Umpire models how to take imperfection

Published 12:01 am Saturday, May 7, 2011

In response to the letter, “Stilly umpire excellent in all fields of life“: I would like to thank Heath W. Clark for taking the time to praise Murel Coulter. I have never met Mr Coulter, however, I also read Ri

ch Myhre’s excellent article portraying the gentleman and what he has given to a community.

So, I say to you, please don’t be too sad if there are critical, nasty, unfavorable, or mean comments aimed at this man. Baseball is a game of imperfection. It includes players, managers/coaches, officials, and spectators. Once in a while a spectator will voice how imperfect they are!

I’m a little older that umpire Coulter, but, I have only 49 years officiating baseball. When I umpire an adult game the players and fans expect me to have a nap about the fourth inning so I can finish the final five innings. They know a man of my age has to visit the men’s room at least three times during the game. Their generosity is overwhelming. They continually help me with the count and remind me what the zone is for a strike. They don’t yell at me for fear I will drop dead!

So I say to umpire Murel Coulter “I would enjoy working with you and you have the plate!”

Fred Jackman
Bothell