[dcrab77]

I know some of you have eluded to this, but I haven't read a post on this entire subject that is from someone who knows the whole story. I'd like to tell you the whole story, but I don't have the time. Also, I don't know the whole story. I continue to learn because I have kept my mouth shut and my eyes and ears open for the past three seasons, but the fact remains that I was not around the last time. That means I will probably never know the ultimate truth about the past negotiation period.

I do know this: one of the reasons that more things did not get accomplished last time was because of lack of communication. A good percentage of umpires sent their contracts in because they didn't understand the process (or at least that is what I've been led to believe). Communication is a tough thing for this union, but has been outstanding for the last few years.

As for compensation for our work: I never believed that it was fair. I did know what I was signing on for. I also knew that I had a fairly new union trying to make things better since people in the past were unable.

This contract is about more than compensation. This contract is about making our working conditions/road conditions a little better.

We are not asking for the world. I never expected for MiLB to accept our first proposal for a contract, as I'm sure they didn't expect us to fold for their first either. This is how negotiations work. And we are fighting for things that we believe (and others believe) are important.

Finally, as for the comments made about me personally: I don't know who you are, when I've worked with you last, or how well you know I work now. What I do know is that I support every umpire that is WORKING HARD, TRYING TO GET BETTER, AND LOVING THE JOB THAT THEY ARE DOING just like I am; I know that I am getting better and working hard towards my goal. THAT IS NOT BEING CONCEDED. And not that I need another reason, but you have given me a new incentive to try and reach my goal and I'll do everything that I can to get to that ultimate level of baseball.

Please continue to banter about things you guys are not well versed in. But if any of you have a problem with me, feel free to hash it out with me personally.

Derek Crabill