[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by thumpferee

Of all the conversations we have had regarding LL umpires, I never really understood where some of you were coming from.

IMO, it's nothing to do with the phrase "LL Umpire" I tend to group umpires in the following categories.

1. "Money Only" - This group at least in Amateur Baseball is propbaly the largest. These types of umpires are in a way an assignor's dream meaning they will go anywhere as long as they get paid. They could care less what type of rating they get or what coaches think etc. Do the game and get paid.

The reason I say Assignor's "dream" is that depending upon your area there are all types of leagues and umpires are at a minimum so an assignor knows he can count on this particular group to cover the games that the more talented umpires do not want.

2. "Prestige / Power" - This group fits more with LL/Babe Ruth in that the umpire simply wants to be recognized as someone in Control,etc. Not really interested in learning the rules but simply "Hey I'm the umpire and what I say goes"

3. Having Fun and wanting to Learn - This type of umpire is willing to learn and improove him/herself. No ego to bruise but wants to do a good job. Don't get me wrong - this group also likes the pay however they are willing to work for it. This group of umpires are normally the ones who get a good brand of baseball. Legion, HS playoffs (sometimes), etc.

I don't want to break it down further but umpires are also refereed to as

A. "By the Book"
B. Common sense
C. Combination of both

Based on one thread, I do not know what kind of category to put your partner in but I recommend talking to him after the game to see if he is REALLY interested in umpiring or was "thrown in the jungle" because no one else wanted to.

I started in LL and IMO it was good for me. I learned my mistakes and also learned the rules because in LL you will see all kinds of things.

IMO, what's missing today is a real good mentoring program. I was fortunate that when I became HS certified I worked quite often with a veteran official who taught me the ropes not only in the mechanics / rules but in Game Management which is IMO the "nuts and bolts of umpiring"

To sum up, there are "Smitty's" in just about every level of umpring. I'm sure Joe West "paid his dues" but I do not like his umpiring skills in dealing with major league ball-players.

Pete Booth