The baseball diamond is not the workplace, that’s clear. There’s plenty of room out there to be yourself, act a little goofy and let off some steam – ideally by hitting the ball hard and running quickly around the bases.

In my softball league, we understand that some guys come to the game a little grumpy from time to time, because of issues they’re having at work or problems they’re experiencing at home. Or, they’re sore and playing through injuries. No one is asking for ear-to-ear smiles all the time.

The league’s manta is “fun and fellowship,” which ideally means that winning comes second to having a good time. The onus is typically on teamwork and sportsmanship. Most players follow this ideal closely and it’s why they like playing. They’re not here to be superstars and get rich. The days where that seemed possible are long gone.

The “fun and fellowship” mantra was blown out of the water yesterday by our opposing team’s pitcher. Our team had jumped out to a big lead by hitting everything that he was throwing. I was on second base when he snapped at one of his players.

Between innings, he got into a sudden and aggressive shouting match with the umpire, a former player. He began launching expletives at the ump and wouldn’t let up until one of our players – a giant of a man with an easygoing disposition – walked over to the other team’s side and tried to calm him down.

As they walked together toward the parking lot, the pitcher – still fuming – fired off more expletives as he passed the young family (a mom and two kids) of one of our players. Two of us – our centrefielder and I – shouted out that he needed to stop swearing and show some respect.

Once he was gone, I asked what set him off. No one seemed to know. I learned that this was typical behaviour for him. The mom of the two young kids said her husband – my teammate – had been on the pitcher’s team before and he ruined the atmosphere much of the time.

Later, I wondered if there will be any disciplinary action against him. There are processes in place in our league to allow for a penalty due to such poor behaviour.

I also thought, jeez, I’m glad I’m not that guy … or, that TYPE of guy, who’s earned a reputation for having an explosive personality. It’s probably hard enough being his teammate. I can’t imagine what he’d be like to work with, for eight hours a day five days a week, months on end. I’d never hire a guy like that, even if he excelled at his craft.

I hope this guy eventually learns to deal with his issues on his own time. I know a couple of his teammates and they’re pretty cool. I don’t know why they didn’t try to deal with him. Maybe they’ve already tried. Anyway, I hope they have fun the rest of the season despite him.

Interestingly, once he was gone, they seemed to enjoy themselves more and didn’t appear annoyed that they were losing. And, they started playing better. Funny how that works: on the diamond, in the workplace and in life in general.