Would you take the field with this guy?

[Publius]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

It just seems funny how some guys who only carry black shirts and jackets and wear no patches are upset when passed by for playoff assignments. They are excellent umpires but refuse to comply. Whether stubborn, hurt by the economy or otherwise, I would love to see some of them shining during post season. Guys who make a living enforcing rules but refuse to follow them are lost on me.

I used to be one of those guys. When I understood and accepted that those playoff assignments were based more on form than substance, I stopped getting upset.

I don't find it necessary to adhere to uniform "rules" because as an independent contractor, what I wear is my province. If the state association wants to prescribe my clothing, they can opt for an employer/employee relationship.

If their choice is to take lesser-quality umpires because they wear blue shirts with patches and have shiny shoes, that says more about them than it does about me.

You make think of people who don't conform as stubborn, but what of the people who makes those "rules?" What are they other than control freaks?