[Pete in AZ]

I've been watching this and usually agree with trying to ignore someone who is trying to be a distraction. But you said that you would ignore all assistant coachs no matter what they said or did. That is the most mindless sentence I've seen written on these pages.

1- You've just been hit by a pitch and it hurt. In between innings the assistant asks if you want some ice or need anything. You ignore him and walk away...nice role model for the players and fans.

2- The assistant coach sees a ball fly into right from the game on the next field. He yells to you that he needs Time and you ignore him because assistant coachs don't exist, period.

3- The head coach is having chest pains and you are the closest adult on the field. You ignore him because you are too cool for civil relations. You only talk to the head coach. If it was important he would be out there.

4- The assistant coach apologizes for the rude behavior of his head coach. You walk away because you give what you receive.

5- An assistant comes out to question a close play at the plate. His head coach was in the bullpen getting the next pitcher ready to enter the game. The head coach couldn't have seen the play and the assistant wants to know what happened since the ball is on the ground. You ignore him, dust off the plate and say Play. You don't acknowledge assistants.

6- The assistant walks by you on his way to first base and says hello. He hasn't seen you in more than a year and asks how you've been and if you took some time off. You ignore him because you are above talking to assistant coachs.

You are providing horrible information to this board. Your arrogance is contemptible. Umps like you give us a bad name.

From the Fed ump manual: Be firm but not overbearing; courteous, but not ingratiating; positive, nut never rude; confident but never cocky; friendly, but not companionable; calm but alert.