Stupid fans at a bar

[Umpire in Chief]

Ump81 and I went to the only sports bar in our town we had great seats at the bar the Yankees/ Detroit game on immediately in front of us and the ECU/UNC game immediately to our left. Were enjoying ourselves talking umpiring over some FCABs. Well Randazzo takes that awful shot under the mask, ump81 and I both instantly winced, the assholes beside us nearly pissed themselves laughing. Then laughed harder on the replay.

I was stunned, ump81 and I just looked at each other for a second. I actually got seriously pissed and wanted to say something, but anything I said would have only caused more problems.

I just cant believe somebody would have found this even mildly amusing. But it got me to thinking that this is how bad the media has vilified umpires to the point they would laugh at such a thing. I'd bet a mortgage payment that is it were the catcher who ended up taking the same shot they would have thought, oh man, that was bad.

Grrrrr

[mstaylor]

Fans are stupid, but to me announcers are worse because many actually played the game so should have a clue. I spent two days in Cooperstown this past week and I picked up "You're out and you're ugly too!" I always liked and respected Durwood Merrill but in the beginning of the book he singles McGarver out as one the dumbest announcers out there. So it isn't just us that think so, the pros are with us. :cheers:

[kylejt]

I'm surprised that you're surprised by their reactions. We're not universally liked out there, and are the brunt of a lot of unearned blame. It comes with the territory, gents.

[Thunderheads]

Hell, ....I would have said something to those a$$clowns.

A simple, ... "yeah, ...that's hilarious guys" would have done just fine. And when they come back with "what??" you simply say.....ever been hit in the face with a 90 mph fastball??

[Rich Ives]

Ump81 and I went to the only sports bar in our town we had great seats at the bar the Yankees/ Detroit game on immediately in front of us and the ECU/UNC game immediately to our left. Were enjoying ourselves talking umpiring over some FCABs. Well Randazzo takes that awful shot under the mask, ump81 and I both instantly winced, the assholes beside us nearly pissed themselves laughing. Then laughed harder on the replay.

I was stunned, ump81 and I just looked at each other for a second. I actually got seriously pissed and wanted to say something, but anything I said would have only caused more problems.

I just cant believe somebody would have found this even mildly amusing. But it got me to thinking that this is how bad the media has vilified umpires to the point they would laugh at such a thing. I'd bet a mortgage payment that is it were the catcher who ended up taking the same shot they would have thought, oh man, that was bad.

Grrrrr

You're reading too much into it. Doesn't everyone laugh on "America's Funniest Home Videos" every time some poor slob gets hit in the nuts? So do you. Same thing. It's funny if it isn't you.

[Thunderheads]

Ump81 and I went to the only sports bar in our town we had great seats at the bar the Yankees/ Detroit game on immediately in front of us and the ECU/UNC game immediately to our left. Were enjoying ourselves talking umpiring over some FCABs. Well Randazzo takes that awful shot under the mask, ump81 and I both instantly winced, the assholes beside us nearly pissed themselves laughing. Then laughed harder on the replay.

I was stunned, ump81 and I just looked at each other for a second. I actually got seriously pissed and wanted to say something, but anything I said would have only caused more problems.

I just cant believe somebody would have found this even mildly amusing. But it got me to thinking that this is how bad the media has vilified umpires to the point they would laugh at such a thing. I'd bet a mortgage payment that is it were the catcher who ended up taking the same shot they would have thought, oh man, that was bad.

Grrrrr

You're reading too much into it. Doesn't everyone laugh on "America's Funniest Home Videos" every time some poor slob gets hit in the nuts? So do you. Same thing. It's funny if it isn't you.

Did you laugh when Randazzo was getting pelted all game, Rich? I didn't, and it wasn't me, ...but I KNOW what it's like....it's not funny.

[Rich Ives]

Ump81 and I went to the only sports bar in our town we had great seats at the bar the Yankees/ Detroit game on immediately in front of us and the ECU/UNC game immediately to our left. Were enjoying ourselves talking umpiring over some FCABs. Well Randazzo takes that awful shot under the mask, ump81 and I both instantly winced, the assholes beside us nearly pissed themselves laughing. Then laughed harder on the replay.

I was stunned, ump81 and I just looked at each other for a second. I actually got seriously pissed and wanted to say something, but anything I said would have only caused more problems.

I just cant believe somebody would have found this even mildly amusing. But it got me to thinking that this is how bad the media has vilified umpires to the point they would laugh at such a thing. I'd bet a mortgage payment that is it were the catcher who ended up taking the same shot they would have thought, oh man, that was bad.

Grrrrr

You're reading too much into it. Doesn't everyone laugh on "America's Funniest Home Videos" every time some poor slob gets hit in the nuts? So do you. Same thing. It's funny if it isn't you.

Did you laugh when Randazzo was getting pelted all game, Rich? I didn't, and it wasn't me, ...but I KNOW what it's like....it's not funny.

Did you or anyone say "poor catcher" whan he was taking most of the shots? I'd bet not.

Randazzo took one in the cup later in the game. Did any of you notice that?

QED - it's funny if it isn't you.

[Thunderheads]

Ump81 and I went to the only sports bar in our town we had great seats at the bar the Yankees/ Detroit game on immediately in front of us and the ECU/UNC game immediately to our left. Were enjoying ourselves talking umpiring over some FCABs. Well Randazzo takes that awful shot under the mask, ump81 and I both instantly winced, the assholes beside us nearly pissed themselves laughing. Then laughed harder on the replay.

I was stunned, ump81 and I just looked at each other for a second. I actually got seriously pissed and wanted to say something, but anything I said would have only caused more problems.

I just cant believe somebody would have found this even mildly amusing. But it got me to thinking that this is how bad the media has vilified umpires to the point they would laugh at such a thing. I'd bet a mortgage payment that is it were the catcher who ended up taking the same shot they would have thought, oh man, that was bad.

Grrrrr

You're reading too much into it. Doesn't everyone laugh on "America's Funniest Home Videos" every time some poor slob gets hit in the nuts? So do you. Same thing. It's funny if it isn't you.

Did you laugh when Randazzo was getting pelted all game, Rich? I didn't, and it wasn't me, ...but I KNOW what it's like....it's not funny.

Did you or anyone say "poor catcher" whan he was taking most of the shots? I'd bet not.

Randazzo took one in the cup later in the game. Did any of you notice that?

QED - it's funny if it isn't you.

Actually Rich, I did say that ...."what the hell is wrong with Martin ...." the thought crossed my mind. And yes, I saw all of Randazzo's hits.

Never thought it was funny though...

[Mr Umpire]

I don't think it comes down to "It's funny if it isn't you". I have never subscribed to that. I always think "I'm glad it's not me". I think it is a matter of "I've never experienced it so I have no idea what it's like. Therefore, my ignorance makes it funny." I'm sure we have all been in that boat until we experienced a similar event and now, say "Ouch, that hurt."

I didn't see any of the game. But, being an ex-F2 and a current umpire, I wouldn't be laughing at any of them. Also, I wouldn't say poor catcher or umpire b/c it comes with the position. They knew what they were getting into when taking the position.

I don't think it was the "vilifying of umpires" to cause their reaction. They just don't know what it feels like to take those kind of hits. Until they do, they will laugh every time. But, some are just dumb jackasses and may still even if they or someone they know have taken those kind of hits.

[Umpire in Chief]

First -- I deleted some posts. We can disagree but let's not get personal.

Back to the thread...

I will laugh at America's Funniest Home Videos on virtually every nut shot, and the stupider thing someone is doing to cause it the harder I laughed.

I see what your saying RIch, but it appeared to be out of disdain for umpires, maybe I read too much into it, but that's how I felt at the time.

[LMSANS]

First -- I deleted some posts. We can disagree but let's not get personal.

Back to the thread...

I will laugh at America's Funniest Home Videos on virtually every nut shot, and the stupider thing someone is doing to cause it the harder I laughed.

I see what your saying RIch, but it appeared to be out of disdain for umpires, maybe I read too much into it, but that's how I felt at the time.

"Lighten up, Francis."

What you should have done was buy them a round and enlighten them as to what wonderful people umpires are. :beerbang