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Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Random question ....

What do you umpires like to be called.

Umpire, ump, hey you, Jim, blue? Do you care?

I am taking a**, moron, blind, geriatric, idiot off the discussion because I assume these are not good.
 
Sep 19, 2018
923
93
In my modified days we had an older pair of umps that always worked together. They were particularly bad, but one was worse than the other. He got the not so affectionate nickname 'Graveyard'

I've always used Blue, Sir, and very rarely Ump. Never had any issues.
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,712
113
Chicago
If it's an umpire I've been around often and who I've gotten to know a bit, talked to before/after games, etc. I will use their first name. I feel like that's actually more respectful, but also, referring to people by name reinforces that connection you have. It doesn't hurt to have an umpire reminded of that subconsciously (for the same reason, I have my catchers introduce themselves to the HP umpire and to be friendly with them... it doesn't hurt to have the umpire thinking your catcher is a good kid).
 
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
Off topic a little, but DD's high school coach used colors for defensive positioning (bunt shifts, etc.). We would hear her yell "red" and the corners would move in. One day she yelled "blue" and was surprised when the umpire stopped the game and asked what she wanted. It was comical...
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
If it's an umpire I've been around often and who I've gotten to know a bit, talked to before/after games, etc. I will use their first name. I feel like that's actually more respectful, but also, referring to people by name reinforces that connection you have. It doesn't hurt to have an umpire reminded of that subconsciously (for the same reason, I have my catchers introduce themselves to the HP umpire and to be friendly with them... it doesn't hurt to have the umpire thinking your catcher is a good kid).

As a matter of routine, I have always discouraged and at times ignored folks using my first name. Just because you may feel familiar with me doesn't mean your opponent does or cares. It can just create a bad impression though there probably is no foundation for one to believe there is an issue. On and around the fields I prefer it be sir, mr. umpire, umpire, ump, blue, just about anything which doesn't give the impression of familiarity.
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Flipping your comment to other side while agreeing with you.

Mr. Umpire throws the opposing coach out of game, then someone in their stands a couple pitches latter.

Our HC was going to be next and they yelled out to them "Jim, you will next if you do not settle down". I am sure it infuriated the other Team even more using his name.
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,712
113
Chicago
As a matter of routine, I have always discouraged and at times ignored folks using my first name. Just because you may feel familiar with me doesn't mean your opponent does or cares. It can just create a bad impression though there probably is no foundation for one to believe there is an issue. On and around the fields I prefer it be sir, mr. umpire, umpire, ump, blue, just about anything which doesn't give the impression of familiarity.

This makes sense. I feel like I usually use their name before/after game time more than during. It seems particularly strange to me to say "Hey Mr. Umpire" when they walk up to say hello after arriving, especially since new umpires use either first name or first and last name when introducing themselves. But I definitely get that once the game starts, a more professional tone needs to be taken. But after the game? I'll say "Thank you, MTR." Of course, I wouldn't if the umpire told me not to. It's all about respecting their wishes.
 

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