Talk about an Overreaction:

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That other coach is a tool, more concerned about himself than the players. The summer between 8th and 9th grade DD played for the HS team during the summer. She had only played rec to that point. During the game I heard opposing team parents asking where this girl came from, why they never saw her before. After the game the PU took the time to talk to DD. He was very kind and complimentary to her. These experiences are a big part of what got us to move to TB. Kudos to the Umpire and shame on the other coach. BTW congrats to your DD on working through her slump and on her HRs. No you are not over reacting IMO.

Congrats on her hitting and that coach should worry about things he can control -- his team's performance -- and not something like this.

My daughter was a catcher and always loved an umpire that would talk to her and even better if he complimented her : )

In short, every adult on the field has a job to do and they should do it to the best of their ability but after that I like adults/coaches (and try to be one) who treat all the girls both their own and on the other team with respect and support. I can't tell you how many times I've told girls on the other team great play, wow that was a blast, etc. etc. WHILE competing to beat them as hard as I can. I'm sure most coaches do that.

It's called sportsmanship, and the best umpires are good sports as well.

It's just one idiot. I wouldn't worry about it. I suspect that his AD will figure out in time that his coach is an idiot, if it's not already known.

Umpires do have to be careful, though. What this umpire did was pretty benign, but I've seen umps have their photos taken with a pitcher who threw a no-hitter. Also known of one who asked for a ball to be signed or some kind of autograph from a pitcher who struck out 17 of 18 or something like that. In those cases, you have to be careful of how that might be perceived.

Also, you say that your daughter has been struggling - ''She has been hitting the ball hard with no results.'' The worst slumps are those in which they aren't even hitting it hard. It's only a matter of time. Congrats to your DD and don't let one nut job ruin it for you. Very cool what she did.

Cannonball said:

Two of those homeruns were awe inspiring.

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This reminded me of something else. I recently e-mailed a friend of mine back in our old state about my DD hitting a HR. Hadn't heard from him in a while, and he doesn't follow my DD's softball or any softball, but he knows sports. His response:

"Dads dig the long ball!"

I think he's on to something. You think that t-shirt wouldn't sell? I'd buy one! There's something about a HR that will make you forget everything else that might've gone wrong that weekend. Dads definitely dig the long ball.

I keep running into the idiot mentality of that opposing coach, it takes different forms but it always involves someone getting their panties twisted up over something that does not affect a game at all, these people are just run of the mill little bitches who's sole value in life is to teach good people patience.

Now you have some idea of why umpires are told not to do ANYTHING that could possibly be construed as favoritism. Umpire the game, keep any discussions with anyone related only to the game and when the game is over leave the field. If an umpire picks up a bat and hands it to one team, but for whatever reason doesnt do it for the other you could have a coach claiming the umpire was biased. Same for picking up a catchers helmet and handing it to them. On more than one occasion I have had a coach walk up between innings wanting to just chit chat about nothing. Next thing I know I have the other coach having a fit and wanting to know what was being discussed.

Its clear to me that the opposing coach has a different view of sports than I have. I would be grateful for the kind words from the umpire. If they came during the game I could somewhat understand the other coach being upset. But after the game is over.... and congratulations to your DD on the fireworks show!!

That coach would hate me then. I always talked to the umps before, during, and after games. Sometimes I was even nice to them.
Playing within 200 miles of home, you run into the same crews all the time. Might be a quick talk about the weather, a stud they saw at the 10am game, a funny play, some nut coach , where they will be next weekend, yada yada.

fastpitch26 said:

Its clear to me that the opposing coach has a different view of sports than I have. I would be grateful for the kind words from the umpire. If they came during the game I could somewhat understand the other coach being upset. But after the game is over.... and congratulations to your DD on the fireworks show!!

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^^^^^^^dittos^^^^^ +1