The opposite of "nice"

dvanced umpires know that the opposite of "nice" is not "red-ass." The opposite of "nice," the soft soapy self-protective, introverted, loser's attitude. The opposite of "nice" is the life style that includes maturity, gentlemanly mannerisms, respect for others, as well as living within self, remaining dispassionate, unruffled in stressful situations. Such a person never becomes overly-emotional or engages heatedly as a response to someone else's discomfort, which means you will never let them get under your skin or the better of you.

My mentor often recalls at his clinics that he greatly enjoyed the heated conversations brought to him by the likes of Earl Weaver and Billy Martin. Why, you might ask, would he say that he liked those stressful situations? Or, indeed, any challenge presented in an argument? He replies that he enjoys any argument in which he has the upper hand, the winning point of view: "Why get into arguments if you can't win them?  I've always liked arguments I could win."

That's the idea that Mr. Gallant and the boys of the Hot Stove League must sharpen.

Talking to Zach

Zach Duke, Pittsburgh #57, a pitcher called up to the big show halfway through the 2005 season, lives off-season here in my hometown of Clifton. I've known his folks for over a decade. Known Zach since he was a pup. Now, he's a big dog. Over the years I've worked at least 15 games he pitched.

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