This guy actuall thinks we should be fined for missing a ball or strike here and there. It should be mandatory for all sports reporters to have actually officiated at a sporting event. But I know that that may be asking too much from people who may not have even played the game but feel qualified to write about it......
here's the link to reply to this editorial.... we should bomb these guys with tons of reply's
http://www.rep-am.com/editorials/online_editorial.html
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Fine the umpire!
Monday, June 10, 2002
"Kill the umpire!" has been the well-known cry of the unhappy fan in times past, and while the phrase may have been replaced by other sentiments not necessarily milder at today's sporting events, the truth is the men in blue, gray or stripes have never been the most popular figures on the field of play.
"Kill the umpire!" was more an expression of frustration than desire, for another truth is that no matter how reprehensible the call made by an official, there was not much that anyone, especially the fan, could do about it.
In a recent game between the New York Mets and the Florida Marlins, Mets catcher Mike Piazza was called out looking at a third strike. Television replays of the pitch showed it to be six inches, more or less, outside. Mr. Piazza was furious and let the umpire know it, but was pulled away by Manager Bobby Valentine before he could be ejected.
Mr. Piazza assumed his position behind the plate as the Marlins came to bat. As could be anticipated, he waited until one of the pitches was thrown in approximately the same location as his called third strike. "Ball," cried the umpire. Mr. Piazza exploded. Eventually both he and Mr. Valentine were ejected for arguing.
A gross injustice? The umpire is the one who deserved ejection, not the players. But we know Messrs. Piazza and Valentine are likely to be fined, while there will be no announcement of any censure or corrective action against the umpire for his obviously inept calls. May we suggest sitting him down to watch a replay of those pitches over and over again?
For what it's worth, referees and umpires are coming under attack by Ralph Nader is he running out of issues? who wrote to National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern protesting the officiating of a postseason game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings. He said, "... it is important, during the public's relaxation time, for there to be maintained a sense of impartiality and professionalism in commercial sports performances. ... That sense was severely broken in Game 6."
Foul calling seemed to favor the Lakers, who had 27 free throws in the last quarter, Mr. Nader pointed out. But a Laker got away with elbowing a Kings player in the nose. Mr. Nader was joined in the protest by the League of Fans, a watchdog group.
Professional football at least mollifies fans with a limited use of the instant replay when controversial calls are made on the field. It does help. In tennis, electronic sensors are used to detect faulty serves. Has baseball given any consideration to an electronic outline of a strike area at home plate?
Most of all, though, instead of just penalizing players for protesting too much, let us hear of what disciplinary actions are taken against game officials who make grossly bad calls.
[Edited by cmckenna on Jun 10th, 2002 at 10:05 AM]