[Andy]

Interesting subject. When I work the bases, I usually "chat" with some of the players, but only during dead times during play like after a strikeout. Just light conversation like, "How is the tournament going for your team?" or "Where are you all from?" I do not continue up until the time of the pitch and try to be sensitive to the reaction of the player...if she ignores me or gives me a short answer, I won't talk anymore. I would be receptive to a player or coach telling me that I was making them uncomfortable or affecting their concentration. I've always thought that it was a way to establish a rapport with the teams and coaches and show that I am a human too and not just the big, bad umpire.