[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by greymule

I'm afraid it is a "show" today. Too bad the game of baseball itself can't bring enough fans in.


To me, the umpire is an official of the league. He's like a judge in a courtroom. He should not involve himself in silly antics. I believe that such behavior tears down the necessary "fence" between officials and players. It's a form of familiarity, and we know what that breeds.

I agree with Bob we are not officers of a league unless you are involved in LL and as an umpire you could be on the BOD.

General Comment:

It sounds from your post(s) that you think umpires should be this Stoic (Robotic) individual void from feeling or emotion. Umpiring should be fun. I am a talker and from other threads some umpires feel we shouldn't talk to players coaches etc. however that's my personality. I know I have a job to do and so do the players / coaches

I talked to players when I played the game and I continue to do so. Also, IMO you need to differentiate our job when the game is on meaning it's time for business vs. in between innings or before the game. Now don't get me wrong after the game is over I don't hang around etc. I simply greet my partner and leave.

Also, I don't look at things as "Us against them" althought sometimes it appears that way. As stated this dancing "other" antics are discussed with the individual up front and is part of the show.

I don't look at the "antics" when evaluating an umpires performance. It's what goes on in bewteen the white lines. You can dance etc. and still control a game. Unsportsmanlike behavior is vastly different than simply being part of an overall show.

BTW I think it's a good thing that people see we are HUMAN too and can enjoy the game as do players , coaches and Fans.

When umpiring stops becoming Fun is the day it's time for something new.

Pete Booth