Original to Pete Hopping of 1:261/1000
Forwarded on  by Alan Hess of 1:261/1000
Whilst masticating on , Pete Hopping (1:261/1000)
wrote to Alan Hess:
PH> The camera angle wasn't good, and I couldn't see Herchbeck's face
PH> clearly enough to tell. I COULD see Alomar's face, though, and 
PH> since I depend on lip reading, I could clearly see the various 
PH> "fuck you's" I think I saw the ump call him a "son of a bitch" 
That, unfortunately, is normal baseball argument talk.  However, rumor has it 
that the umpire called Alomar a racial epithet, or questioned his manhood, 
and that incited the spitting.  It's still no excuse.
PH> after has got spat upon, though. But why does it matter either 
PH> way? It does no good to argue with officials over what may be a 
PH> bad call. They don't usually change their minds, do they? I know 
PH> football officials can and do look at tape replays, but baseball 
PH> officials don't do so, correct? (I don't know.)
Baseball umpires rarely, if ever, change calls, and don't use replays.  
However, what is being overlooked in this situation is the fact that Alomar 
had gone back to the dugout after having his say (as he's supposed to), and 
the umpire, rather than staying behind the plate for the next batter, walked 
to the dugout to continue the argument, then ejected Alomar.  The umpires in 
general have exacerbated arguments in recent years, rather than do their jobs 
and cool things down.
PH> Ah, but that was BEFORE the hissing and spitting incident wasn't it? He 
No, that was the day after.  The suspension was appealed, so Alomar was 
allowed to play.
PH> doesn't deserve to play in the playoffs...precedent or no...and Herchbeck 
He deserves at least a 10 game suspension - at the start of next season, as 
has always been the case for regular season infractions.  If the umpires and 
others don't like the current suspension system, then they should change it 
in their next collective bargaining agreement.  In the mean time, Alomar 
should be treated the same as any other player, and he was.
PH> should be punished for trying to keep it going the next day.
Agreed.  *adh*
--- MsgedSQ/2 3.35
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