Quote:
Originally Posted by MrUmpire
The term, Rats as applied to some managers/coaches and players goes back decades. It started in pro ball with umpires who are not insecure.
It is not applied to all managers/coaches or players. It is not applied to those who lobby appropriately for their team or simply disagree with calls. It refers to the type of coacb/manager whose lobbying involves outright lying and cheating.
I have heard MLB, MiLB, D-1, D-111, JUCO, Varsity and LL umpire use the term appropriately.
If it offends the sensibilities of umpires who are fortunate enough to have never been exposed to a Rat, they should simply not adopt its use. No one will ever force them to say the "R" word.
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To me it is a title that's "earned" if you will. I've worked many games with coaches who, shall we say, lobbied assertively, but thankfully few who would qualify as rats.