Arguing

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Many coaches are under the assumption that if they argue that maybe they will get the next close call. That is a false assumption. The only thing arguing with the umpire does is piss off the umpire. Maybe it fires up the team morale a bit, but mostly just pisses off the umpire.

You're right - some coaches are under that assumption. But, depending on the personality and experience of the umpire, this could very well be a valid assumption.

I know many timid umpires who just want to get through the game as easily as a possible and with no hassles.

If a coach is pressing them hard, they WILL bend.

Example: Critical situation - bases loaded - full count on the batter - a close pitch on the outside corner that the batter takes. Very close - could probably go either way.

A timid umpire will be hyper-aware that if he calls it a certain way he is going to get an earful from the coach who has been riding his *** the whole game. So he takes the path of least resistance. An umpire like this may not even be fully aware that he has been intimidated into making that call.

Now, a different umpire, with a different personality might make this call AGAINST the red-*** coach for the same reasons.

Sometimes coaches are very good at sizing up an umpire's abilities, experience, temperament, and assertiveness. They'll model their behavior so that they have the best chance of getting their way. That same red-*** coach may calmly schmooze a different umpire. They can be like chameleons.

In short, putting the full court press on the umpire sometimes DOES gain some benefits.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN