JETHAWKS NOTEBOOK: BACKMAN SUSPENSION UPHELD.Byline: Nathan Kurz Special to the Daily News LANCASTER - Instead of delivering a written version of an Aug. 24 altercation with Single-A umpires Chris Bakke and Scott Jarred, JetHawks manager Wally Backman
With assistance from Arizona Diamondbacks' general manager Joe Garagiola Joseph Henry Garagiola, Sr. (born February 12, 1926 in St. Louis, Missouri) is an American former catcher in Major League Baseball who later became an announcer and television host, popular for his colorful personality. , Jr., Backman sought a reduction in the 10-game suspension he earned. It didn't happen, but Backman was pleased to tell his side of the story. ``It was a very casual meeting,'' said Backman, who has been ejected six times and suspended twice by the California League The California League is a minor league baseball league which operates throughout the state of California. Before 2002, it was classified as a "High-A" league, indicating its status as a Class A league with the highest level of competition within that classification, and the fifth . ``It was nice to get my side out there. Having the videotapes was a plus, too. I just wanted them to realize there are two sides to every story. The umpires aren't always right.'' In the seventh inning of a 5-3 JetHawks victory over San Jose San Jose, city, United States San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850. , Backman forcefully bumped field umpire Bakke during a post-ejection tirade. The action earned him a suspension and an undisclosed fine. Bakke and Jarred submitted a report to the league making certain claims about Backman's ``violent'' actions - an account staunchly denied by the JetHawks manager. Backman arrived by plane around 6 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., he met with Moore, along with Diamondbacks assistant general manager Bob Miller, for about two hours. The three talked mostly baseball, Backman said, and dedicated about only 45 minutes of the session to discussing the altercation. They watched video of the incident captured by an anonymous JetHawks fan, video that partially discredits parts of the umpire's report to the league. Backman said his conversation with Moore about the incident was pleasant, though Moore did not take action against the umpiring crew or reduce the length of the suspension. ``I'm glad it's over with so I can just move on and put it behind me,'' Backman said. ``People can see the videotapes and come to their own conclusions. Mike had some good things to say, and it was a good meeting overall.'' Backman returned to the team Wednesday and will resume managing tomorrow. But the issue could resurface re·sur·face v. re·sur·faced, re·sur·fac·ing, re·sur·fac·es v.tr. To cover with a new surface: resurfacing a road; resurfaced the floor. v.intr. during the upcoming California League playoffs. Backman has had several run-ins with umpires that could be working during the postseason. ``I've been the same person that I was as a player,'' he said. ``Am I going to protect my players? Yes. Have I gone overboard sometimes? Yes. But the bottom line is that I'll back my players through right or wrong.'' --Baserunning blunders: JetHawks outfielder Reggie Abercrombie Reginald Demascus Abercrombie (born July 15, 1980 in Columbus, Georgia) is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Houston Astros. Reggie graduated from Columbus High School. has developed a knack for getting picked off since joining the club last month. His latest baserunning mistake came Tuesday when Abercrombie took off early for second base and was caught by Inland Empire In·land Empire A region of the northwest United States between the Cascade Range and the Rocky Mountains, comprising eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, northern Idaho, and western Montana. Farming, lumbering, and mining are important to the area. left-hander Thomas Oldham. Technically, it was the first time Abercrombie was caught stealing For meanings outside baseball, see . In baseball, a runner is charged, and the fielders involved are credited, with a time caught stealing when the runner attempts to advance or lead off from one base to another without the ball being batted and then is tagged out by a fielder because he was running to second on the play. Pickoffs aren't recorded as a caught stealing if the player is tagged out trying to slide back to first. Abercrombie has shown a great deal of speed in the outfield and on the bases, but it's now a matter of fine-tuning his skills. ``It's a learning process,'' Backman said. ``He's got to make mistakes so that we can sit down and talk to him about them. We've already talked in some depth about what to look for with pitchers and how to read their body movements.'' --Junior: Backman spent a half-hour before Wednesday's game hitting ground balls and throwing pitches to his son, Wally Backman, Jr. Backman Jr. was a 30th-round selection by the Texas Rangers Texas Rangers, mounted fighting force organized (1835) during the Texas Revolution. During the republic they became established as the guardians of the Texas frontier, particularly against Native Americans. in this June's major league amateur baseball draft and played with the Rangers' Arizona Rookie League affiliate during the summer. He hit only .172 with 10 RBI RBI abbr. Baseball runs batted in Noun 1. rbi - a run that is the result of the batter's performance; "he had more than 100 rbi last season" run batted in and 38 strikeouts in 93 at-bats while playing second base, shortstop and third base. ``He needs to work a little harder,'' the elder Backman said. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: JetHawks manager Wally Backman defended himself Tuesday in a meeting with league president Mike Moore, but Backman wasn't able to talk his way out of a 10-game suspension. Michael Owen
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