Three-Blind Mice......
 

Playing 'Three Blind Mice' gets PA guy ejected from game

Nice!

It's not the first time.

Wilbur Snapp, 83, Organist Ejected by Ump - Obituary; Biography - NYTimes.com

I seem to recall hearing that one of the minor hockey leagues had banned Three Blind Mice.

Good. Nobody should have to deal with that stuff.

Unless it incites a riot with pitch forks and torches. I couldn't care less.

Well, personally it wouldn't bother me, either. But I can find justification in it.

Stadium employees like scorers, announcers, etc., are supposed have some semblance of decorum. They are allowed to get the fans to support the home team, but only in a positive manner.

Umpires have to deal with players and coaches turning into idiots every now and then. And they're supposed to ignore fans. But they shouldn't have to worry about stadium workers who are there to provide a service to the game participants and fans that minimizes controversy. I'm willing to bet those employees have to abide by some code of conduct.

And if memory serves, the MLBUM covers how umpires deal with scoreboard operators and organists. I think there's something in there giving the umpires authority to dismiss them if they do something detrimental.

I now what you mean, but in my games I feel lucky if I get someone who can operate the scoreboard correctly.

After ejections, they should play, "Pop Goes the Weasel".

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In this case, there might not have been anyone left to play the music....... :p

Alternative suggested by an ESPN commentator: Doff your hats and bow to the crowd. Reply to a joke with a joke.

Many many many of you advise new umpires to not respond to fans because it shows they're getting to you.

What will that crew do now if a group of fans start singing Three Blind Mice" as they walk onto the field?

Trapped by thier lack of a sense of humor perhaps? :)

Nothing. Please see PBUC 1.24 and MLBUM 2.25 as it pertains to this issue. The "organist" works for the club.

I've seen them before - I understand them - you missed the point.

The announcer is under the control of the umpire crew, the fans are not (unless they interfere with the game). And it is important to note that this is professional baseball, not youth league.

Is the point that the reason he dumped the organist is that he is trapped by his lack of sense of humor?

If that's the point, I understand exactly where you are coming from...