An umpire suspended FINALLY!

One of the basic life lessons that I believe is that one way or another you are accountable for you actions.

I truly believe that if I do a wrong thing I will get bad results. Basically, you get what you deserve.

I have been following Major League Baseball since around 1974.  In all these years I only have a vague memory of an umpire being suspended once before.

I have tried looking for a previous umpire suspension but, as of now, I have been unable to do so.

The main point I want to make is that umpires never seem to really be held accountable for their actions.

I have read and heard that every umpire is monitored and graded on their performance. But I have never understood why their grades and performance levels are not ever revealed. I understand that MLB wants the umpire's images to be one of total competence and authoritative. But if player's faults are consistently exposed why should the umpires receive the same treatment?


But it has been obvious on numerous occasions that certain umpires feel the need to be part of the entertainment.

Bob Davidson, the umpire who was suspended today, and "Cowboy" Joe West are the two biggest "offenders" currently in MLB.  I remember a couple of games where Mr West seemed to be looking to get into arguments with managers and players.

While I am on the subject of umpiring:  Why doesn't MLB enforce a standard strike zone?  There is supposed to be a strike zone from the lettering on the chest down to a players knees and only as wide as the plate. It has been my understanding that each umpire should be enforcing that strike zone and be consistent on every pitch.

That is my personal biggest complaint about the umpiring in the game today.  Personally I think MLB need to do a weekly review of what the strike zone is supposed to be with EVERY umpire and the ones who are the most inconsistent should be sent back to the minors until they consistently call the correct strike zone.

For the record I absolutely do not like official replays in any sport. Just play the game, accidents happen.