A bad call is a bad call - REGARDLESS of where it is!

I would like to respectfully disagree to some extent with Jon Toner and his comments regarding umpires, and the level of play. But first, I would like to make some general comments about "rec" vs. travel teams, etc.

First, several on this board have implied - either directly or by inference - that somehow "rec leagues" are inferior to travel teams, etc. Perhaps in many cases the skill levels ARE a little less - that doesn't mean that these "rec" teams don't try as hard, shouldn't be coached as well, or don't somehow deserve the same standards of effort and conduct that other teams have. Locally, we don't HAVE anything but a "rec" league - our local LL. Everyone who signs up PLAYS! And I would add that between us and our competitive bi-district opponent, Pearland, have won the TX LL championship 7 out of the last 16 years.

To imply that simply because one is either coaching or playing in a "rec" league is somehow substandard is both insulting and ludicrous. True, we don't travel - except for district play. Yet we find inherent in many of these children the SAME desire to excel, the SAME work ethic, the SAME need for guidance and discipline as any other team of the same age group.

I for one and getting a little tired of arrogant attitudes that reflect "oh, it's only a rec team!" Let the little guys (and girls) just play and have fun and don't make waves - about competition, scheduling, board actions (or lack thereof), or umpiring.

Now, the issue of umpires and this thread.

First, there are many times over the last 35 years of coaching youth baseball that I have had MAJOR differences of opinion with "old blue." And yes, there HAVE been a few instances when I KNEW (and still know) that the umpire (usually only one) had some rather intense dislike for me and our coaching methodologies. But I have learned one thing. This is most likely to happen in the very young ages - the 8-10 - particularly when youngsters are just learning to pitch. The thing to keep in mind is this: the umpires that you get at this age are USUALLY beginning umpires - not yet mature enough to look beyond petty issues. They are the ones who cause you the most grief.

I have always tried to instill in my youngsters that the umpire and his calls are final. We may not agree with them - and they might be "technically" wrong, but we must live with them - as "right." When I DO have a problem, I generally try to work it (discussion) with the umpire in question PRIVATELY. And I have learned another important point about human nature. When you want to REALLY antagonize someone (in this case the umpire), the louder HE gets, the softer YOUR voice should be.

Finally, I disagree with Jon Toner. Simply because this is a "rec" team (and therefore for fun???) is NO reason not to insure that your youngsters have a fair shake. If there are issues to be address with "blue" - address them!

Cheers,

-b-