Red Barber Quotes

There was something special about watching a manager and umpire both convinced they were totally right, but knowing that one had to be wrong. As an ump, those moments made my job fun, and getting 'nose-to-nose' was part of my job description.

I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.

No player or manager has greater respect for the umpires than I do, and I have demonstrated that over the years.

I remember when replay first came to TV. I can't remember who it was now, but a manager came out to beef about a call, and I ran him. He said he was going back into the clubhouse and watch replay. I told him, 'Go ahead. I am the replay.'

Most umpires are good about letting the argument go, but you can only go on for so long, or go so far. If you don't leave it alone after a minute or two, you're in trouble. They want to keep the game moving, so they've got to throw you out. I had trouble leaving it alone, I guess.

My original opinion still stands. I don't think he should have put it out.

The part of the game that fans will soon miss: the argument between manager and umpire! There was something special about watching a manger and umpire both convinced they were totally right, but knowing that one had to be wrong. As an ump, those moments made my job fun, and getting 'nose-to-nose' was part of my job description.

From my own point of view, I hope everybody would realise that people who work in Scottish football - referees included - are always under terrific scrutiny.

Exposing any subject that is unpleasant or controversial means risking judgment and making some people feel uncomfortable.

Sometimes you've just got to let an umpire know that you're not satisfied with his decision. That they've missed the play in your opinion. Not that it's going to do you any good, but you've got to let them know.

Are people angry with me? Sure, anything you do in your life, people are going to be angry at you.

Cardinals are never off-base. They are often ill-advised.

This is the biggest mistake I've made so far in my life ... When you're a sportsman, you shouldn't be involved with politics.

I thought 'Heller' was a very bad decision.

There are many coaches who talk about referees every day.

I've been a big admirer of Tony Dungy, and I'm sure a lot of people are, but he unfairly judged me, and that was disappointing to me.

There's always going to be people saying stuff.

The angriest person in a controversy is the one most liable to be in the wrong.

Andy Pettitte is my friend...I think he misremembers.

If the critics were always right we should be in deep trouble.

In 1961 somebody could've hit a home run to win the game and the next day the headline was about the M&M boys not hitting a home run. But everyone was real good about it. Instead of getting mad they joked about it.

First, I hate all theological controversy: it is wearing to the temper, and is I believe (at all events when viva voce) worse than useless.

You're not going to win by automatically going out there. It's hard to know what people really expect of you, and I've never tried to live up to expectations anyway. That's no way to play baseball.

Dissension is healthy, even when it gets loud.

Some said, "John, print it"; others said "Not so." Some said, "It might do good"; others said, "No."