Milton Bradley and Mike Winters

[NCASAUmp]

I can't say that I've "baited" players or coaches just for the fun of it, but I have used it in the past when players habitually push the line with the ol' passive-aggressive tactics. You know the players I'm talking about - the ones who constantly make the game miserable for everyone: the other team, the umpires, and sometimes his own team.

I don't make it a habit by any means, but when I've had enough of a mouthy player or coach, I've carefully gotten them to slip up and cross the line. It went something like this when a player slid into home plate, and the catcher (world class jerk) thought the runner's elbow hit him...

Catcher (to runner, grabbing his arm): Thanks for the elbow, buddy, I really appreciate it.
Me: Catcher, you let me handle it.
Catcher (sarcastically): What? I said, "thank you."
Me: I also don't appreciate any sarcasm on my field.
Catcher: Well, I'm not trying to be a d*ck about it.
Me: You're gone. (League has a very strict "no vulgarities" rule - leave it alone, Mike.)

I received a standing ovation from the entire crowd, and I heard a number of "it's about time someone got him!"

I don't condone the casual baiting of players or coaches, but when someone is constantly pushing it over and over again... Sometimes, you've just gotta find a way.