[MikeStrybel]

Wow.
I didn't want to be dragged into a big 'indicator' contest. I guess it's time to address a few points.

1) I use my name because I feel no need to hide my opinion. I have never mentioned my experience but I am hardly afraid at upsetting the IHSA or NCAA here. They usually don't worry about umpires who act professionally on the field or in a forum.

2) I have worked with Bob Jenkins and he knows that I am hardly a wannabe or Smitty. Still, I have been called names before and sleep fine at night. I will not reciprocate.

3) I refused to answer the question because you failed to extend the courtesy prior. I believe you were baiting me. If an umpire hangs onto memories of past behavior from a coach or player but won't tolerate the same from them, he is being petty and unprofessional. Until I call a game perfectly, I don't expect them to coach one that way.

4) It is hardly illogical to think a coach has more invested in a game than I do. His emotions are expected, mine aren't. I simply call what I see and enforce the rules. I'm not out there to collect war stories for my fellow umpires to drool over or congratulate me. Chirping doesn't bother me, it's a nuisance to those who cannot ignore it.

5) I don't consider coaches 'rats'. For the past six years I served as the umpire director for Asian baseball. I also coached a national team while abroad. The dynamic between coach/player and umpire is civil and respectful. I learned to appreciate that we each have a job to do and mistakes happen. I feel no need to hold grudges on the field. If a coach or player earns an ejection, I take care of it. For the record, I was ejected from a game as coach while abroad. I base my opinion on experience from both sides of the white lines.

6) It is sad to think that some of you believe this is a contest between us. You are entitled to your opinion about rulings and how you handle coaches. I may choose to handle things differently and hope you can appreciate this response as an attempt to douse the fire. I wish you a good day and a safe season.