[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

But it is the job of an umpire to keep control of the game which includes monitoring of the conduct of the players.

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

I disagree. I think that this kind of chatter can quickly escalate into confrontation. Some catchers don't know where to draw the line between talking to their pitcher and chatting up the batter to get into his/her head.

If it's a friendly game, let it go. They're having fun, and there's nothing unsportsmanlike about everyone having a good time. If it's a tense game, nip it in the bud, or it WILL escalate.

INT is different than USC. If it rises to the level of USC or begins to border on that and you want to do some preventative umpiring by nipping it in the bud, then those steps can be taken. I was only addressing INT.