[JRutledge]

Originally posted by mcrowder


While I agree with everyone else here that in this particular case the most you should do is say "Watch that language", I do take issue to the assumption that you shouldn't eject a player just because YOU started the conversation and his comment was a response to your question.

It is not just about the who started the conversation, it is in the context of what that conversation is about. You asked a question, he gave it. He was not talking about an umpire or an opponent, he was commenting on a teammate because the UMPIRE asked him. And you think ejecting someone based on that makes sense?

Originally posted by mcrowder
For example, after a couple of semi-audible groans from a particular coach on a couple of outside pitches(perhaps one you know almost never does this), you ask the catcher (no - I don't normally do this, but I've heard and read that some umpires do):

PU: "Catcher, am I missing those outside strikes?"
F2: "Yeah, those calls were bulls---".

Even in this example, I still feel the same way. That is why I do not ask questions like that. You might not like the answer or the response.

Originally posted by mcrowder
You initiated the conversation - he crossed the line (and if that particular line doesn't cross YOUR line, insert one that does for purposes of this example - perhaps "Yeah, you must be F---ing blind"). He's gone.

Well it does not cross my line, because I would have not put myself in that situation to begin with. So there really is not an example to give you. I just feel that when you engage players and coaches in "friendly" conversations like that, you cannot get upset when they might use language that involves profanity, especially when they are not directing it at you or your partner.

Now the original post asked for opinions. We all do not have to agree on how to handle this. But I would have never put myself in that position and then ejected the player for him being honest. Just tell the player to watch their language and move on.

Peace