Bob Watson is an ass.

Back when the Orioles were good (late 60’s early 70’s), I used to look forward to the NBC game of the week on Saturday afternoon with Joe Garagiola JUST so I could maybe see Earl Weaver kick some clay when he got pissed.  He seemed to be willing to pay the $50 fine just so he could leave the field having had the upper hand.  It was not really a big deal then,just part of the entertainment value of the game.  But, political correctness what it is, there goes another mole hill shooting up through the clouds…....

I’m so sick of so many things being such a big deal.  They’re not having tea together, they’re playing a competitive sport with lots of emotion, and I love seeing managers step up for their team.  It’s childish, it’s in poor taste, and I LOVE IT!

I agree that the umpires are often way too confrontational and are often the real problem when they provoke these kind of reactions from players and coaches.  They definitely need to realize (or be made to realize) that they aren’t the show.

I also agree that mistakes happen and I’ll invoke my right to back off my earlier point just a bit.  There are times when a manager should have the right to question calls and waiting for the end of an inning may not be reasonable.

My larger point is that there is absolutely no reason for managers to be able to throw a 5-minute temper tantrum on the field because they thought that the ump missed a (very difficult and subjective) ball/strike or safe/out call.  It doesn’t accomplish anything positive and makes the manager look like a fool and a child.

And one more thing, Craig, Pete didn’t “shove” Pallone, he “bumped” him….......