Joel -
Good story, and unfortunately, all too true...
I worked a 40 team HS tournament this past weekend, teams from TX, NM, UT, NV, CA, and AZ. Constant *****ing by the parents about every little thing.
In one game, after about the fifth inning, I realized that one teams parents and fans were supporting their kids and not complaining about every call they did not like. That was not my best game of the tournament and there was plenty of stuff they could have groused about.
I made a point of strolling over to the fence between innings and telling a few of the people sitting there that I appreciated the fact that they were there to support their kids and not yell at the blue. It was refreshing to see that. I ususally am able to hear all the complaining, but I don't listen to it..it was just different to not hear it in the first place...kinda nice, actually.
Andy