But when a batter poked him on the chest at home plate, and hordes of angry players surrounded him in the middle of a game, he'd had enough. After a meeting with the head of Japan's Central League, which had invited him to teach correct officiating, DiMuro said Monday he was packing his bags and going home.
Japan is one of the most crime-free and nonviolent countries in the world.
But the immensely popular sport of baseball is frequently marred by macho brawls, although they rarely result in serious injuries. The critical difference highlighted by DiMuro's experience is how little respect umpires get in Japan. Umpires waffling in the face of disgruntled managers and players are part of the sport here. In last Thursday's game, Chunichi Dragons slugger Yasuaki Taiho began contesting DiMuro's strike call. DiMuro promptly ejected him from the game.