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Here you go...
Cut and paste.....Here's the phone number for the paper. I can't find an email address for him.(931) 967-2298
Publication:Winchester Herald-Chronicle; Date:Jul 14, 2006; Section:Sports; Page Number:8
Men In Blue Continue Delivering, Even If Some Fans Disagree
By Bob Salmon Sports Writer
Umpires….the most unpopular folks in the universe!
In an age where doctors, scientists and law enforcement officials look to DNA to heal the sick, discover new microscopic worlds and convict the guilty, many folks are of the opinion that umpires should be screened for DNA flaws that might be causing the men in blue to make some of the ridiculous calls they make.
Some researchers are inclined to believe that many criminals act the way they do because their DNA, for some unknown reason, has gone a little haywire. Some sports fans feel the same way about umpires. Maybe the umpire's DNA is busted.
This reporter grew up in an age of wooden bats, rosin bags, no outfield fences and bases that were tied down by straps. Little League batters wore helmets that covered the ears and back of the head only. Catchers wore a flimsy wire mask and most teams shared catching equipment. The pitcher's rubber, if there was one, was a piece of wood nailed into the clay. Most of the time, the same ball was used the entire game, and if a batter fouled it off, "time out" was called until the nearest player to it could run it down. Umpires wore a beannie-type blue hat and they protected themselves with a gigantic inflatable protector that covered their entire body. They strapped the protector over each arm and held on to it by a strap on the back. They got paid zip.
Today's men in blue have streamlined chest protective equipment and sophisticated shin-guards. They wear special shoes and they have a bag full of clean white baseballs. They also get paid.
In this reporter's day, "umpires" were usually dads who showed up early for the game. It wasn't unusual for an "umpire" to be excused during a game to go to work. He would simply walk over to the bleachers and explain his situation, and another dad would make his way on to the diamond.
Today, umpires are "certified" and are recognized members of an "association." They are usually placed on a rotating schedule and know exactly where they should be and at what time.
But when this reporter stepped on to the Little League field back in the day, or when these modern officials yell "play ball," all those so-called "differences" vanish immediately. Yesterday or today, ancient or modern, the men in blue are there to call balls-andstrikes and outs.
Since this reporter has umpired hundreds of games, my years of experience have taught me that every umpire in every game never misses a call. Before you toss this article….read on.
Have you ever given serious thought to what could happen if sporting events did not have umpires or some type of "official" to ensure that the rules are enforced?
For a moment, imagine a baseball game without a home-plate umpire….that is someone who has to make the final determination of where the pitch is. Is it a "strike" or a "ball"? Who's right?
It has always been amazing to this reporter how well folks can see "behind" the plate, while at the same time sitting 50' away on the "sides" of the diamond. What is even more amazing is that the folks along the visitor's side of the field see the pitch one way and the folks along the side of the home team see the pitch another way.
It continues to be so refreshing to this sportswriter to attend baseball games where there are no instant replays to "make sure" the men in blue have made the correct call. In reality…sure the umps miss a call now-and-then. But folks, missing calls is part of the game. It always has been and hopefully it will always be part of the game.
If this reporter had his way…any mom or dad or fan who constantly disagreed with the calls of the men in blue should, after so many complaints during a ball game, be asked to "come on down" to the field of play and strap on the ole gear. After one or maybe two pitches, they'd be yearning for those bleachers and that haven of safety.
MEN IN BLUE--Baseball umpires have "evolved" over the years, but the name of the game continues to be calling "balls" and "strikes." They continue to work hard every game and are a vital part of any baseball game. In this photo, veteran umpire D.J. Brock gets in position to make a close call at first base. --H-C-Photo by Bob Salmon
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