TV show slur
 

Hi guys. I came over from the basketball forum again to ask this of you. I was watching an old "Password Plus" on Game Show Network and one of the puzzles had as it's answer - "Umpire". One of the clues was the word "blind". Now I haven't officiated a baseball game since I was a teenager (about two centuries ago) but it offended me a little. Do you guys, who actually are umpires, take offense when you hear someone make this kind of statement. I realize it was just an old game show, but does something like this matter to you?

I've always thought it would be funny when umpiring 2 teams I've never done before to have a dog lead me onto the field and wear big old person sunglasses...

No, it doesn't offend me. Everyone wants their team to win. When a decision we make affects that team's ability to win, it seems only natural that some people would get upset.

But I know I got the call right, so really, I don't care about anybody else. You just can't in this business. I'm not there to please them, so they shouldn't be there to please me.

I've come on the field with one of those fold-up white canes and dark sunglasses, and ask where the plate was. Always good for a larf.

I don't care if you call me stupid, blind, ugly, etc. Just don't question my integrity. Parentage maybe, but not my honesty.

I honestly could never officiate a basketball game after watching a dozens of HS tilts. I'd eject most coaches within the first minute of most games I've seen. Once the "YOU....!" is dropped, it's shower time for someone. Plus they yell right in your ear. They'll stand right next to you, and unload. Hats off to you for putting up with it( I guess ), I never could/would.

So who says I put up with it? Just ask the other guys on the basketball board about my attitude regarding coaches. Note my signature below.;)

Mark or should I address you as Mr. WeaselPants, :D :

I would love to answer your quesiton but I can't read it because I am blind in one eye and can't see out of the other, :D .

MTD, Sr.

Mark, you do realize that the fans think basketball refs are all blind too, don't you? It's not exclusive to baseball umpires.

Sometimes after a play is over during an at bat, I'm asked the count. I tell them I don't know till I get it in my hand since it's in Braille.

Rita

Actually Steve fans consider basketball officials cheaters more than blind. ;)

Peace

I have always wanted to go to the plate meeting wearing those fake glasses that are thick as the bottoms of Coke bottles. Then when handed the line-ups take them off and say, "I don't need these for reading, just distance"....

:D Very funny line!

I've got a pair that I bring with me to the first weekend of the minor football season. I will put them on when I see a new coach, and welcome him to the fold. :)

When I was in college (that was back when we still had a center jump after each field goal that was scored) I officiated the men's intramural championship game. I walked out to center court wearing dark sunglasses and used a white pole whose one end had been painted bright reflective orage (it was one of those poles that are used to mark the edges of sidewalks so the campus groundskeepers could plow the sidewalks). Everybody but the team the eventually lost the game did not appreciate my humor. Even the head of intramurals thought it was funny and very apprapo (boy I hope I spelled the silly French work correctly).

MTD, Sr.

During the plate conference when the home team's manager gives you his lineup card, hold it as far away as possible while reviewing it. When the visiting team's manager gives you his line up card review it while holding very close to your nose. The eye contact the two manager make with your partner(s) is priceless.

Gee, wonder why that is. ;)

I always try and have a sense of humor about things:

http://www.freewebs.com/rothman/Umps%20room.jpg

Missed it, and you also slipped on the little English word. :)

Sorry guys, just visiting, I'll head back to the hoops side now.