Do you ever get down from your high horse, or just have supplies airlifted in?

Do you REALLY believe the umpires here go out and call a coach or player a rat on the field? Really?

And do you REALLY believe in this mythical Republic of Respectistan, where we all get along, and it's about improving the game all the time? (Some of the time, sure it is, but not all.)

Our assignor's already told us in a meeting this year there are plenty of coaches, HS and below, in our area that while they might blow smoke up our skirts on the field, they will turn around and call him after the game and ask if we've ever seen a game before. Is that professional? Not so much.

I can tell you the number of times I've called a coach's boss, either a principal or a league official, and said anything like that: zero. That's basically the equivalent of what a coach does.

While I'm civil to every coach on every field I work, I also know at any moment, they'll turn on me, and I'm suddenly the no-good SOB that's trying to eff his team. While name-calling in a profession is unacceptable, it appears THAT crap is a-okay in baseball, at least until the point where you EJ them.

Referring to guys like that as a rat on a message board helps me vent some steam, and keeps me from telling them on the field what I think of them. So it works.

I am sure I have met some coaches who would lie for their team's benefit, but most just see the play the way they would like it to have happened instead of the way it really did. And some just like to argue, and some do it for other reasons.

I had a coach approach me and "appear" to argue several years ago after I prevented his batter from going to 1b after getting hit by a pitch. It was the 2nd time in the same game for the same batter and he did not argue the first time. He says "I know he did not make an attempt but the player's Dad is in the stands and if he does not appear to argue he will hear from his Dad after the game." He was bobbing his head as if he was arguing the whole time. I told him I understood, we carried on a bit, and then stopped.

[QUOTE=HokieUmp;752605]Do you ever get down from your high horse, or just have supplies airlifted in?I wasn't aware that umpires should hold grudges that require such action. I may be pissed off at a coach who acts like a fool but I try to leave it on the field. I have seen plenty of coaches at stores, movie theaters or restaurants over the years. I prefer to have them think of me as professional rather than not.

[QUOTE]While I'm civil to every coach on every field I work, I also know at any moment, they'll turn on me, and I'm suddenly the no-good SOB that's trying to eff his team.[.QUOTE]

I would consider the reasons why they turn on you.

See, that is where we actually agree. I have never once stated that a coach who acts like an a$$ should be ignored. If a coach behaves inappropriately, dump him. Do your job.

Have you ever coached a competitive team for a season?

DG,
I once had a coach come to me after the first game of a DH and tell me he wanted to be tossed right away. His team was clubbed in the first game and he was miserable. I truly felt bad for him as his team was awful and he wasn't. He told me that he wanted to go golfing or to the track and needed an exit. After some antimated finger pointing and showmanship I turned my back and tossed him. I saw him a week or two later and he said it was the best thing he could have done for himself and the team. Only we (and now you) know that he was told to hit the road after begging for it.

Rat is a term used by umpires, at any level, for any reason, who are wired for trouble. It is a condescending term which clearly exhibits a psychology of prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. "Rat" is used to demean another human being and is not any less offensive than the "N" word.

To a one, the umpires I know who use the term "rat" are hoping that by disparaging coaches they miraculously elevate themselves...to slightly above "rat".

If "rat" is such a noble term as you determinately suggest, then take your son or daughter out to a game and call the coaches "rats" right in front of them.

You won't and the reason is much like the "N" word, it is more or your and many others on TOF, obscene forum and locker room talk used only by those of the lowest intentions. :mad:

Try this.

Get rid of your inhumane anger, find out why you have it in the first place and then you won't have to vent anything.

Not even close...I'll let you continue your crusade vs everyone against using the term "rat" but don't even start comparing it with the "N" word or any other ethnic slur. As an African American I find your comparison quite...off base (and that's being nice).

If a coach complains to an assignor about an umpire it is usually a result of a dramatic misstep by the official - personally or professionally.

Do your job and leave the name calling to toddlers.

The ignore list is a wonderful thing, but it only works well if y'all stop quoting the two people in this thread I've ignored. :D

Oh, well, off to work a DH.

Spoken like a true RAT. If a coach complains about an umpire, it is probably the umpire's fault. Utter bull$hit.

RAT is a term used by umpires speaking to other umpires. It reinforces our camaraderie. It reminds us that we are the only ones out there with honesty and integrity. We can't ever compromise that. Every game at every level, a RAT will try and get an edge by being dishonest or by downright cheating. Every single game.

We have to be honest and impartial from the first pitch to the last. There is no such requirement for a coach or player. In fact, dishonesty and attempts at cheating are expected of them. How often have you heard a coach say "You can't blame me for trying" after an unsuccessful attempt to gain an advantage by being disingenuous.

Our job is to make sure the game is played fairly and in accordance with the rules. Who wins the game is irrelevant. A RAT's job is to win the game by hook or by crook. In fact, cheating is actually taught by very good coaches and managers at the highest levels. It's part of the game.

Off the field, a coach can be a fine upstanding citizen. On the field, he is a RAT who won't hesitate to try and get me to make a mistake that will benefit his team. And if he succeeds at stealing the cheese, he will be applauded.

I am grateful for RATS. Without them, there would be no need for umpires.

+1. A rat in umpire clothing is the most dangerous kind.

I spent a couple decades in the military and here are some I've adapted to baseball:
DILLIGAF(S): No, I've got nothing to offer.
FIFO: Welcome, Rookie.
FUBAR: Skip, he called it. He explained it. I have nothing to add.
HUOA: I’ve got third.
SNAFU: They want to push the start back another hour.
SWAG: Out!
YMRASU: I took this game just to work with you, Rookie.

Rich, you are funny. I have been umpiring a long time and have never angered/frustrated a coach or player so badly that they purposely tried to hurt me. You can't say that.

Can the term be overused? Yes.

Does it sometimes apply? Yes (to most coaches some of the time, to some coaches most of the time).

Is it more prevelant the higher you go? Probably.

It's kind of like the FYC. It has it's place, but can be overused.

Integrity. That's a funny word coming from someone who just behaved as badly as you.

If you are worried about coaches trying to get an advantage then it is time to hang up your gear. If a coach breaks a rule, do your job.

No kidding? What is your point?

No. Thanks for admitting what I have stated all along. A coach is expected to seek every advantage he can in order to give his team a chance to win.

Again, what is your point? Agreeing with me is flattering.

One more time, thank you for agreeing with me. Coaches are expected to help their team win. They have rules to follow while doing this. If they break the rules then they can be held accountable. If you aren't capable of doing this then try volleyball.

I know plenty of umpires who are pricks - on and off the field. I remember Brinkmann tell us how pro umpires F-bombed coaches all the time but dumped them when they did it. Is he a rat because he parlayed an advantage?

If that is the case then you should seek to work elsewhere. I enjoy seeing most of the coaches I work games with. I get respect because I give it. When I returned to this board I was met with animosity for wishing others well and encouraging civility. I received a couple PMs from guys who said that if I don't like it I should leave. That's funny; the same guys who propose to call coaches names also like to do it to fellow umpires. That is called insecurity and is extremely childish.

Have you ever coached a competitive team?