told by the second base ump that he himself overturned his own call. When Simpkins asked why, the ump told him that "that was my call...out". Simpkins asked if there was an attempt by the runner to intentionally knock the ball out of the Bethlehem players glove, and the umpire said "No". Simpkins then again asked why the call was changed, and the umpire repeated, "that was my call...out". When asked if the player dropped the ball, the umpire said, "yes". When then asked how he could possibly change the call to out, the umpire repeated again "that was my call...out". Ultimately, Simpkins was ejected from the game for arguing the call.

I usually try to give the umpires the benefit of the doubt in most situations. This however was absolutely an abomination that defied any description I have ever seen in a baseball game. The most troubling thing was that Simpkins was never given an explanation as to why the ump changed the call...only that it was the second base umpire's call and he overturned himself. No reason why...no runner interference, no aggressive contact to knock the ball loose, no attempt to say the fielder held onto the ball long enough (which he obviously did not). Just that the umpire who made the call "overturned himself". If that call is not changed, Prestonsburg wins the game 2-1 in 7 innings.

Prestonsburg fans went ballistic. Simpkins (fighting for his kids...and rightfully so) went ballistic. Heck even the TV crews filming the game went ballistic.

I know the 15th region umpires catch alot of flack...however, I would take the worst umpire in the 15th over any of those absolute idiots that called the game at Whittaker Bank Park today. If this is the best the KHSAA has, then we may as well fold baseball on the High School level in the state of KY.

Umpires do have a way of changing the outcome of a game. Sounds like if the 3 umpires that were used at the 15th Region/ 16th Region sectional game had been used maybe it would have been a Prestonsburg win.

[cat86]

Umpires do have a way of changing the outcome of a game. Sounds like if the 3 umpires that were used at the 15th Region/ 16th Region sectional game had been used maybe it would have been a Prestonsburg win.

Yep...they would have made the RIGHT call...just like they did against Bath County.

[cowcreek]

Yep...they would have made the RIGHT call...just like they did against Bath County.

Oh yeah, they did make the right call. I witnessed several Pburg fans stop by and tell the umpires in the parking lot that it was the right call!!!! Good Luck in the District, Regional and State Tournament.

[cat86]

You too. Bath can win the 16th this year. Hope you guys do.

[cowcreek]

You too. Bath can win the 16th this year. Hope you guys do.

Thanks, I believe that we have a legit chance if we can score a few runs. We lost to Rowan Co. 3-2 in 8 innings. Wright gave up 3 hits and 0 ER.

[fanof3]

i wasn't ther but told by a person "on the field" that the runner was stealing second and was thrown out by a long way and after he showed the ball to the umpire the Prestonburg runner slapped the ball out of the Bethlehem SS glove. This was not seen by the 2nd base umpire but after being asked by the Bethlehem coach to consult with the other umpires it was confirmed by his fellow umpires that the runner had indeed slapped the ball out of the glove and was declared out. Sounds like good umpiring to me.
Now if you want to talk about a travesty how about the Prestonburg runner sliding into 1st base feet first with his nails up?

[OffTheHook]

^If that be the case...so be it. But, did the Ump explain that to the Pburg Coach? If not, than he should have.

[cat86]

i wasn't ther but told by a person "on the field" that the runner was stealing second and was thrown out by a long way and after he showed the ball to the umpire the Prestonburg runner slapped the ball out of the Bethlehem SS glove. This was not seen by the 2nd base umpire but after being asked by the Bethlehem coach to consult with the other umpires it was confirmed by his fellow umpires that the runner had indeed slapped the ball out of the glove and was declared out. Sounds like good umpiring to me.
Now if you want to talk about a travesty how about the Prestonburg runner sliding into 1st base feet first with his nails up?

Absolutely false. All 4 umpires were asked point blank directly if the runner intentionally knocked the ball out of the fielder's glove. Simpkins was told "No, it was not". And the runner was not out "by a long way"...It was a bang bang play. As for the runner "sliding into first base with his nails up", was this before or after Bethlehem's coach threatened to have his pitcher hit the next batter "in the head". I have sources on the field too...

[OffTheHook]

Come on guys. This stuff happens on EVERY baseball, just about every day. I don't condone throwing at anyone's head. But, "nails up" , statement pitches and retaliations are a very common occurrence in this game.

[dawg fan]

Come on man you really believe a high school coach would really try to have his pitcher try to seriously hurt or even kill a kid on another team get real. I have never know pburg to just get beat they are always cheated why can't you just say it was a great game we had our chances our kids played great we just came up a little short.

[KHSAA Blue]

Come on guys. This stuff happens on EVERY baseball, just about every day. I don't condone throwing at anyone's head. But, "nails up" , statement pitches and retaliations are a very common occurrence in this game.

Yes they are OTH, but not in the HS game around here. I have seen instances where players have taken the actions you have mentioned on their own initiative but not as orders from their coaches. The coaches should step in and discipline players that commit these acts. If the coach DOESN'T handle the situation, an experienced umpire should definitively step in and put an end to this type of behavior (with warnings and/or ejections). I've seen both during my career. And, referencing the out call at second, the call should have been explained to the coach by the umpire crew chief since the umpire who made the original call did not see the offending action. I cannot understand why they would not unless the crew could not remember which rule to reference (NFHS 8-4-2r) .

[golfer30]

I am not sure why coach simpkins got tossed. From what I hear everyone saying is that the play at second the ball was dropped, umpires got together and then called him out. Coach Simpkins then told his team if this dont fire you up what will? The home plate umpire tossed him. I have seen Shane and he knows when to draw a line, but usually he would have been tossed by second base umpire. Not saying Shane probably did not deserve it but still.

[Ike Cooter]

Come on man you really believe a high school coach would really try to have his pitcher try to seriously hurt or even kill a kid on another team get real. I have never know pburg to just get beat they are always cheated why can't you just say it was a great game we had our chances our kids played great we just came up a little short.

I don't understand why all the officials are so jealous of Prestonsburg and cheat those kids and coaches either.

[OffTheHook]

Yes they are OTH, but not in the HS game around here. I have seen instances where players have taken the actions you have mentioned on their own initiative but not as orders from their coaches. The coaches should step in and discipline players that commit these acts. If the coach DOESN'T handle the situation, an experienced umpire should definitively step in and put an end to this type of behavior (with warnings and/or ejections). I've seen both during my career. And, referencing the out call at second, the call should have been explained to the coach by the umpire crew chief since the umpire who made the original call did not see the offending action. I cannot understand why they would not unless the crew could not remember which rule to reference (NFHS 8-4-2r) .

That's how I should have said it. Thank You for making that statement to help clarify.

[BlackcatAlum]

Williams was out at second, but I was too far away to see if the Bethlehem player dropped it. However the ump called Williams safe, Bethlehem coach come out on the field and then the umps met up to discuss the call abs then it was changed. But if the kid drops the ball and it wasn't knocked out by the opposing player, then no way can you call him out. It was a terrible call.

As for the game, the top of Pburgs lineup just couldn't get any help from 5-9 to get them across the plate. Griffith pitched a gem, but once he was taken out in the 7th it was just straight down hill from there. Really thought they should have left him in.

Tough loss for Pburg, but they can rebound from this and make another run at getting back to Whitaker.

Congrats Bethlehem!

[KHSAA Blue]

That's how I should have said it. Thank You for making that statement to help clarify.

No problem, OTH, just trying to help. On another tack, I feel like I need to comment on the various posts that have been made regarding the umpiring (or lack thereof). A lot of different comments have been made about the call at second that was subsequently reversed after a conference with the other three umpires. I was not there so I cannot comment on whether the original call was correct, why it was reversed, or if a conference was even needed in this case. Judging from the difference in the comments, everyone has their own subjective view on what actually happened. However, I can comment on a few of the actions that are not in dispute and tell you how it should have proceeded. First of all, the Bethlehem coach came out and questioned the call. The second base umpire should have asked his partners for help and the conference takes place. After the conference, the umpire making the original call either upholds his call or reverses it. He then explains the reasoning for the call or the reversal. If he does not explain it, the crew chief (typically in HS it's the plate umpire) explains it to the appropriate coach(s). The umpire does not have to have a copy of the rulebook in his back pocket. He only has to state that by rule, A occurred so B happened. It is up to the "wronged" coach to "show him the book to point out the rulebook error in the umpire's reasoning (if there is one). Regardless of whether or not the umpire(s) were correct, it appears that the aftermath of the call was poorly handled. And, as far as Shane getting dumped for his call to his team, that is a judgment call. The umpire could have interpreted his statement as an attempt to incite a spectator demonstration (which is grounds of an ejection). The fans rather than the team could have been the intended audience of his message. We'll never know for sure.

[golfer30]

From what I understand its not a rule call at second base it's a judgement call. If the umpire called him safe and changed his call by taking to coach. I have seen lots of baseball and I seen coaches influence the calls. I think if they explain why it was changed the ejection would not happen

[aba91]

What's with the nails up stuff? Were you even at the game? He hit a high hopper and dived for the base head first. Unfortunately, while checking on the first baseman, the opposing coach did look at the PBurg dugout and gesture toward his head. According the some who heard it clearly including adults, he also said that player would be hit in the head if he got up to bat again.

[Baseballfan3]

No problem, OTH, just trying to help. On another tack, I feel like I need to comment on the various posts that have been made regarding the umpiring (or lack thereof). A lot of different comments have been made about the call at second that was subsequently reversed after a conference with the other three umpires. I was not there so I cannot comment on whether the original call was correct, why it was reversed, or if a conference was even needed in this case. Judging from the difference in the comments, everyone has their own subjective view on what actually happened. However, I can comment on a few of the actions that are not in dispute and tell you how it should have proceeded. First of all, the Bethlehem coach came out and questioned the call. The second base umpire should have asked his partners for help and the conference takes place. After the conference, the umpire making the original call either upholds his call or reverses it. He then explains the reasoning for the call or the reversal. If he does not explain it, the crew chief (typically in HS it's the plate umpire) explains it to the appropriate coach(s). The umpire does not have to have a copy of the rulebook in his back pocket. He only has to state that by rule, A occurred so B happened. It is up to the "wronged" coach to "show him the book to point out the rulebook error in the umpire's reasoning (if there is one). Regardless of whether or not the umpire(s) were correct, it appears that the aftermath of the call was poorly handled. And, as far as Shane getting dumped for his call to his team, that is a judgment call. The umpire could have interpreted his statement as an attempt to incite a spectator demonstration (which is grounds of an ejection). The fans rather than the team could have been the intended audience of his message. We'll never know for sure.

I'm pretty sure if the "wronged" coach pulls out a rules book on the field he will get dumped on the spot. That is one of the worst cases of showing an umpire up that there is.