Baseball is an unusual game. A manager or coach can actually run out on the field after a questionable call, argue and not receive any type of penalty and not get kicked out of a game (well, sometimes they do get tossed). In baseball, it’s become a part of the game and it’s expected. As a coach, there were a few times that I would vehemently disagree with an umpire’s call, run out on the field ready for a nose to nose argument, only to find a kind, patient umpire who would calmly explain his call. I wouldn’t always agree with the call, but I would not get tossed from the game and meekly jog back to the dugout. Other umpires would be waiting for me with a snarky attitude, bad breath and predetermined goal of giving me the old “heave ho.” Some umpires diffused tension, others created it.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
