Teaching Vin Scully What Motivates Umpires

Vin Scully’s very perceptive comments (May 27) end with his opinion that umpires “can’t be intimidated by players or fans.”

But why do baseball teams generally have a better record in home games than on alien turf? Traditional explanation: The hometown cheering motivates the players. My explanation: The hometown cheering motivates the umpires.

Consider those borderline pitches, where even God would flip a coin to call ball or strike. Does the umpire--a health-loving guy--tend to say the word that ignites the wrath of 47,593 paying customers or the word that gives the mob instant delirious happiness and ensures his own popularity?

GEORGE W. FEINSTEIN

Altadena