Bumped Umps

“Moidah da bum! Youse is blind!”

Baseball fans love to take out their frustrations on the umpires. Especially on close calls.

Well, the St. Paul Saints took care of that recently. About a month and a half ago, the Independent American Association team got rid of all the umpires, using instead a “final arbiter,” a judge in black robe standing behind the mound.

No close calls without crowd feedback. A dozen Little League players were situated along the first- and third-base lines, and decided plays by raising “Safe” or “Out” signs. The catchers called the balls and strikes. If there was a dispute, the judge ruled.

In addition, as fans entered the game, 1,115 were given “Yes” and “No” placards. They became the team managers; when team officials held up a card with questions (e.g., “Steal?” or “Infield Back?”), they’d vote. The judge tabulated the results, which were relayed to a dugout coach through walkie-talkie.

However, the base jurors left their posts by the time the sixth inning rolled around and the judge had to assume total control.

Maybe it was past their bedtime?

I love minor league baseball promotions.