I would guess that it is well known in his community that Tim is an umpire. So, when he made his disparaging comment to the umpire who made the incorrect call during his son's game, I would guess that to many who heard it at the time, his comment was that of an experienced official (rather than just the mindless drivel of a clueless parent, frequently and regularly heard at youth baseball games).
As such, as Tim obviously knows and has freely admitted, his comments were certainly inappropriate.
However, for the umpire to hold a grudge for over TWO YEARS over a comment made during a youth baseball game and to accost a fan and threaten him before a game is obscenely unprofessional, most certainly conduct unbecoming an umpire, and an infantile response to the situation.
Umpires should conduct themselves like umpires when they arrive at a game site and completely ignore fans unless their conduct affects the progress of the game - even if their feelings were hurt during a game two years ago.
JM
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Finally, be courteous, impartial and firm, and so compel respect from all.
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