[RPatrino]

Harmbu,

Please ignore that bad advice. The best thing I can tell you is to treat umpires fairly and they will do the same. In all my years of umpiring, I can count on one hand the number of times I have trully had an issue with a coach.

I have found that generally there are maybe 2 plays during a game that might require you to have a discussion with an umpire. For the most part, if the play involves judgement (fair/foul, catch/no catch, safe/out, strike/ball) it is probably best just to forget it. If you question judgement too frequently, then when it comes time to try to get a reversal on a "changeable" call, you might not have much luck.

It bears repeating, don't get personal in your discussions. Some of the things I HATE to hear are: " You cost us", " Call them both ways", "You're killing us" or "thats the third call you blew today". Don't scapegoat me.

We understand that you have to back your player's up, but don't do it when they are totally wrong. Stand up for the game and respect it. If we are calling a pitch a ball, and we call it all game long, everytime, don't agree with your pitcher when he throws a fit. Support us, tell your pitcher, " He's been calling it that way all game long, get a clue!!" You will gain a lot of respect in our eyes if you do that.

Most of us know when we are being played, and don't like it. Last week I posted about a "coach" who questioned a pitcher wearing sunglasses. This last game he was asking for help on check swings all game long. We finally started refusing. That stuff gets old after a while.

Best of luck,