What do you say to the coach?

[Don Mueller]

I't's against my better judgement to give an answer to the coaches question. I am in agreement with a previous post that sitting here at my computer I may have a different response than I would on the field but my gut tells me not to answer directly. For me, a good response would be "what do you think coach?"
Whether he responds out or safe I can just shrug it off. If he persists i can ask why it matters and at that point the discussions over.
There is no upside to answering this directly only a downside. An indirect 'civil' response is the way to go IMO.

[LMan]

A perfectly civil "what did you think, coach?" followed by a shrug = ego.


ooooooohhhhkaaaaaaaaayyyy.

[Don Mueller]

Originally Posted by LMan

A perfectly civil "what did you think, coach?" followed by a shrug = ego.


ooooooohhhhkaaaaaaaaayyyy.

Perhaps,
Was it the shrug or the question that bothered you?
I can honestly say that my intention was not to 1up the coach or to display absolute authority in this situation, simply to defer giving a direct answer to a possibly legit question.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by Don Mueller

Perhaps,
Was it the shrug or the question that bothered you?
I can honestly say that my intention was not to 1up the coach or to display absolute authority in this situation, simply to defer giving a direct answer to a possibly legit question.

Sorry, my response was directed to archangel, not you. I'm in your camp on this one, believe me.


I think Garth's answer is best. A coach cannot string you up on "I'd have to see that/it," no matter how hard he tries.

[Durham]

I am probably way off here, and god knows that I am wrong all the time, but how many times a year does someone ask this type of question. I get it once maybe twice a year, and a hitters ask maybe once or twice a game on swinging strike. Everyone is capable of handling these stiuations in their own way, but for me the way is to answer their question as long as it is a question. I am not a mind reader, but as for me and my system of handling situations, I do my job professionally, and then deal with unprofessional behavior in turn.

Everyone of us can and will deal with this stuff in their own way, but if anyone is looking for a different way to deal with it I suggest trying this one. I have rarely had trouble dealing with it in this fashion, and if I would have had an ejection in this type of situation, I would be backed by the fact that I was "being approachable" and answering the question and they coach/player became an ***. And not labeled in a different light by not answering the question or answering in a vague unclear fashion.

[Dave Hensley]

My standard answer to questions like this is "I've already forgotten!"

[RPatrino]

"what was the question again, coach?"

[U of M Sam]

Maybe the Robert D. phrase from the "Taxi Driver" movie would work: "You talking to me?"

[Welpe]

"Sorry coach, I left my crystal ball in the car."

I just would have said "But coach, he dropped the ball". Really, that is what I would have said.

[Durham]

I would answer his question and then deal with him if he wanted to be a jerk about it.

[mrm21711]

Originally Posted by Durham

I would answer his question and then deal with him if he wanted to be a jerk about it.

I would say he should ask my partner, boyinblue.