[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Are you referring to the "secret signals" thread? I believe that TAC stated that this same thing has been discussed 937 times here and elsewhere. To recap: Secret signals are stupid. They will soon be discovered and coaches will watch for them to know when to argue.

If you are talking about the overzealous father, a few others have pointed out that it has very little (actually nothing at all) with umpiring. If it is just an excerpt from 'Life's Little Lessons', then I suggest you pick up that book. The story, while sad, is old and pointless. I think someone else is going to post a story about a Dad who allows his child to drink and gamble and another will have a tale about allowing your children to use drugs. Both have very similar conclusions and NOTHING to do with baseball or umpiring.

As far as the grammar, spelling and writing style goes, we can only take someone on their written word. Mistakes happen and a few people came apart at the seams about one partcular writer. Their mistakes don't count and they never seem to admit them. When their hypocrisy was called to their attention, the topic disintegrated. I'm sorry to inform you that while umpires are supposed to have thick skin and communicate better, some have not summited that mount yet. Criticism and the ability to argue well are elements of officiating. When all else is lost, remember the old adage - sticks and stones...

[Edited by WhatWuzThatBlue on Dec 1st, 2005 at 05:31 PM]