back talkers and who likes to work with one

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by cookie

Was it really true that Backman went unfined for this episode, while the plate umpire was fined?

From everything I've seen, yes. Backman was fined (3-day suspension) for his actions after the game, where he cussed out the radio broadcaster and the GM of the opposing team (they were at an away game). In another video in the series, an executive for the league stated that he wasn't fined or suspended for his on-field actions because the umpire's actions were at fault.

According to the story, Doc chirps after a called strike; on the next pitch (a ball), the umpire ejects Doc. According to Backman, Doc didn't say anything at that point to warrant an ejection. So, Backman comes out to argue, probably to keep his player from getting more than the ejection. Backman asked the umpire what Doc said, and the umpire said, "You can read it in my f&*king report." This sets Backman off.

Backman should have gotten something for his on-field actions. However, the umpire's actions were inexcusable as well. Why would you wait until after the next pitch to eject a player? Then, when the coach comes out and asks what he said, why would you respond the way he did?

Of course, we only have Backman's side of the story.

[cookie]

"...Backman comes out to argue, probably to keep his player from getting more than the ejection..."

This is standard and quite understandable for a coach to be doing...but a class act defending your player doesn't need the F Bomb language and tantrums display...

"...and the umpire said, "You can read it in my f&*king report."..."

I didn't see/hear that in the video (I'll go back and watch it a 3rd, 4th time).
However, an umpire responding like that is also stooping to a low level and unneedfully could be pressing the coach's buttons (and putting others in jeopardy by setting off on the field of play an on-edge person like Backman). Such an umpire (as already has been said) is deserving of reprimand & fine...

Addendum 10 minutes later: I went back and looked again at the video, didn't see or hear anything from the plate umpire indicating the F word. I just heard "It's in my report." AGAIN, I think that field umpire did a superb job getting Backman to leave the field and keep the game going (I'm learning a lot from him)...

[Rich]

I think it's a great job by the base umpire, especially when he holds back on the temptation to say, "You call this sh!t professional baseball? This is just something for me to do on a Sunday afternoon, but isn't your career in the sh!tter, Backman?"