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Originally Posted by Don Mueller
I don't think it's a dilemma for most.
I'd say almost every game as I approach the field a parent or spectator says "hey blue" Hi blue" How's it goin blue" and mean nothing by it except being polite. After most games as I leave via the winners side of the field the spectators I pass acknowledge my partner and I with such nicities as "good game blue" or "good job blue" and I take it as a compliment.
If they say "Keep your day job blue" or "you suck blue" I take it they didn't like my calls, but it has nothing to do with "blue", that's simply a traditional way to address an umpire.
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I can understand those who think it offensive given the origin from 50 or 60years ago. However, meanings of words and phrases change over time as the origins are not passed down through the generations. Political parties are now the opposites of what they were at the time of the civil war. For those who don't want to let go, fine. The rest of us have graduated to the 21st century.
I worked two games last night for a house league. I had people from grade school to the 60s say "hey blue, how's it goin?" or "nice game blue". At that level, it's more informal. Every once in a while you get a question in between innings like 'isn't it an infield fly all the time', or "I thought two conferences in an inning and you have to pull the pitcher". I could ignore them and not say anything or I could answer their question. If I have a few seconds, I will. It makes them feel better and more relaxed because they now know I'm not an unmitigated SOB bad guy. They appreciate it and say "thanks, blue". Would I do it for a HS game - absolutely not. It's not appropriate - after the game maybe - not during. So for me to take offense for them calling me "blue" just wouldn't cut it. If they're going to be polite, I will, too.