Where to Draw the Line With Fans

[Uncle George]

In the first post, the poster said this was a college-level adult league game! This is where my ideas started. College level, adult league game. These aren't high school kids who are subject to here's what will happen rules if you don't do as I say from the high school coach. I've done my share of these so-called "adult league games"! They all have one thing in common, they think they're pro ball players when in fact, the reason they're playing in this league is because no pro team would hire them! I'm there to enforce the rules of the game, not be someones friend. When umping this level, I call balls, strikes, safe or out! And more often than not, if you have problems with a player or coach, it's usually them and you! Usually the "league directors" let you deal with it your own way, within reason. Remember, it's an adult league so why can't the players act like adults, same for the fans. When they don't, that's when me as an Ump, in charge from the point of when I say "play ball", the game is in my hands and I don't put up with stupid stuff from adults! As a talk show host in St. Louis said, "you can't fix stupid"!
And by the way, I am the uncle that no one talks about at the family reunions...because most of the stuff they talk about no one can do a dad blamed thing about! Reunions are for those who want to find out who is sleeping with whom and who has the best gossip! About the only thing good about reunions is the food and desserts!

[Carbide Keyman]

Originally Posted by Uncle George

In the first post, the poster said this was a college-level adult league game! This is where my ideas started. College level, adult league game. These aren't high school kids who are subject to here's what will happen rules if you don't do as I say from the high school coach. I've done my share of these so-called "adult league games"! They all have one thing in common, they think they're pro ball players when in fact, the reason they're playing in this league is because no pro team would hire them! I'm there to enforce the rules of the game, not be someones friend. When umping this level, I call balls, strikes, safe or out! And more often than not, if you have problems with a player or coach, it's usually them and you! Usually the "league directors" let you deal with it your own way, within reason. Remember, it's an adult league so why can't the players act like adults, same for the fans. When they don't, that's when me as an Ump, in charge from the point of when I say "play ball", the game is in my hands and I don't put up with stupid stuff from adults! As a talk show host in St. Louis said, "you can't fix stupid"!
And by the way, I am the uncle that no one talks about at the family reunions...because most of the stuff they talk about no one can do a dad blamed thing about! Reunions are for those who want to find out who is sleeping with whom and who has the best gossip! About the only thing good about reunions is the food and desserts!

"Adult" leagues are the most volatile of games umpires do, for some of the reasons stated by Uncle George.

The "adults" are generally unsupervised. There is no controlling influence on them, unlike college or high school.

The "adults" THINK they are better than they are. They also think they are "better" than the officials at the game.

The "adults" sensibilities are occasionally alterred by "barley and hops" ingestion.

All of the above lead to an enhanced chance of uncontrolled violence against those that displease.

I still think it is best to have as limited contact with all participants (players, coaches, and fans) as possible.

Also, one should check with the organizers of these games to see what measures are going to be taken to ensure one's authority and safety. Then judge wether it is worth your while to umpire such games.



Doug

[LMan]

CK hits the baby seal on the head....

Don't work 'beer league' games....you know from both personal experience and anecdotal evidence what could/will happen. Is the few bux there worth the risk, esp when "there's such a horrible umpire shortage" elsewhere?

Didn't a famous philosopher once say, "The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over, expecting a different result?"

[jxt127]

The number of umpires here who call the 18-22 year old league is steadily dwinding. Personally I find the 16-17 group generally plays better ball with less mouth.

None of the parks sell beer and we always have league reps on hand. Yes I know some of the fans bring their own beer.

As an interesting side-note the Ace pitcher of one of the teams was mouthing off at the ump last month. His coach told him to knock it off and just pitch. A few choice words to the coach and suddenly the team has an opening at pitcher for the rest of the season.

[nickrego]

Just being a smart A$$ today.

[SanDiegoSteve]

When working adult leagues, I have found that the 18 and up leagues are the worst as far as mouthy, wanna-be players. The best ones to work are the MSBL 40 and up or 50 and up leagues, where the players know damn well that their best days are behind them. They tend to have much more respect for the umpires, and are there to have a good time. These are the leagues which typically feature former MLB players who can still play some ball. The 18 and up leagues are filled with a bunch of guys who were never good enough to get even a sniff of minor league baseball.