[WhatWuzThatBlue]

I tried to stay away... Two quotes for the price of one:

"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 agree with Rich. That is a pretty sanctimonious pose you are striking. The game is bigger than the player or umpire. The fact that you are asking others to not work those games in your stead is ironic. I thought that the game was so important. Don't the fans and players deserve the chance to see it played? Sure, I go to the park and watch the umpires, but not many others do. Kindly rephrase that positioning statement before it makes the press. You are there to do your job as arbiters, not to represent the league.

"Pay us according to our expertise and time."

They are paying you for your expertise and time! Your value to the MiLB is not as great as you assume. All of us believe that we should receive higher dividends for our investment. For the sake of argument though, why is your time more important than the guy who is struggling to make ends meet with his nine to five? He buys the best gear he can afford, attends the clinics and training to perform at his peak. He gets done working and sacrifices time with the kids and spouse, so he can earn a few extra dollars on the local ball field. He comes home tired as a dog and gets no benefit other than the check. His expertise may be equal to many in A or even AA ball. His time is lost to family and friends because of his passion and desire to keep his assignor happy. Shouldn't he be treated better? If he and a group of the best umpires in his area consciously decide to refuse to work more games, should they implore others not to scramble for those coveted contests?

Most everyone agrees that you should get paid more, but your arguments are becoming absurd. Conditions in the Minor League are better than many D1 facilities. I've changed in closets and at my car because they lacked respect for umpires locker room conditions. Did you pay for your equipment? If I bounce a guy at the beginning of the season, I don't worry about what his punishment was. If he acts up improperly, I'll do it again and again. The threats made on officials in the MiLB is no greater than what we are witnessing on the nightly news or VideoXposed of your choice.

Someone asked what sort of nominal increase is acceptable. If MiLB is offering $100 a month and (according to wire stories on ESPN, CBS and ABC) the union is asking for 25-35% increases it seems you may need to soften your resolve. If they have to lay off umpire field supervisors and staff, why would you think they can reach deeper for you? Again, I hope that they can toss $500 a month more to you but it may be unrealistic. Bargain for the next year and start proving your importance and worth. Otherwise, those GMs may start dialing the locals soon. That contract will look pretty inviting when you have to start bagging groceries to pay the mortgage. I've said it before - the dream ends when you turn your back. You'll never be satisfied even if you make the CWS every year. Take it from someone old enough to be your father and smart enough to know what happens when dreams are memories. Good luck with the little bit of time on the clock and I hope that you realize that some of us may speak hurtful words, but are really trying to get you to think. Umpires make few friends in the game. Listen to what those outside your comfort zone are telling you. Be careful giving it all up. Regret is a lifetime pursuit.

[Edited by WhatWuzThatBlue on Mar 2nd, 2006 at 07:09 PM]