Bill Hohn's fist bump

[Umpire in Chief]

What's the big deal here???

I originally heard about this from the article I posted from the Bleacher Report and really didn't think twice because the writer was a crackpot.

But this story has a lot of life. I've probably seen almost 2 dozen news feeds about it and the blogosphere is a buzz.

It doesn't happen every game or even every week but after the last pitch I've had catchers turn around and shake my hand, slap my shoulder or back or give a light jab in my CP or shoulder. I don't think I've had one ever give a fist bump before, but I just don't see the big deal. Maybe the Braves fans are on the war path because it's been a while since they've been in the spotlight. Maybe the fist bump is seen like a bit of a celebration like a high five but that's a stretch in my book.

I'm sure McCann has done the same thing with plate umps (maybe not a fist bump) but they've just never noticed.

Do you think it was inappropriate?

Oh and by the way lay off the man's fu, I like it. The bloggers are calling it everything from a porn-stache, cowboyish, and much more.

[BrianC14]

Under the circumstances and given the recent history, it was completely inappropriate.

:kissass:

[johneng]

Inappropriate, I think so, but I don't think that anyone should criticize or insult him for it. I see nothing wrong with it other than the fact that fans might take it to this direction. Possibly he may consider not doing it the next time.

[MCLEOD36]

He was just happy, his hand was off his back the rest of the day at the end of a game. It is hard at any levels, players are typically younger then umpires, they get excited. Trying to be stoic is one thing, a little NICE JOB every now and then doesnt hurt. I am sure prior to 25 camera angles and they not missing anything, Bench or Fisk or Fosse (prior to Petey) slapped a tail of an umpire after a game and went, we still meeting at Joes for a beer later? lol

[mstaylor]

I have shaken hands with catchers many times and don't see the problem. Unfortunately the fist bump has replaced the handshake in many places and that's all that is here. I think if it had been a handshake nothing would have been said.

[LMSANS]

Before the inning starts I introduce myself to the catcher. Often we shake hands. At the end I will usually compliment F2 (if he deserves it) for a good game, maybe shake hands but most times not.

One time I introduced myself to F2 (adult ball, college age F2). I stuck out my hand to shake his and he tries a fist bump (I'm old fashioned and am not aware of such things). Well I switch to the fist and he opens his hand to shake. We just laughed it off and went on with the game. Oh yeah, this was the guy that let a 90 mph fastball hit me. After I got back to the game, I told him, "OK, next time I fist bump!":smachhead:

[carolinablue]

http://mvn.com/aroundthemajors/2009/07/hohns-actions-in-marlins-braves-game-inexcusable-1.html#comment-954800

A lot happened before the fist bump. Check out the video link at the bottom in the comments section.

[BrianC14]

http://mvn.com/aroundthemajors/2009/07/hohns-actions-in-marlins-braves-game-inexcusable-1.html#comment-954800

A lot happened before the fist bump. Check out the video link at the bottom in the comments section.

Join the grass roots campaign to hold Bill Hohn Accountable. If the MLB won't do it, we will.

Oh, puh-lease! Who's "we" ? And what does "we" think is going to be done ?

:WTF

[mstaylor]

Brian, where was that quote from, the comments of the story? Just curious.

[Umpire in Chief]

Brian, where was that quote from, the comments of the story? Just curious.

It's a reader comment at the bottom.

Just more of the umpire hating, we didn't win so lets blame the ump, after all the Braves lost that game with the fist bump 6-3 in a game which was over in the 6th and wasn't that close. I'm sure the 3 HR's for 5 RBI's the Marlins Jacked on the Braves pitcher who is 5-8 with a 4.38 ERA has nothing to do with the final score. It's most obviously all the umpires fault.:WTF