[harmbu]

We had a game with a couple of very young umpires who I felt did an overall good job. The opposing coach was pretty high strung and had a couple of arguments. I don't know if this is usual for him or he was trying to see what he could get away with.

At no time did he calmly call time and go out to discuss. He always sprinted directly toward the umpire and got right in his face. Both guys took it and kept their cool.

After a play at the plate to end an inning got him particularly riled, we had a close play with a runner stealing third. My runner slid headfirst and one hand stopped against F5's foot while the other hand was on the base. BU called him out. I called time and asked why he was out. He said, "He didn't make to the bag," as he was turning away from me. I said, "You don't have run off. I thought you missed the call, but I'm not here to yell at you and get in your face." He held back a smile and said, "I appreciate that Coach." I said, "Hang in there. You are doing fine."

As far as the fans and players were concerned, I was sticking up for my team and arguing a close call. What I was really trying to do was let a young umpire who was working hard know that it was appreicated that he was doing his best. When I got back to the dugout, one of my players asked what he said about the call. I told them that we didn't really talk about the call because he was in good position and made the call that he saw. I told them that was all we can ask of the umpires.