Those sneaky player comments?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by rybo

Been only umpiring three years HS and ASA. Working a mens modified pitch game on the bases with team A ahead by 9 to 11 runs through out the game, game ended in 6 innings. Their were 5-6 close base calls that went both ways and I was in a good position and confident all were good calls. In the 5th inning against team B a close force out call at second base from short fielder and next pitch the runner at first leaves early stealing second...I call him out to end the inning, some expected complaining right after the calls. Between innings as I was moving to my holding position RF after cleaning pitchers plate the pitcher from team B comes by me and says, for only me to hear...'that is two blue". I, just as quietly, say back, "let me know number three and we can figure out where you go next".

I have no problem up until this point. If he wants to grumble, fine, but then...

Originally Posted by rybo

The pitcher then says, "you are the paid professional, keep quiet".

At this point, I'd have either tossed him or had a little chat with his coach. "Keep quiet" is very disrespectful, bordering on "STFU."

Originally Posted by rybo

He then complains to PU that he has a right to complain even though they were good calls(?) PU never heard our exchange.

Sure, he has a right to complain. And you have a right to toss him. He doesn't have permission to be disrespectful towards you.

Originally Posted by rybo

After game we discussed what happened and concluded he was frustrated because his team was getting beat easily and they watch too much MLB on TV. I do not mind if they bark right after the call...but after the inning is over, they could ask hey blue what did you see? hey blue tough calls.

I have to admit sneaky negative comments seems to get to me especially knowing I am a hustling base umpire and most always in good positions and this night was very confident on all my calls. Question: Am I being too sensitive?

The sneaky comments will ALWAYS happen. It's up to you to decide when it crosses the line between stupid grumbling by players and disrespectful comments that are taking away from the game as a whole. Don't have rabbit ears out there, or you'll have nothing but trouble. As we say: "manage the game, not the players." If it's little chirping, I couldn't care less, but when the negativity appears to just feed upon itself and escalate, that's when I will step in. And when I do step in, I prefer working through the coaches - put the onus upon them to get their team to pipe down.

Let me ask you this. Did these players know you from before you became an umpire? These guys know you're relatively new to the profession, so they're going to ride you. Keep your skin thick, keep a consistent line in the sand, and they'll eventually pipe down. But if you let everything get to you, they'll pick up on it, and you'll get zero mercy from them.

We have a men's modified league around here, and the pi$$ poor attitudes are rampant. They don't just complain about the calls, they practically shout their disagreements from across the field. I actually think it's worse than slow pitch. Just seems to be par for the course, if you ask me.