[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Originally posted by Thump
The difference between what the MLB guys did and the MiLB guys, is that the MLB guys were replaced with AAA umpires. And at least from what I've seen...umpiring in AA and AAA is good enough to survive MLB. The difference is not that big. But the difference between Rookie Umpires, straight out of school umpires, and college umpires...to the A, AA, and AAA guys...it's HUGE.

And how many of you are going to piss off your assignors and turn back games to work a MiLB game. I know that EVERY ONE OF MY ASSIGNORS would refuse to give me games EVER again if I did that. I wouldn't be willing to give up college umpiring to work a few games as a scab.

Personally though, even if I could get away with it, I still wouldn't do it.

It's just how I feel. No need to refute what I have to say, because the way I feel won't change. I can't turn my back on my friends, or a fellow umpire who I haven't even met.

I know how America works. But when I see something that is wrong (getting paid $10,000 a year is wrong) then I am all for people fighting to make it better.

I am concerned that you are worried about the umpires and not the game. Those games will still occur whether you and your friends take them or not. If you are blacklisted because your assignor would rather give you a Sophomore game instead of testing your abilities on a Minor League field, that speaks volumes about your assignor, not the issue. Those players deserve to have their games played. They are fighting to make it to the Show too. This walkout won't stop games from being played. Do they deserve the best possible umpire - you bet, every level does.

They get paid for a five month season - yes, it is paltry but they are not in it for the riches. Every MiLB umpire I know makes more in the off season than they do working the contract. Some are fortunate enough to be assigned Winter ball and some teach at the schools. Others go to college or semi pro ball and take the cash under the table. A few teach clinics independently and cash in on their luck. That is what they have after all, the luck and ability to be chosen to work Minor League Baseball. They all begin with the dream and chase it until they realize that their last name is not Wendlestedt. The average 'career' is less than seven years. Most of those guys jump to D-1 and are more than satisfied. The dream might be over, but so is the nightmare.