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Finally,
you've written something other than that worthless drivel you get paid for over on the other side of this site.
Peter, you have called me a "Big Dog" but I am firmly in your corner on this confusing issue.
I started umpiring even before you. I have seen "Big Dogs" in many areas of the country. I followed right in with my own strike zone philosophy, not calling NCAA balks, and selecting often to igonore plain and simple rules.
"The system" not only allowed this, it encouraged it!
As an umpire we learned in the 60's, 70's and 80's that at upper levels (and that included the traditionally good high school teams) the game was controlled by the coaches. What coaches expected was, at times, far from the printed or even spirit of the rules.
Now I don't know how and when (or if) I actually became a "Big Dog". I know that at an early time in my career I got "big games" and usually worked with the veterans that ran the associations. Now trust me, it was a difficult task to learn what unwritten rules were used at what stop in the season. The real problem often reared when two "big time" coaches played each other and each expected something different.
I agree that certain umpires have always had the ability to use their presence to control any game and make any call they want. That not only comes from the rep of the umpire but sometimes it comes from the "presence" (no DeRock references, please) of the umpire.
(Remember, Cliff Gustafson said when he saw a new three man crew at UT he could tell from the instant the crew entered the field WHICH umpire he would have a problem with - pardon my syntax)
"A big dog was never mobile."
Finally something I can take issue with:
A true "big dog" is accepted wherever they go. It is the insidious little $hit known as the "wanna be big dog" that never leaves the nest. These are the guys that are hangers-on, that really can't work the "big game" but buy the best of gear, double shine their shoes, worry about the "Western Fold" in the crown of their cap, that hang in the watering hole after the meetings (invited or not) so they can look the part.
Peter I have been a member of nine associations. I have worked in the three continental Western states . . . I have been the member of five college groups and four FED groups . . . I have NEVER been accepted with anything but open arms (however there are STATES that protect their own horrible umpiring offspring - Wisconsin does not allow a transfer official to work FED state playoffs until they have lived in the state FOUR years, this assures that the horrible guys that have been working continue - now this is PROTECTING BIG DOGS).
"Big Dogs" (now Peter that is a true "Big Dog" not a "wanna be") will always know what will make them successful. If the NCAA wants balks called they will be, if the NCAA wants a larger strike zone it will be called, if (for some unknown reason) the NCAA wants to make base coaches stay in the coaches boxes (no that is not happening, I was looking for another rule we select not to call) we will do that also. There will always be "rules modifications" as you call them . . . they will just not be as obvious.
Being a true "Big Dog" is a difficult title to carry.
There is a time when any "Big Dog" slips . . . it is just how quickly they regain their feet.
I no longer consider myself a "Big Dog." As my age advances I take a more holistic view of umpiring. While I am still doing the job (hmmm, my formal evaluations say that although I am not as sure) I now that if I don't change the system will pass me by.
Liked this piece Peter . . . keep protecting the "Little Guy", you Commie Rat Ba$tard! :-)
Tee
DISCLAIMER:
I have always considered Peter a friend and that does not change with anything he writes.
T
[Edited by Tim C on Apr 30th, 2004 at 12:13 PM]
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