[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Originally posted by SanDiegoSteve

Prior wasn't just a high school pitcher, he was a pitcher who was a highly sought after top draft pick, who had dozens of scouts at each game. We also had quite a few conversations at "A", when he played first base, and things got boring. I could have thrown in all 30+ current and former major leaguers I had the pleasure of umpiring, but I did not wish to post a resume, unlike you. You brag about your exploits ad nauseum. This is several times I have read that you have this impressive resume. Who cares?
We all do. So you work D1 games. I know umpires who can't umpire tiddlywinks contests that work D1. I have found through the years that ability does not necessarily equal higher level assignments.

When Mark Prior pitched in high school, believe me, it was a big deal around here. My assignor would not give games like this to an unqualified umpire, and that is why I even mentioned it, so you might quit thinking that I, or any other umpire on this board, needed any "schooling" from the big "Teach".

You just don't get it, I'm not bragging and you are. TAC asked about my resume and I declined. We have burned up a lot of bandwidth talking about where, when and who I worked with over the last few years. Most of this stems from discomfort on some members' behalfs. They can't believe that someone could possibly have a better life than they do. Some of my breaks were earned and others by blind luck. Either way, I feel no need to reiterate my accomplishments. By the way, what is a scout? I've never actually seen one. Do they look different than ordinary people?

You must have some self-confidence issues. I don't recall saying that you were unqualified to officiate. I can suggest that some schooling may be in order though. Apparently you missed the English lessons involving proper grammar. Once again, you've turned an innocent observation into a catastrophe of biblical proportions. (Okay, I'm exagerrating, but you seem to like hyperbole.) I have been an umpire instructor for longer than I care to remember. I learn new things every session. I'm not offended by others showing me how to be better.

I can't understand why you keep making issues out of this. Plenty of people use pseudonyms and we don't fret. Is your name really "San Diego Steve"? I use the current nom de net because the system does not allow me to use the old one. If you can't accept that I know enough to support my views, that is your choice. I have merely provided a counterpoint to a very contentious issue. It is called this way in Illinois and a few other places. If they call it differently in your area, that is fantastic for you. I can't believe that you are that worked up about this.