[dontcallmeblue]

Pete had made it clear where he stands, for WWTB's argument that the 10 year multiple doens't apply...most of the guys that are in the game now - the people who make up the majority of the union and will not only be voting on this contract but will be the ones living with it for the majority of their careers (yes, I said the C-word) - weren't in the game 10 or 5 years ago. They didn't have a choice (I know, you're gonna say they knew what they were getting into when they signed on) but you can't say the 10 year arugment doesn't apply because they "accepted" it, a 25 year old in AA ball was 15 10 years ago and probably working LL ball.

"Maybe" (MAYBE? no, fact) "the rate they are paid has not changed in ten years, but that would indicate that they were probably overpaid ten years ago." How do you figure? This would seem to imply that they couldn't have both been underpaid both then and now, which is most likely the case. I know they agreed to work for a rate, which to you would imply they were paid accurately. I would argue that they accepted nonmonetary things before and now is the time for earnings to improve.

"If they felt that it was a smart move to sign the contract five years ago, FOR THE SAME PAY RATE AS THEY HAD FOR THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS - then they are stupid. Like I said, it is time to dissolve that union and reorganize. Mr. Roberts may not have been involved in the original bragaining, but he is accountable now. Those two hundred and thirty members should realize that they are on a sinking ship."

Your lack of support for fellow umpires is disheartening at BEST...