Quote:
Originally posted by WhatWuzThatBlue
You say that the majority of amateur officials in Illinois would act like you, yet you can't substantiate that. Is that akin to my insistence that Texas umpires know better than to allow a missed plate on a big play? Stop using smoke and mirrors, the act is getting old and people can see the strings. If you want to call verbal obstruction on that play, go ahead. You would get laughed off the field in most midwest states. Your coaches clearly know that your ego is more important than the good of the game. They're counting the minutes and you don't even know it.
|
You're a funny man. I made no assertion about what Illinois umpires would do. All I did was offer to make a bet I was right. Let me echo what Tee and BigUmp said!
Also: When I returned from a four-year retirement, the coaches "seemed" very happy to see me, neighborhood call and all. In Texas coaches pick the playoff umpires. I've been chosen for three years in row, verbal obstruction and all. Of course, you'll probably say that simply means we have a paucity of qualified umpires in this state.
We'll all about to get better. TASO begins a clinician's program this January. Chosen trainers will learn how to teach the Texas umpires' curriculum. I wrote the curriculum, and, as the chief Texas Clinician, I'll be teaching the class in San Antonio.
Added edit: You can bet that verbal obstruction will be one of the emphases, along with the lodged ball. (truthful grin)
Two other minor points:
(1) I'm sorry you thought I was saying you were wrong about the ruling being 10 years old. That's not what I meant. I merely wanted to point out the ruling was much older. That wasn't directed against you at all.
(2) You wrote: "I'm sure some of them will find their way to Anthony's desk. He likes to peruse these sites. I'll predict that he'll not take your opinion about him too kindly."
We're glad he drops in on The Forum. Anthony, thanks.
But in case he doesn't see this post, ask Anthony to email me (
[email protected]) or phone me collect (956-383-0085). I'll be happy to discuss FED priorities and appropriate umpire behavior with him.
Guys/Gals: I'm taking collect calls only from Anthony. (grin)
[Edited by Carl Childress on Oct 29th, 2005 at 11:22 AM]