[WhatWuzThatBlue]

I was tempted to ignore your post as an homage to your behavior towards me over the last few months. However, I take great pains to set the record straight on this board. A few members have replied in similar language to what I would have used. However, you can't ignore the fact that MiLB has maintained that the PBUC system is a training grounds and not a promise of a comfortable lifestyle. Like artists, musicians and the armed services, you are paid a pittance while you pay your dues. No promise of glory or assurances of luxury are made. I have firsthand knowledge of the program, albeit a long time ago. Our conditions were much worse and we knew that when we signed on. Even Iassogna admits that he had to work three jobs a year to insure that he would make it. That is the price you pay for a shot at glory.

Your idea of paying a living wage for the umpires is noble but misguided. Do you really think it makes sense to pay the umpires when many of the players in those leagues are in the same boat? Many teams have sponsor families to provide housing for the players because they aren't paid enough to make it. Yet, the umpires should get at the head of that line? Come on Carl, even you don't believe that. You are opening Pandora's box and it will be very messy.

Why should MLB subsidize the umpires in the Minor Leagues? Ninety-nine percent of the cadidates wash out and the few that make it are like Supreme Court Justices - they enjoy a lifetime of perks unless they mess up! Froemming is finally retiring after thirty six years in the game. Brinkmann and a few others have been at it so long that they are now seeing the children of the players at work. MLB doesn't need to restock the ranks that often. This year will be an exception and the AAA guys are scared that they will lose out.

MLB dipped into the amateur ranks when their staff walked out and the game went on. That was many years ago and we both know that amateur umpiring has been transformed. Our training, knowledge and dediaction are light years from twenty years ago. We are seeing that amateurs can make a transition and a very few can get the job done at the highest level. (We saw some fine example of the AAA best at the WBC and they looked worse than the NCAA Championship crew.)

I have not taken issue with the idea that they deserve more. The union brass is at fault for allowing this issue to deteriorate. The very idea that they permitted a 'Scab' photo album tells me all I needed to know about my professional brethren. The facts are coming out and the union asked for much more than they are admitting in their spin campaign. PBUC saw no merit to such ridiculous demands and we are where we are because of it.

I don't begrudge the indivdual MiLB umpire for wanting a better living, but he KNEW WHAT HE WAS GETTING INTO WHEN HE SIGNED THE CONTRACT. We all did and no matter what Hubler says, no one guaranteed success. By the way, he's been at it for ten years, so some of them do try to hang on longer than logic would dictate.

The fact remains, the schools are full with hopefuls who are willing to be trained. The amateurs who are serving as replacements are doing a solid job. Yes, we are enlightened spectators and can find fault with mechanics and second guess calls from the stands. When you are out there, do you put much stock in a coach questioning your judgement from one hundred and fifty feet away? The same mistakes are being made and tempers will flare. The teams that are playing need to win and the players need to shine. I can't recall the last time an umpire was blamed for ending the career of a player. Like the coach who blames the umpire when he is ejected after his team squanders a lead...shut up already!

I understand your point Carl, there has to be a better way. In a perfect world, they would all make salaries comensurate with their talent. But like any business, you get what the boss thinks you are worth. If they win a substantial increase, I won't boo and hiss. I WILL recall how they tried to smear the reputations of some brave souls who stepped up and did a very thankless job. Amateur umpires will support their professional brothers when they behave like professionals. The damage is done for now...I've written it before - the shame is that they are throwing away the dream because they expected more. They are given a lottery ticket when they sign on. There are many amateurs that would like to be in their shoes and have a shot at that glory. They too are willing to work for peanuts for that chance. PBUC knows this only too well. I imagine that the schools are going to be full next year too.