Wow...this is a first in awhile

[Daniel]

Well,

Today I was scheduled for 2 games with this guy I've never worked with before. I arrive a good 30 minutes before game time and get ready for bases as scheduled. Game time got closer and closer and about 5 minutes before my partner is no where to be seen. Then I see what appears to be my partner walking toward the field, so I head off to greet him. I also notice he isn't wearing his hat either, so I just assumed he forgot it or something and jokingly asked where his hat was. He said he didn't bring it with him. I told him I'll get you one of mine to wear. He responds in a smartass voice with "Well you take this seriously! How long you've been umpring?!? I'm gunna break your heart if I don't wear it won't I?" I reply "Yes it will" and then have a quick pregame with him and ask him if he saw the tournament rule changes that were sent to us this week. He proceeds to pull the rule sheet out and begin reading them, right there on the field. I guess I should have taken a hint by his gray dress pants, white socks, and some key chain on his belt.

Finally we start the plate meeting, which begins with him doing the coin toss and then asking me to explain the tournament rules and ground rules that we just talked about. Then he takes line ups and in a smartass voice asks me if he's doing this right. I guess it took about 10 minutes to get the game started. After the meeting he turns his hat backwards and puts his mask on. All game he was giving weird signals, and had some funky mechanics. It was starting to affect MY game and I had a hard time focusing. Thankfully the first game only went 4 innings and the second game with him didn't happen because of a schedule change. :rolleyes:

[persong]

I don't see anything wrong here. Some of you "umpire" types just take it way too seriously like people are going to treat you different because of how you look, when you show up and reading the rules on the field. Plus isn't being a Smart A$$ with your partner the proper way?? What are you getting paid or something here?? Before the flaming starts, this was totally sarcastic...:cheers:

[semper_fi_72]

I unfortunately know and feel your pain Brother.

It has happened to me.

There are umpires and then there are those who only care about collecting some money.

[Umpy]

I've always felt that looking and acting professional just helps to sell your calls, thus making your job easier. If you're just there for a paycheck, you want the job to be easy right?

[Rich Ives]

I've always felt that looking and acting professional just helps to sell your calls, thus making your job easier. If you're just there for a paycheck, you want the job to be easy right?

It raises the bar on the expectations that your calls will be correct.

But the bottom line is that your work is judged by coaches based on call correctness and game management. The clothing effect goes away very quickly.