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I'd like input from a variety of people, so I'll put this in the general forum instead of the umpire one.

The association for which I umpire covers a few HS conferences, and tends to assign umpires based on proximity to work and/or home, if possible. Because of this, I mostly work two different conferences, and regularly see the same schools, of which one is located about a half-mile from my home. This school has three varsity coaches; the head coach, I played for in HS when he was an assistant, one assistant worked with my mother at an elementary school years ago, and the other assistant was one of my HS algebra teachers. This is not the problem; because of the small-world nature of baseball in Minnesota, a lot of umpires have ties (either prior or through experience) to the staffs at various schools, so this is not unusual, and there have never been any issues or questions raised when working these games.

Today was a beautiful day, sunny and the temperature finally got up in the 60s for the first time in months. I had been scheduled for a game at another school, but that one was postponed due to field conditions. The school near my house did have a game, and with the beautiful day it was, I was tempted to go watch. I chose not to do so, as I ended up getting ready to do some work around the house the next few days.

That being said, would it be seen as unseemly to go watch a game as a spectator (not a fan) of two teams that one regularly umpires?
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The important question is - are you a fan of the game of baseball? If so (which I'm sure you are) then there is no problem with it. Honestly if you do a good job you can still support a school and umpire their games.

Back in Kentucky we had an umpire who graduated and openly supported a school that was in our district and region. He was so good and impartial once he put the gear on I wanted him umpiring that game with "his" school.

I wouldn't worry about it.
I love baseball...I love everything about it...I loved playing, I loved the feel, the sounds and the smell of baseball leather...Im a fan of all levels.......I go to games without concern and I dont think you should avoid them either...

most all the umpires I know are fans of the game...we like good match ups and big games...so many times we show up at the better games on our off days...but I also avoid the stands...like you I'm known....so its 3rd baseline for me...

the only thing I'd say is, like said above, is openly rooting for one team should be avoided at all costs, of course....
Last edited by piaa_ump
quote:
Originally posted by infidel_08:
Matt13,

Please go to the games. You will find that, like myself and every other fan in the stands, you will have a much better view of the strike zone than when you are behind the plate. Razz



I'm just kidding of course.


Fan from the stands: Looks like a strike from here Blue.

Umpire behind the plate: That's why they make me call it from here.

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