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[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

In light of what I see displayed here, I would rather be here than in the sewer with some of you.

And

It is hypocritic to write mean spirited pieces directed at fellow umpires and then profess integrity.

Hmmmmm.

[MikeStrybel]

To borrow from Richard Roeper -

Four thoughts for the price of one:

It is funny how some of you insist that coaches who try all means to win are the problem. They aren't. The rules allow competent umpires to address them. Do your job.

If a kid swipes a tag and tries to sell it, that is hardly cheating. If a player grabs his hand like he was hit, when in fact he wasn't, he is and you need to do your job. It sounds like some of you don't know how to handle these things.

I know JM and respect what he has to say. He has never been subversive to me nor show disrespect at an opposing idea. JM and I do (did) not live vicariously through kids. We chose to employ our knowledge of the game to make it more enjoyable for our children. It is sad to think that some of you think parenting is part time.

I have umpired at some of the highest levels, here and abroad. I take pride in working hard to be a good example to other umpires. In the end, some of you need to think about that before you write another put down or encourage others to accept name calling as acceptable behavior.

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate the day.

[LilLeaguer]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

We chose to employ our knowledge of the game to make it more enjoyable for our children. It is sad to think that some of you think parenting is part time.

Are you trying to imply that we who don't choose to coach youth sports are inferior parents?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by LilLeaguer

Are you trying to imply that we who don't choose to coach youth sports are inferior parents?

He'll probably call you a bad parent and then wish you a Happy Easter.

Like most rats, he's an expert at talking out of both sides of his mouth.

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by LilLeaguer

Are you trying to imply that we who don't choose to coach youth sports are inferior parents?

My post was in response to a member who wrote that coaches are merely living vicariously through their kids. For every lesson taught at home, the ones of sporting fields/courts are just as important. I choose to be part of both educational processes and take exception to those who think name calling is appropriate behavior for people who are supposed to maintain a sense of integrity and discipline.

Antagonistic attitudes are regularly on display here. From those who claim you need thousands of posts to be considered an 'expert', to those who belittle rookie umpires who simply come here to read and learn, it is sad. Umpires have enough enemies.

[LilLeaguer]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

My post was in response to a member who wrote that coaches are merely living vicariously through their kids.

If you had meant to send a private message, there are features on this forum for that. Then it would be just an irrelevant personal insult used in a heated argument. But you made it in public, and you seemed to be calling a broad group of folks out with the name, "part-time parents." I read this forum; I don't coach youth sports. As I read your public post, I meet the criteria for your derogatory remark.

I'll ask again, did you intend to call me by that name?

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by LilLeaguer

If you had meant to send a private message, there are features on this forum for that.

I responded to a public post. I did not need to send a PM.

Then it would be just an irrelevant personal insult used in a heated argument. But you made it in public, and you seemed to be calling a broad group of folks out with the name, "part-time parents."

It was hardly an insult. I explained why I coach already. Others have stated that when they coached they behaved poorly. I prefer to have my son see a good example of how it is done. Another stated that coaches are merely living vicariously through their kids. Maybe some are, but painting with a broad brush is dangerous.

I read this forum; I don't coach youth sports. As I read your public post, I meet the criteria for your derogatory remark.

I'll ask again, did you intend to call me by that name?

Do you have children who are engaged in competitive sports at the moment?

If you engage in bad behavior that your children see then yes, that is part time parenting. I prefer to set a good example whenever I am on the field - as umpire or coach.

[LilLeaguer]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

It was hardly an insult. I explained why I coach already. Others have stated that when they coached they behaved poorly. I prefer to have my son see a good example of how it is done. Another stated that coaches are merely living vicariously through their kids. Maybe some are, but painting with a broad brush is dangerous.

OK. As I understand it, you weren't declaring that the class of non-coaching parents are "part-time." Thanks for the clarification. Sorry I took offense earlier.

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Do you have children who are engaged in competitive sports at the moment?

If you engage in bad behavior that your children see then yes, that is part time parenting. I prefer to set a good example whenever I am on the field - as umpire or coach.

Hmm. I engage in bad behavior all the time that my children (and lots of other people as well) see. I'm not saying this proudly, just that I recognize that I'm not perfect. Since the class of parents that are observed to behave badly is probably universal, I'm not sure what your point is.

When my younger son was 13, he was U1 in a 11U LL game of some importance. One manager was known to, while remaining fully human, engage in rodentary behavior. After the game, my son explained that the respected manager had been riding him the whole game, and in the later innings, with his team down by 8 runs, told my son that perhaps he was too young to be umpiring such an important game.

My comment to my son (remember, this is back at home; I wasn't on that field at the time) was that he should have ejected the manager for that comment, which he found to be encouraging. To be honest, I don't know if I used the term, Rat. But, assuming for the moment that I did, do you really think that the term was the inappropriate part of the event?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

If you engage in bad behavior that your children see then yes, that is part time parenting. I prefer to set a good example whenever I am on the field - as umpire or coach.

Apparently, there is a Nazarene umpiring baseball in Illinois.

Who knew?

Me? I'm a hypocrite who gets to teach my kids lessons that stem from my own poor behavior now and then.