"Slinging the bat"

[MikeStrybel]

I work with a few guys who post here. Most of them laugh at how my posts are received. Some have told me to forget about changing the attitude around here and just accept the fact that people need to vent online because we have to be better than that on the field. A couple others have stated that if I want civil discourse I should try another site. I will keep trying to be professional with my posts and hope that my 'cynicism' may rub off on some. The internet eliminates tone and sincerity from most of our posts.

I hope you understand now that I do not pretend to be better than anyone else here. I am not a white hat wearing do gooder. Six plus years living in Asia humbled me and taught lessons about community. Umpires there conduct themselves with dignity and are actually revered. They are held accountable for their conduct away from the game. I respect that system. I know I am a better umpire for having lived that experience. I hope it makes me a better person too.

Thanks again for being civil. I see 17,851 posts and can see you enjoy the board. For what it's worth, I do too.