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Jeff,
Many members have assumed that "WindyCityBlue" has not given back or helped others accomplish their aspirations. This could not be farther from the truth. I have been an active board member, instructor and held positions of importance within the IHSA baseball arena. No, I will not say what, you know better than to attempt revealing my identity. I teach at over two dozen clinics each year, across the Midwest.
Because I have chastised some members for foolish statements or poor reasoning on an online chat forum, means nothing. Unlike the Altar Boy and Wizard, I am not trying to get people to notice me or pat me on the back. As you are becoming aware, the Chicago umpiring scene is very political and back-stabbing is nothing new. Some of us will still get the biggest games and some organizations will continue to rule the roost. We have learned to work together on a very limited basis. At some point we will have to work together to raise our fees and protect our service. The envy and greed that permeate our little part of the world exists in other parts of the country, as well. The have nots always want and think they are entitled to more. Those at the top struggle to maintain their dominance. The same goes here. In a rather myopic view, some members believe that we should all hold hands and help each other be the best. That will never come to pass, since the next generation will always be aching for their day in the sun. You may dream of working on Sunday afternoon, but in order for that to happen, someone has to fail or be pushed aside. It's called self-preservation. Officiating is about making tough calls. Half of those watching will hate you and the others will love you. We are seeing the same thing here. I've made some controversial calls and I'm hearing from some boo-birds. Consider what they paid for admission and you will know how much I care.
Have an opinion; if it is solid and you are a man of your convictions, no matter what names you are called or how badly people want to knock you, you will prevail. TheAltar Boy has only proven that he could never be a trial lawyer. The Wizard keeps giving us reasons to not subscribe. I'm surprised that Brad still feels compelled to humor him. If one of my managers stood in front of the store and insulted those that went by, I would fire him in an instant. It's hard to believe that he thinks people read his rants and would want to pay money to hear more?
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