Quote:
Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser
Quote:
Originally posted by millhouse76
MrB,
Thanks. I understand your perspective. You are right, to many, it is just a game. To others it is a career, and a livelyhood. One that many sacrifices have been made for. All to see how unappreciated we are by our bosses, and the game. A game in which we are trusted to uphold the integrity of.
|
I understand you trying to protect your jobs and to make working conditions better, but please don't talk (your last sentence) as if you are doing something noble. You are an umpire, not the pillar holding the game up.
To me, a career is something you can do to make a living throughout your life. Once you get hired by MLB you have a career. Until then, it's something less, I'm afraid, and this is what MiLB is hanging its hat on.
|
You are right, I am not the pillar of the game, but at almost all minor league baseball games, the umpires are the only paid representatives of the league, and the game, present. What exactly does that entail? You decide. Baseball is a game, that governs itself for the most part, but at a point, it need direction. As an example, intentionally throwing at a batter after he has pimped a home run. The game is governing itself, but something must be done to keep it from getting out of hand. This is were we come in. No we are not pillars, and that was not my intent above. We are crucial to the game, and have been trained for it at the professional level. Pay us accordingly for our expertise and time.
As far as a career. This is a career, by definition:
a. A chosen pursuit; a profession or occupation.
b. The general course or progression of one's working life or one's professional achievements:
Would you say that a person in AAA with 13 years of experience, had not persued, and been involved in a career?
You need not do something for your entire life for it to be considered a career, as you have stated. You are correct though, that is what MiLB is probably hanging their hat on.