[Diamondgal]

Everywhere we go there will be that one obnoxious fan or parent. Asking me why I was still talking would not warrant an ejection from me. That would be an easy comment for me to deal with. I've never thrown a fan even when they've loudly stated that I must be sleeping with the entire amateur town ball team since they got all the calls going their way. Or being called a b***** or worse. Is it easy to ignore? Not always. I think it helps to work hard at the game....hustle, be in position,study rules, sell calls, etc. Those things will breed more confidence in yourself which lead to more respect on the field and less of a desire or urge to have the fans affect your attitude. There's an umpire in our association that has been getting sucked in by the fans and engaging in negative banner with them this summer. The result?? The managers and coaches don't want to see him anymore. I'm not sticking up for the fans. They can be ridiculous at times. But if I allowed them to get to me it could wreak havoc on my game...something I don't want.

P.S. After the game when I was accused of sleeping with the team, I had some fans ask if they could be put on the roster as well. That actually shut down the original comments and gave me a much needed chuckle.