[NCASAUmp]

"Schmoozing," as John puts it, eventually becomes inevitable when you call a lot of rec ball like I do. You're in the same area, calling a lot of the same players' games, and eventually, people do get to know you. There are some players that I even consider "friends." However, when the game is on and everyone is watching, I keep the friendly chatter down to a minimum and use either "player," "coach," "Sir/Ma'am," "batter," or their position.

There's no sense in opening yourself up further to unwarranted criticism by calling people by their first names. Let's not forget that a "friend" before the game can quickly turn into your worst enemy by what they perceive to be a missed call!