GIMNEPIWO wrote:Anti-Clone wrote:They can call me by my name. That's why I introduce myself.
I do, if I know/remember their first name when I am addressing the Umpire whether he /she was hurt by the ball they just took to the grill, etc. ... Or if we are just chatting it up about something ... But, if it is about a ruling/call etc., I refer to them as BLUE, much as you would refer to a Judge as 'Your Honor', a Policeman as 'Officer' or 'Seargant' ... But, I see your point about the Pre-Game where we do introduce ourselves ... So, as a matter of respect wouldn't it be better if instead of calling you ' Vinnie ' that you should be called ' Mr. Boombatch ' ?
The plate umpire introduces the crew as a matter of common courtesy. Yes, some people still know what that is. Just because one is introduced in a certain manner certainly isn't permission, assumed or otherwise, to address one in that manner.
Familiarity not only breeds contempt, but bias, real or perceived. We live in a nation of blame, of finger-pointers searching for the slightest indication that our inability to succeed was someone else's fault.
Just because at council meetings and clinic I'm on a first hame bases with the coaches of Team USA, on the field, it is Coach and Ump or Blue.