We certainly have more leagues, and I can't talk at all about pay. I know I get paid better here in the US than I did while working games in one of your fellow Commonwealth countries (Australia).

But it just seems - from what you've mentioned, and what "ExCop" has discussed on [OTHER FORUM NAME DELETED] :p - that some of the leagues up there are like a circus, game-in, game-out, with the way players and coaches act.

It's probably not a Canadian thing, but it sometimes seems like it. As if, when the players finally get weather enough to get out on the fields, they go slightly insane.

Perhaps our neighboring Canucks get upset on the ballfield because of their Navy...

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1...iannavyrt5.jpg

DISCLAIMER: One day I am going to defect to Canada. I do like them. Just trying to lighten up somebody's Monday.

Just one small problem: that boat's logo is from the US Coast Guard.

Nice pop gun though. What is that, 50mm?

Why the trolling motor? The recoil from that weapon will provide all the propulsion that little dingy needs!

ahh Byron, you caught me red-handed.

I don't know if disorderly conduct is unique to baseball in Canada. Many umpires on here have mentioned adult rec leagues being leagues to avoid due to bad behaviour. It's sad that the older age range of baseball players (18+) tends to give the sport its worst reputation.

I agree with HokieUmp's point that being able to finally set foot on a diamond makes people go insane. The umpires may be a source of catharsis for people who do not have the athletic ability to play winter sports such as hockey. People also tend to take negative feelings from work with them to the ballgame.

I say that my team does not give umpires much trouble. Our manager has thrown the helmet a couple times, and I have warned him that he could get tossed for it, but other than that you won't hear more than a peep from us.

It is a Browning M2 .50 Heavy machinegun. It first saw use in WWI and it is still in use by the US military, almost exclusively as a vehicle mounted weapon.

This is why I never do adult baby-sitti...... errr, baseball !!!!

I have not umpired an adult game in six years because of the conduct of the players. The last league I worked had a one minute time limit on ejects. The plays was to leave the field within one minute or the game was over. He had to be out of sight before the game could re-start.