The Rat Factor

[bobbybanaduck]

Originally Posted by Canuck

One thing I find quite astonishing is the attitude of some of the "Internet umpires" on this board and their use of the term "rat". Presumably this word relates to players and managers, but could justly be used to define any "non-umpires". This term is, to me, a disgusting way to treat those involved with the great game of baseball. This may just be my personal opinion, but isn't amateur baseball around for the players and, to a lateral extent, the fans. The game is not for the umpires. Without players, there would be no umpires. This is not necessarily the same the other way around. Without umpires, players would still find a way to play. What right does this community have to treat those whom the game is for as though they are some lesser species?

the term "rat" does not refer to another species. in fact, it has been shortened from the plural "rats" which is simply STAR backwards.

Another thing that fascinates me is the refusal of umpires to learn anything about scorekeeping, or the infamous rule 10. I would presume that you are all out there because of a love for the game, and for other altruistic reasons, and not to use the job as a way to stroke any ego you may have. With that in mind, why not learn everything their is to know about baseball?

scorekeeping has nothing to do with umpiring. the rules in sections 1-9 are confusing enough without having to delve into rule 10. that's for scorekeepers.

Recently a poster went on a rampage about how they should be allowed to criticize managers when they made a bad strategy move. Did it ever occur to you that when a manager makes a mistake, it means nothing to the umpire? However, when an umpire makes a mistake, it could potentially mean a great deal to a manager? Let the fans criticize the managers.

bottom 9, tie score. manager, coaching 3rd base, waves runner trying to score in from third and he is thrown out by 24 feet. game goes 421 innings. 'nuff said.