Why are MLB umpires such sacred cows? Sport leagues come down hard on any player, coach, manager or owner who says anything regarding the officiating of a game. Why? Why do they get a free pass to be above public scrutiny from the people whose lives they affect?

I agree with this stance in children’s athletics where, for the most part, you are dealing with volunteers. Even then, you have officials that act irresponsibly by becoming part of the game rather than just enforcing the rules. It kills me to watch a little league umpire emphatically “punch out” or do a “pull the string” strike out performance to a 9 to 12 year old kid who already feels bad enough for striking out. I want an umpire to be sure of his decision and make a call in the field that is quick and decisive so there is no question of what the call was but I don’t need an umpire moon walking from behind the catcher and look like he is pull starting a 5 horse power Briggs and Stratton lawn mower as a 10 year old kid slinks back to his dugout in front of teammates, coaches, friends and family that include crazy Uncle Mike. Just make a fist and raise your right hand. Everyone who needs to know will know what just happened. YOU are not the story of the game. If you want to be the story of the game, join a bowling league and wear an ugly shirt with your nickname embroidered on the back

Now, back to the professionals. You are paid, and paid well, to do your job. Get the call right most of the time. Be consistent. I will cut you some slack if it is a very close play that is near impossible to judge by the naked eye. I do not give you a pass when a call is so bad that even the team that gets the advantage of your bad call feels awkward and has to mutter to themselves “wow”.

When you get the call wrong, be ready to be criticized. This may happen abruptly with a public verbal beat down (be thankful it is just verbal) or it may happen in the press. If you don’t want to be called out for doing a pitiful job… do your job right. Why is it MLB allows umpires to basically bait and incite a “scream down” and then penalizes the player/coach for doing it but not the ump? Isn’t the ump supposed to be the level headed one who controls the situation, not the untouchable wanna-be bully? I say we take a page from the NHL. If two guys want to fight, we let them. Just don’t allow a 3^rd man in. I would have loved to see Joe Maddon square off with Bob Davidson. Let them go. I bet he tightens up his strike zone if he knows he has to answer for it.