Funny (not really) situation @ Little League last night

[RandySmith]

I was asked by one of the mom's to attend and take some photos of one of the home-town teams that was playing " an away game " last night. I didn't have any high school events scheduled, so said OKAY. I positioned myself in my normal place outside of 1st base to start so I could get some "faces" at-bat, shooting with a 300mm 2.8 when all of a sudden the umpire called "TIME".

He approached me and told me to leave the field, because the "opposing" coach thought I would "interfere" with the game.

I was surprised at this, and offered to the umpire that I've shot from 1st base, 3rd base, and from both dugouts at high school baseball, softball, and sidelines of football, volleyball, and haven't ever interfered (although it "could" happen, I would do everything in my power to prevent it) ... he was unyielding, so not to make a big deal about it I followed his wishes and be respectful of his decision (since it was the "umpires field" so-2-speak). Anyway, to make a long story short I did get some decent pictures of the kids shooting tippied toe over the fence, and as I was leaving the "other" coach that mentioned this, said to me ..."Hey, did you get any good pictures of "my kid" at first base ? " I gave him my card and smiled and offered that I might-have and to please take a look on my website. I didn't want to get into it with him.

I understand that if the ball in play would have hit me, that it's a dead ball. But, can an opposing coach legitimitly ask me not to be on the sides of the field ? I mean, 3rd and 4th graders who barely hit the ball anyway ?

The kids on his team actually seemed close to tears when they made a mistake because he was yelling and getting in their faces during the game.

Somehow, the "fun" of playing seems to have been lost somewhere here.

Not my place to correct anybody but "Gee-Whillikers Willy" aren't they just kids ?


Life is fun !

[ttusa]

Originally Posted by RandySmith

The kids on his team actually seemed close to tears when they made a mistake because he was yelling and getting in their faces during the game.

This is really sad. I played softball as a kid for years and had such great coaches. It was all about fun. Such a shame...

[123canon]

from what i have seen it's not supposed to be fun. it is know as pre-pro, as we all know 85% of these kids will turn pro their second year in jr. college :)

[zepp]

Ever time I've shot little league sports, I've cleared permission and logistics with both coaches and the officials beforehand to avoid situations just as you describe. You might try that approach next time. It only takes a few minutes to do so and can go a long way in avoiding a scene.

-Frank

[ldelacruz]

He was just a jerk!

[Joe_Lorenzini]

I've been though this myself a few times and you did the right thing.

Congrats, it's nice to see a photog who has the respect for the game, players and parents the way you do. You also didn't screw it up for the rest of us that want to get inside and get the good shot. Way to go and thank you!!

Frank is right, the thing to do is to introduce yourself to each coach and let them know you'll be out there and doing your best to stay out of everyone's way and if they have a problem with it, to please feel free to come talk to you or even make a gesture to move a bit.

As for the coach, we've all either had them or gone against them. It's our jobs as parents to minimize the effect they have on our kids as well as trying to keep our cool when opposing them (and that is where it gets truly HARD!!).

Anyway, good job on getting the job done with professionalism.

Joe

[LSCSN.com]

WOW...I won't even get started :).

Well I'll get started a little bit. It's pretty darn sad when a "coach" is so worried about winning even at that age that he asks a photographer to leave the field, when said photographer isn't going to make a hill of beans amount of difference in that game.

Okay I'll stop now.

[RandySmith]

Jason, etal ...

Joe is right, I should have discussed beforehand. My bad for having the belief that it wouldn't be a biggie at this age level. I always do introduce myself and discuss my plans with "both" coaches and officials of high school level of play that I've covered. Up to this point no-one has even "slightly" complained. Most actually want me to make sure I get a photo of so-and-so ... so, live and learn. Hopefully, (I'll give the coach the benefit of the doubt) that it was because I didn't discuss with him, and my next encounter with someone like this will be less of a big deal.

And the kids are so great !

Thanks for your thoughts.
Randy

[ka5txl]

Originally Posted by LSCSN.com

WOW...I won't even get started :)
Okay I'll stop now.

Ok I'll stop too

[Lexie]

I experienced the same thing at the last girls softball game I shot. I explained that I had shot from both dugouts and first base many times. The umpire said I could stand about four feet back of first base, but I had a feeling the opposing coach would not be happy with that either. So I left the field, climbed to the top of bleachers and shot from there. Glad I left the field because our girls won the game. It was never a problem until that day. I found out later that this particular coach was the type that makes it NOT fun to play ball.

And I'll stop now too!

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Originally Posted by RandySmith

...I should have discussed beforehand. My bad for having the belief that it wouldn't be a biggie at this age level....

Nah, you had every reason to believe it would be ok as a lot of us do and 99% of the time it is ok. You just handled it like we all hope we would.

Joe

[terrtwins]

there is always a coach who will try and do this crap, its more common among the sorry teams. i umpire little league games and i would have told the coach to stop crying and coach the game lol.