pl8ump1012 Posted March 4 Report Posted March 4 I think I already know the answer to this, but a small part of me is hoping that I'll be convinced that I'm wrong. For context, I primarily umpire varsity HS (which is the level for this specific question), and I take a lot of pride in my professionalism (both actual and perceived) as an umpire. It's important to me to not do things that are considered unprofessional. I'm assigned to umpire a game for a school that has an MLB HOFer on their coaching staff. It just so happens that this HOFer spent a few years on "my" team. In addition to his superstardom as a player, he has always (while playing and since) had a reputation of being a truly decent person and someone who contributes in positive ways to most things that he touches. To be clear, I have ZERO concerns about my ability to remain unbiased, but... Is there any scenario where I can try to get a picture with him, ideally while I'm in uniform, without sacrificing anyone's perception of my professionalism? My guy says no.... Quote
SeeingEyeDog Posted March 4 Report Posted March 4 I know it's "just HS baseball" but, I don't think this is a good look...it's one thing to acknowledge the coach as we do all coaches. It would be appropriate if he was recently inducted to quietly say, "Hey Coach, congratulations on your induction." Getting pictures, getting autographs...it crosses the line for me. I too have a Coach in my market who is a HOF'er and I've kept the lineup card from every game I've worked for him and left it at that. So much of what we do even at the HS level is theatre and optics. Yes, you need to know your rules, mechanics, timing, judgement, etc...but, what people notice (including our partners, possible evaluators/assignors in attendance, etc.) is how you conduct yourself and how you administer the game and keep things moving along. If anything that could remotely be construed as preferential or biased happened in the game, people would draw conclusions based on seeing an umpire getting pre-game photos with a HOF'er. It sucks. It's not equitable. It is what it is. If you absolutely must have a picture with the Coach...attend one of his games as a spectator and ask for a picture AFTER the game. No you won't be in uniform, but you'd have your picture. ~Dawg Quote
The Man in Blue Posted March 5 Report Posted March 5 This is a tough one . . . it is a rare opportunity, and sometimes even a meaningful opportunity . . . but I'm also on the side of "no." Trust me, I've been there, too. I collect baseballs (and softballs) from stadiums that I go to and to commemorate different levels, states, etc. that I have worked. I would have loved to have had autographed balls to go in my collection. Now, you just have to take my word that I have umpired for former MLBers, future MLBers, and 2 past Olympic softball champions. One that I really wanted to get was a guy who I watched growing up. I had his team 3 different times over a weekend; we got along great and chatted quite a bit. I thought about seeking him out after the game, but I didn't. 1 Quote
Jonump Posted March 5 Report Posted March 5 On 3/4/2026 at 12:10 PM, pl8ump1012 said: I think I already know the answer to this, but a small part of me is hoping that I'll be convinced that I'm wrong. For context, I primarily umpire varsity HS (which is the level for this specific question), and I take a lot of pride in my professionalism (both actual and perceived) as an umpire. It's important to me to not do things that are considered unprofessional. I'm assigned to umpire a game for a school that has an MLB HOFer on their coaching staff. It just so happens that this HOFer spent a few years on "my" team. In addition to his superstardom as a player, he has always (while playing and since) had a reputation of being a truly decent person and someone who contributes in positive ways to most things that he touches. To be clear, I have ZERO concerns about my ability to remain unbiased, but... Is there any scenario where I can try to get a picture with him, ideally while I'm in uniform, without sacrificing anyone's perception of my professionalism? My guy says no.... I think your gut is right that it is not the ultimate in professionalism. Fan boy-ing the coach is not cool for the other team. I think you can acknowledge his status, tell him you know of his reputation even using the words above, and you are glad to meet him in person and share the field. shake his hand. I imagine he will respect you much more than if you asked for a picture or autograph. In one you are just acknowledging the elephant in the room. In the other you are asking for a favor. 2 Quote
JonnyCat Posted March 5 Report Posted March 5 Take the picture after the game. It's obvious that guy is a former MLB player, and not out of the ordinary for people to want to take pictures with him. No one cares. Get the picture and move on with your life. People and coaches are always going to think you're a SH*#ty umpire if their team loses. No one gives a SH*# about your professionalism on the field. Win and you're great, lose and you suck. At the HS level and down, it's a SH*#ty job, and only should be done for the love of the vocation, not what other people think. Life's too short. Take the picture and you will enjoy it for years to come and be happy you did. It will be a good memory. 1 Quote
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