[GarthB]

Originally Posted by TussAgee11

Certainly, I believe their is a place and time to shut fans up. If you just stand there, sometimes other fans think that the offending fan's behavior is acceptable and will go unpunished. If the TD is there, I may give him a slight point in between innings if he is within sight of me. If he comes over, I'll tell him very nondiscretely (keeping my mask on).

If there is no TD, these fans, IMO, need to be shut up. I don't mind taking typical crap all game long, but sometimes when you just take the crap, it leads to worse things and actions from fans. I want to prevent that at all costs, for the sanctity of the game I am working.

I realize my authority lies on the field side of the fence. I don't get involved with fans. I have never seen a situation made better by an umpire getting involved with fans.