Quote:
Originally posted by Tim C
San Diego Steve noted when asked if they have MLB umpires in thier association:
"Yes, we have three. Mike Winters, Brian Runge, and Mike DiMuro."
Just for a minor clarification:
Are these three umpires currently "dues paying members" of your association or did they simply get their start in umpiring in your local group?
Thanks,
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Mr. Tee,
Thanks for taking such an interest in semantics. As I am not the Secretary/Treasurer of this association, I am not exactly sure if they are dues paying members or not. They are recognized as association members (perhaps Associate Members). I do know that Mike Winters is the Rookie/Probationary instructor from January until he leaves for spring training. Whether or not he is required to pay dues, I'm not sure.
The association advertises that they supply four umpires to MLB, but for the life of me, I couldn't tell you who the fourth active MLB umpire is. There are several other former MLB umpires that were also members of this association, so perhaps that number includes one of them. I believe that they are honorary lifetime members. Perhaps Brian Runge and Mike DiMuro fall into this category, but I'm not sure.
I was fortunate enough to work with both Runge and DiMuro prior to them receiving their first minor league assignments.
P.S. - I just went to the association's new website, and it refers to Mr. Winters as a "former association member," so I would guess the rest are as well. We do still claim them as our own, as they were members when they became professional umpires.