Quote:
Originally posted by Carl Childress
Peter: Umpires in Texas actually know whether coaches respect them. In the playoffs leading to the high school state championship, the two coaches select their umpires -- and must agree. Example: Joe Jara, a 10-year veteran in my assocation, has been picked for multiple play-off assignments each of the last eight years. That might not be evidence of respect, but it's evidence the coaches think Joe can call ball. To me, that passes for respect; and I don't think Texas is the only state where coaches choose their umpires.
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Carl;
As an assignor, I almost included something along the lines of your answer in my initial response.
Yes, Joe Jara knows from coaches that he is a good umpire. Likewise, we have a dozen or so umpires out of 300 in our association that know that they are good umpires because they make coaches' lists. I show up on some lists as well.
However, this does no good for the 288 umpires out of 300 that never show up on any lists. They have no reliable feedback from coaches. The dozen or so big dogs that make the lists like to delude themselves that they are the only good umpires.
As an assignor, I know they they are only half right. They are good umpires who know how to kiss a$$. There are plenty of other great umpires among the 288 that don't make the lists.
Finally, every now and then we have an umpire show up on the list who is questionable at best. Maybe he gives great blow jobs, I don't know.
Peter
[Edited by His High Holiness on Sep 2nd, 2004 at 11:36 AM]