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Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser
Quote:
Originally posted by SanDiegoSteve
Quote:
Originally posted by LDUB
Quote:
Originally posted by SanDiegoSteve
Just because an umpire is in the majors, doesn't automatically make him a really great umpire, or even a better umpire than the best amateurs.
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This brings up the question of: Are the best D-I umpires better than some MLB umpires?
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Well, since I put my foot in my mouth to start with, I'll go first.
Most umpires (these days) who go to umpire school, go through the gruelling years in the minors, and then get the call to the majors, are outstanding officials. But I feel that many do not possess the same kind of "crappy baseball" experience that the seasoned amateur umpire does.
The lowest levels, i.e. Rookie, or Short A, etc., are still a notch above High School or College ball. So, while we are seeing every possible situation known to man, they sometimes aren't experiencing the same things. Does this make sense? These guys might not have ever seen some of the idiotic plays that we see on a daily basis at the lower levels.
So, that being said, to answer the question, yes, I think that it is possible that SOME College, and even SOME High School Varsity playoff quality umpires are as good, or better than SOME Major League umpires.
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HS playoff umpires?
Where's Tee and his usual response to something like this when you need it?
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You mean to tell me that you don't think you are good enough to work the bigs? I know I am. I'm not bragging. I know I'm good. You, on the other hand have never seen me work, so you don't. I've been working High School ball and other various levels for about 20 years, 6-7 days a week, from March to October, 150 to 200 games a year. I'm pretty much what you would call a full-time umpire. I have worked very hard to be a good one. Paul Runge thought so when I worked his boy Brian's Palomino tournament game in 1988. Critiqued me himself. Timing, judgement, hustle, mechanics, game management...all excellent.
I don't need your approval, or your sarcastic comments, or Tee's, or anyone elses, because I know just how I umpire, and you don't. Is that so hard to believe? I know some Division 1 umpires who I wouldn't assign to a varsity tiddlywinks contest, including one hotshot from my associtation who thinks his s*** don't stink, who works in the Mountain West Conference, and is the most horses*** umpire you can imagine.
If you'll notice, I said SOME. Even capitalized it so even you could understand, Rich. Not all. SOME. I fail to see where that statement is illogical. There are plenty of High School officials who could be pros easily.
Like I have previously stated, the only reason I'm not a big league umpire is that I started way too late to get a pro job. I regret that fact.
And Garth, the same goes for you. I am sure your the ace of your association or some such bull. I had plenty of huevos, I had the stupidity to believe what I was told at the time. There may have been a 30 year old honor grad. How often does that happen. You don't know my circumstances, financial and other at the time, so shut your ignorant pie hole. Thank you, and glad my life amuses your sorry one so much.
[Edited by SanDiegoSteve on Oct 17th, 2005 at 01:12 AM]