Why MLB Players Never Say "Blue" or "Coach"

Summary

In this video, Anneli shares insights on how professional baseball culture differs from youth levels, focusing on the proper way to address coaches and umpires. While players in youth leagues often call their coaches 'coach,' in pro ball, coaches are typically addressed by their first names or nicknames, and umpires are never called 'blue' or 'ump' but rather by their first names. Anneli discusses these customs based on his experiences, explaining how calling someone by their correct name shows respect and familiarity in professional settings. He encourages viewers to engage by sharing how they address their coaches and umpires.

Takeaways

• 😀 Never call an umpire 'blue' or 'ump' in professional baseball; always use their first name to show respect.
• 😀 In professional baseball, coaches are not referred to as 'coach'—they are addressed by their first name or nickname.
• 😀 The head coach in professional baseball is referred to as 'manager' rather than 'coach'.
• 😀 Calling a coach 'coach' in pro ball can lead to being yelled at or made fun of.
• 😀 In professional baseball, it's common to call assistant coaches by their first names or nicknames, not 'coach'.
• 😀 Calling an umpire by their first name is a sign of respect in professional baseball, unlike other levels where 'blue' or 'ump' are common.
• 😀 Umpires in professional baseball often know players’ names, which shows the level of familiarity and respect between them.
• 😀 Players in professional baseball are expected to learn the umpire's first names, which are listed on the lineup card.
• 😀 Addressing a coach by their first name or nickname is normal in professional baseball and preferred over formal titles.
• 😀 Players and coaches in professional baseball often form more personal, conversational relationships with umpires during the game.

Q & A

Why shouldn't you call an umpire 'blue' or 'ump' in professional baseball?

In professional baseball, calling an umpire 'blue' or 'ump' is considered disrespectful. Umpires are expected to be referred to by their first names, as using terms like 'blue' or 'ump' diminishes their role and can lead to negative reactions from them.

What do you call your coach in professional baseball, and why is this different from other levels of play?

In professional baseball, you call the coach by their first name or nickname, not 'coach.' This is different from youth or high school levels, where players typically refer to coaches as 'coach.' It's part of the culture in professional baseball, where coaches are often addressed by their names or terms like 'skip.'

What is the significance of calling an umpire by their first name in professional baseball?

Calling an umpire by their first name in professional baseball is a sign of respect and familiarity. It shows that you recognize them as a person, rather than just referring to them by a generic term like 'blue' or 'ump,' which could be seen as impersonal or dismissive.

How did the speaker address the cultural difference in calling a coach 'coach'?

The speaker explains that in professional baseball, referring to a coach as 'coach' is uncommon. Players typically call them by their first names or nicknames. The speaker also mentions that even though some players still call him 'coach,' he prefers to be called by his first name.

Why does the speaker prefer to be called by their first name instead of 'coach'?

The speaker prefers to be called by their first name rather than 'coach' because of their experience in professional baseball, where this is the norm. They feel that using first names or nicknames creates a more informal, respectful atmosphere.

What was the response from the speaker when parents asked why players don’t call them 'coach'?

The speaker shares that parents sometimes ask why they don't make players call them 'coach.' They explain that, as someone who played professional baseball, they don't find it necessary to insist on the term 'coach,' and it feels more natural to be addressed by their first name.

How do umpires recognize the names of players, according to the speaker?

The speaker notes that umpires in professional baseball often know players’ names, even those who are not well-known. This could be because umpires are given a lineup card with player names before the game, and they make an effort to engage with players during the game.

What are some common ways professional baseball players refer to their manager?

Professional baseball players usually call their manager by their first name or nickname, or they may use the term 'skip.' The speaker mentions that they personally called their managers by their first names, though others might use 'skip.'

Why is calling an umpire by their first name important during a game?

Calling an umpire by their first name is important because it shows respect and professionalism. It also fosters a more personal relationship, as the speaker points out that umpires often know the players by name, which helps create a more friendly and respectful atmosphere during the game.

What does the speaker imply about the significance of the 'skip' term in professional baseball?

The speaker suggests that 'skip' is a common term for addressing a manager in professional baseball, though they personally never used it. It’s a sign of respect and familiarity, serving as an alternative to calling the manager 'coach.'