Manager Acts Like a Dipstick, I'm Sorry to Say

[Don Mueller]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Of course, there are associations with Blue in the title, like your group, the Fox Valley Blues, and the group I was with last year, the San Diego Blues. I don't have any answer for this dilemma.

I don't think it's a dilemma for most.
I'd say almost every game as I approach the field a parent or spectator says "hey blue" Hi blue" How's it goin blue" and mean nothing by it except being polite. After most games as I leave via the winners side of the field the spectators I pass acknowledge my partner and I with such nicities as "good game blue" or "good job blue" and I take it as a compliment.
If they say "Keep your day job blue" or "you suck blue" I take it they didn't like my calls, but it has nothing to do with "blue", that's simply a traditional way to address an umpire.

[SanDiegoSteve]

And a bad tradition it is, for the reasons myself and others have posted ad nauseum.

[Don Mueller]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

And a bad tradition it is, for the reasons myself and others have posted ad nauseum.

I suppose if you post ad nauseum it must be right.

In the same era that "blue" was evolving from "blew the call" if an umpire was considered "gay" it just meant he was happy and I doubt if a coach accused said umpire of being gay that said umpire would do anything but smile and agree.
Today "blue" is an accepted way to address an umpire and if a coach calls you "gay" he'll almost always be asked to find the parking lot.
Things change. Hey did you hear about DH rule?

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by Don Mueller

I suppose if you post ad nauseum it must be right.

In the same era that "blue" was evolving from "blew the call" if an umpire was considered "gay" it just meant he was happy and I doubt if a coach accused said umpire of being gay that said umpire would do anything but smile and agree.
Today "blue" is an accepted way to address an umpire and if a coach calls you "gay" he'll almost always be asked to find the parking lot.
Things change. Hey did you hear about DH rule?

Not buying it, and I'm not alone. Just because coaches, players, and fans do not know better, doesn't make it a tradition.

You have the right to think differently. One size does not fit all.

BTW, the DH is a rule, and not analogous to the subject. I am well aware of rule changes. Plus, I am a Senior Circuit fan.

[radwaste50]

Originally Posted by Don Mueller

I suppose if you post ad nauseum it must be right.

In the same era that "blue" was evolving from "blew the call" if an umpire was considered "gay" it just meant he was happy and I doubt if a coach accused said umpire of being gay that said umpire would do anything but smile and agree.
Today "blue" is an accepted way to address an umpire and if a coach calls you "gay" he'll almost always be asked to find the parking lot.
Things change. Hey did you hear about DH rule?

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

Don,

I still trying to grasp the concept where Steve stated that many of the umpires in his association disliked to be called, "Blue". However, the name of his association is San Diego Blue.

Many words in language become a social norm where they are in general usage though offensive and meant to be derogatory. For years you could hear wop, spic, mick, ni**er does their common usage make them right? They are words use to offend and draw a response or degrade. It is difficult to change the fans and casual observers of the game. However the Manager or Coach I am working with have established a professional relationship. I do not say Hey Accountant what the bottom line or Yo Engineer where the design.

Even if your have never work a "pro" game if you accept a check for the games you call you are a professional.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by GarthB

SDS posted: "Of course, there are associations with Blue in the title, like your group, the Fox Valley Blues, and the group I was with last year, the San Diego Blues." (post 86)

PWL got the name right, the tense wrong.

Let me clear this up here. For the first 20 seasons of my umpiring life, I belonged to a fine, outstanding organization known as the San Diego County Baseball Umpires Association. It is an historic, famed group, which has produced quite a few major league umpires from its ranks.

Last season, I worked for a rag-tag group of smitties known as the San Diego Blues. I did this so I could work my little nephew's Minors games (I got to do one, total). This association is a badly run, unorganized group, with a dictatorial, draconian owner, president, chief of everything person. 90% of these umpires couldn't umpire JV Tiddlywinks on a good day.

This season, I'm not a member of any group, but when I refer to "my association," I mean the SDCBUA, which I will always consider myself associated with.

I posted the long list of umpire insults as a fun thing, not as any serious statement. I just thought everyone would enjoy reading it.

Originally Posted by Don Mueller

I don't think it's a dilemma for most.
I'd say almost every game as I approach the field a parent or spectator says "hey blue" Hi blue" How's it goin blue" and mean nothing by it except being polite. After most games as I leave via the winners side of the field the spectators I pass acknowledge my partner and I with such nicities as "good game blue" or "good job blue" and I take it as a compliment.
If they say "Keep your day job blue" or "you suck blue" I take it they didn't like my calls, but it has nothing to do with "blue", that's simply a traditional way to address an umpire.

I can understand those who think it offensive given the origin from 50 or 60years ago. However, meanings of words and phrases change over time as the origins are not passed down through the generations. Political parties are now the opposites of what they were at the time of the civil war. For those who don't want to let go, fine. The rest of us have graduated to the 21st century.

I worked two games last night for a house league. I had people from grade school to the 60s say "hey blue, how's it goin?" or "nice game blue". At that level, it's more informal. Every once in a while you get a question in between innings like 'isn't it an infield fly all the time', or "I thought two conferences in an inning and you have to pull the pitcher". I could ignore them and not say anything or I could answer their question. If I have a few seconds, I will. It makes them feel better and more relaxed because they now know I'm not an unmitigated SOB bad guy. They appreciate it and say "thanks, blue". Would I do it for a HS game - absolutely not. It's not appropriate - after the game maybe - not during. So for me to take offense for them calling me "blue" just wouldn't cut it. If they're going to be polite, I will, too.