Pulliam: Umpiring from seats just not a good idea


Every August, Little League baseball and softball return to ESPN. While the games are somewhat entertaining, some adults in the stands can be problematic.

But let me tell you — the annoyance starts well before the players compete at the national level.

I had a chance to cover some of the state tournaments in the area the last few weeks and the play on the field was what I was expecting. It was decent.

But what happened off the field was sometimes distressing.

The parents and fans of the teams were as passionate and supportive as any I’ve seen.

But some of them crossed the line.

I played baseball competitively when I was younger. Although just in recreational leagues, we always gave maximum effort, even if it was just for bragging rights on the playground the next day.

But there always seemed to be a parent or two in the stands who would sit there and scream just to hear themselves doing it.

I understand the kids and parents make tons of sacrifices to play on these teams attempting to win state championships.

I think the idea of Little league is awesome, teaching kids how to work hard and strive for a goal. That’s an important part of growing up.

The part that boggles my mind is the tone some parents take when a play doesn’t go their team’s way.

Your world is not going to end — hopefully not, anyway — if your child’s team loses.

Have you ever watched your dog chase his tail time and time again? That’s what they reminded me of all too often.

Once the team these people were cheering for started losing, every pitch was in question.

“That was too low,” one fan yelled.

Or “That’s a bad call, ump.”

No one wants to hear you bellow about every call, so save it. It’s not Major League Baseball. No one cares.

One question ran across my mind: Is this what you want to teach your children?

While I don’t have kids of my own, I was a kid not long ago.

As a player, you could hear just about every comment from the crowd, including those that went too far.

And at that age, you believe most of what you hear.

Parents don’t want their kids repeating the things they say when they are upset. Trust me, the bar of soap doesn’t taste very good after you do that.

Parents and fans should let the coaches handle barking at the umpires if they feel it’s warranted.

I’ve attended many baseball games and the only thing that results from parents yelling at the umpires is ejections. The calls do not get better.

The game is not about you. The constant griping doesn’t make for a good look.

So parents, just stop and let the kids play. Worry more about teaching them right from wrong than living vicariously through the results of their games.

Perhaps one day your kid will get to show his talents on the four-letter sports network instead of you making The Not Top Ten List for crossing the line.

Write Vindicator sportswriter Curtis Pulliam at cpulliam@vindy.com and follow him on Twitter, @Pulliam_Vindy.

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