Thread: Grandpa Punches Umpire in Parking Lot

Because it was an umpire it went from a misdemeanor to a felony, good. I wonder if that is the law everywhere.

Article:

If they don't make fans like they used to then there is at least one umpire who will be glad. After a youth softball game in Alabama this grandfather lost his cool over some calls he disagreed with and punched a 20-year-old umpire. The umpire had been officiating a game including the granddaughter of his attacker.

According to Carol Robinson of The Birmingham News, Darryl Keeton began heckling the umpire early during the game. After the umpire threatened to eject Keeton from the field, the 55-year-old refused. After the game was over, Keaton confronted the umpire in the parking lot.

The victim was cut across the nose and authorities were called to apprehend Keeton, who is now facing jail time. A law protecting officials will raise the assault to a Class C Felony, an act which may be punishable by up to ten years in prison, Jonathan Hardison of FOX 6 WBRC reports.

Darryl Keeton Punches Umpire Over Granddaughter's Softball Game In Alabama: REPORT (VIDEO)

This had me scared for a minute, I thought it might have been my father, but he hasn't been to Bama in a few weeks.

CLASSY....Thought we had the sole market on softball trash...

3sDad
I don't know where you are from but the area this happened in could give ya'll a run for your money.

This happened at one of the parks in our former league. I am not sure which age group it was because this happened during the post season tourney and each age group is at a different park but the league only plays 6U-12U. Sad that someone could come unglued over a game between kids this young. I guess it kinda plays on the fact the parks feed into four high schools that are big rivals. I also think it is due to high expectations. Our HS has won 3 out of the last 4 state titles to go with one in '99. They are back in the state tourney this year even after losing a ton of talent last year including 3 that will be playing in the Tuscaloosa regional this weekend at UofA. They just reload.

My DD played travel and rec last year before skipping all stars and playing travel full time. I was so glad to get away from the rec ball drama. Things were great her first two years and there are some great people involved with softball at our park. Over the course of last season though....

1. I had an umpire drop the "F" bomb on me for appealing a call.
2. Had a set of parents and grandparents tell me I didn't know anything about softball and wasn't competitive enough because I refused to start an 8U game at 9:30 on a school night because the park we were at was running behind.
3. Had a baseball coach and umpire get into a fist fight during a game.
4. Had parents in all stars stand by the back stop and scream as the pitch was coming to the plate in 6U.