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Originally Posted by bluezebra
I used to work a men's league in the San Fernado Valley (So. Cal), which was about 95% Mexican and Mexican-Americans. A few had actually played pro ball in the Mexican League. It was a well-organized league. All players had picture IDs, they had to be in full uniform (though not necessarily matching), home team had to supply official, league mandated baseballs, etc.
I was working solo, and called a runner out on a close play at home. THe 3B coach came down the line and called me a name in Spanish. I had taken Spanish in High School, and sat between two Hispanic boys who taught me all the "good words". I recognized what the coach called me as a VERY vile name, and I ran him. Of course he claimed that he didn't say anything bad. I told him that I understood what he said, and that he was gone.
The others looked at me, and figured that this Gringo could understand Spanish. The word must have spread, because no one ever used Spanish on me again. Little did they know how limited my knowledge was.
Bob
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It's happened to me too in Mexican-American League a couple times. Little did they know that I minored in Spanish in college. And like in your case, word spread.
I usually never have any problems with these folks, and have worked 3 Mexican-American League All-Star games, as well as several of their Juegos de Campeonato.
The league out here is highly regulated by the League President, and laminated plastic player I.D. cards are required for each player. Each teams' I.D. cards are held by the opposing manager during the games. Players from all races and backgrounds play in this league, with the majority comprised of Mexican or Mexican-Americans.