To umpires (advice)

[Cubbies87]

I agree with Ump20 that I don't try to match up mistakes. They may happen from time to time, and I do everything in my power to prevent one, but two wrongs do not make a right in this situation. On top of that, who is to say which mistake affects the game more? So, "balancing" mistakes is nearly impossible anyways.

One thing that was mentioned by mbcrowder was at the end of the game to have a positive remark. While I personally hightail it as quickly out of a ballpark as possible, there have been times when a coach, players, and/or parents were heard yelling a "Thanks blue", "Good game blue" or some other positive remark. Whether they be backed with truth or not, those little comments make all the difference.

While I am an umpire, I also feel that the arguing of calls is also part of baseball. Assuming we don't let technology like QuesTec ruin our jobs, it will always be a part of baseball. If using respect, any coach I feel has the right to ask a question. However, the umpire also has the right, to deny an answer, or give a "just because" type answer. I doubt there are many officials that can get themselves to boot a call just for spite.

I will always remember the coach that jogged up to me after the game (his team lost) with an extra Capri Sun from the kids' post-game snack. I felt I had umped a fairly good game, and did not hear many complaints aside from the mumblings from the bench. As I was in the parking lot on my way to the car, I heard a "Hey Blue!" When I turned, the losing team's coach smiled, stuck out his hand and said, "You worked hard out there Blue. Have this one on us."

It's the little things that make the difference.