Quote:
Originally posted by PeteBooth
What all this means is that you need to DEFINE your umpiring goals. Most of us have a regular Job that pays the mortgage, etc. meaning we use umpiring money for vacations, taking the wife/significant other out to dinner etc. therefore, I do not think amateur umpires should take the abuse that Major League umpires take even if we do blow a call.
I'd rather be promoted in MY REAL job than umpiring. There is plenty of work around, so why kiss you know what and get ajeda over it.
Also, again depending upon where you live if you want to aspire to the collegiate level, means a great deal of travel. A colleague of mine recently joined the Collegiate ranks and all he does is travel.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying as an amateur umpire we shouldn't try and be the best we can be by attending clinics,etc. but it also is not a "life" or "death" situation either if you don't get the big game or promoted.
In Summary before starting on your umpiring career, define the goals you want to achieve.
Pete Booth
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Pete,
I like much of what you wrote, but a heartily disagree with your final statement. Most rookies don't have a realistic expectation of this endeavor. Some are washed up jocks, some retirees, while others may just looking for an outlet from the wife and kids. Unless you are unemployed, MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE THE REASON YOU OFFICIATE. Some guys will work lesser ball for more money because they don't care about the quality - they want the paycheck. Others will only work the best ball available, meaning travelling all over, for a modest paycheck. Their reward is to see the next Barry Bonds or Joe Torre.
Many new officials have a friend or relative recruit them into the ranks. They may have dreams about working the Conference Championship at their alma mater, but spend the next twenty years loving Freshman "B" baseball.
One of my College crew mates was a fantastic football official that started doing baseball as something to keep him on his toes during the offseason. He was born to umpire and quickly flew up the ranks. This season, he was the one I flew to see work a Super-Regional. He never dreamed he would be doing baseball at this level.
I teach at many clinics and see guys who are coerced into umpiring (Mom said it was either this or McDonald's) or figure that it is going to be a way to wield the sword of authority. It always amazes me when one of those feet draggers turns out to be unbelieveable.
Setting your goals as a rookie official is about as easy as asking a freshman in college to declare his major. Some are capable and many are clueless. Rather than setting your goals, I think that new officials would be better served to set priorities. Money? Time away? Exercise? Comraderie? The opportunity to becme the best? These are all valid ideals, but like Darwin said, adapt, evolve or die.
[Edited by WindyCityBlue on Aug 5th, 2004 at 02:42 PM]