[WhatWuzThatBlue]

NI,
Just so you know...not all amateur umpires are considered independent contractors. In Illinois, that is the predominant view of High School umpires, but many recreational leagues employ a crew of umpires and treat them as employees. Several of the larger house leagues and more than a few village baseball associations have regular staffs that are controlled by boards. They have rights and benefits as such and often have waiting lists to become part of those crews.

The issue that was raised concerning the AMLU pros deciding to reneg on the promise is troubling. While they didn't sign en masse, the statement was issued by the union, posted on their site and distributed to mass media outlets. While I'm certain that individuals have different views from their leadership, it doesn't entitle them to break the offer free from admonishment. They want the benefits of the unions but not the constraints of the situation. Few of us were fooled by the ploy. It bothers me to think that those plum pickers are accepting those assignments. The amateurs didn't turn their backs on them. How would one of them feel if all season long, they consistently graded at the top of their league only to have a WUA crew come in and work the championship series and All Star games? That's right, they would be pissed at someone swooping in and grabbing the glory games.