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Sorry for the late reply. Perhaps in a coach rated game (like school ball around here) I will stay away from my partner. Hey, even though we get paid on Long Island more than you guys, it isn't enough to worry about what these coaches think. It isn't my profession although there is a level of professionalism involved. I do my job on the field and rarely have any troubles (the few real idiot coaches may be an occasional exception) and I talk to my regular partner who I have worked with for years regularly between innings. No one cares and it has no impact on the games we get (and we do get some of the good ones). If I don't have my regular partner I am much less chatty or not at all.
Regarding fan interaction, I don't look for it, but if asked a question in a nice manner I will answer it. If a fan says something complimentary I will usually acknowledge it and usually will make a joking comment about them liking me now, but wait until I blow one. Life is easier when you do your job and take it easy. Yes, you are getting paid and need to display some level of professionalism and earn your money, but it is only a game which many of the participants forget. So you can be out there deadly serious and I will continue to go out there and do what I do. My competence will continue to be rarely questioned, I will earn my money, and I might even have a little fun while I am doing it. There are too may times that you have to be super serious, and you know them, so enjoy things when you are able.
Ed H
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