Bob
Let me clarify something before this gets blown out of proportion.
Scenario:
3rd Inning: Count 1-1
Pitch comes in just off the corner
Umpire: "Ball"
Manager: "Where was that Sal?"
Umpire: "Balls out"
No reply by the manager
How is that considered "Little League" or a manager starting to argue balls and strikes.
Same scenario:
Pitch comes in just off the corner
Umpire: "Ball"
Manager: "Where was that WindBag?"
Umpire: "Not over the plate"
Manager: "No $hit, you called it a ball - was it down or out"?
I think there's better ways to handle a manager on balls and strikes that with a smarta$$ remark to a rather harmless question (ofcourse how he asks the location and how often makes a big difference).
My point is that comments like that are only going to escalate situations and may result in unnecessary ejections. Don't get me wrong, I'm not afraid to run managers/coaches over balls & strikes. However, if I can communicate to players and coaches in a manner that will keep them in the game, I will work towards that rather than coming off as a red a$$.
Furthermore, if you are who you say you are, then why are you o.k. with a person calling MLB umpires "monsters" and slamming them for personal style differences. Talk about unwarranted attacks! I apologize to Windy City if I came off a little harsh but I feel strongly about how umpires communicate on the field. I'll leave it at that. As for umpire resumes, you don't know me but if you want to compare - feel free to email privately at
[email protected]
[Edited by Sal Giaco on Oct 13th, 2004 at 07:20 AM]