Big zone, short trigger, swing the bat, and keep your mouth shut:  That is what a coach (mixed metaphor and all) tells his team when I show up to do their games. That team and its coach have never given me any trouble although he has a notorious reputation for outrageous conduct on the field.

Over the years, I could have deluded myself into thinking that it was my great umpiring that kept him quiet. Lots of big dogs sit around the bar and brag about how they never have a problem with certain coaches who give others fits. The sub rosa theme is always: "I am a good umpire and you suck." As with so many in umpiring, they are delusional.

We all have reputations, get over it

A few readers would be disappointed with the reputation that I have. They want to be loved. We all crave approval.

Continued...