y first reaction was shock, then anger, then finally a quiet resolve. A resolve to speak out against what I feel is becoming a far too common occurrence — coaches blaming officials for loses.

The call

So, let’s begin with the controversial play.

Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth and with a runner at third, Dartmouth attempted a suicide squeeze. The left-handed batter reached across the plate to contact the pitch, which was about 6 to 8 inches outside. The Truro catcher reached out, anticipating the ball arriving.

Exactly what happened next depends on whom you ask. Dartmouth will say the call was right; Truro, wrong. Of course both of those teams have a vested interest in the call. I will give you the umpire’s version.

Continued...