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Originally Posted by GarthB
There are different types of LL umpires. There are those who drink the LL kool-aid and figure as long as they are volunteering and "trying to give something back", that's good enough. These LL umpires usually suck.
There are those who understand that the game deserves better and seek training and improve over time, but, for whatever reason, never see the need or desire to work higher level games. These LL umpires usually are adequate.
There are those who work or have worked higher levels or baseball, have been trained well, work to perform professionally and either enjoy some LL games near the end of their season, or feel the need to still contribute. These LL umpires usually are excellent.
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Sometimes I think Garth hits it spot on. This is one of those times.
I might be uniquely qualified to talk here. Rather than go into my c.v., trust me that I've been there, done that in LL (every level except WS). I did HS, Legion and a post-grad summer league (college, ex-minor and even some major leaguers) for fewer years. This is my 30th season.
I'd say about 90% of the LL umps I've worked with suck (regular season). Some of these are the Kool-Aid types as GB so eloquently put it. Some are newbies who don't last; some are Smittys.
My district (post season) skews the numbers. All of guys do HS, Legion, etc. Most are very good and above (Gath's final group). A handful exist whom I'd feel happy scheduling at any game, any level. We have one or two Smittys who get 3B in non-pressure games. I don't want to talk about financial compensation for fear of tattletales online or reprisals from W-port. I'd be glad to respond privately to anyone with questions.
At state level, we sometimes work mixed crews or see guys from other districts. I'd say about 70% of them suck. I won't bore you with the details. In appearance alone, I've seen: white shoes; brown belts; no hat on PU; Dockers pants, you name it.
A good buddy of mine (and an A+ umpire) has worked a LL Regional and a World Series in another division. He is line to go to W-port. He told me that about 60% of the umps at regional level "didn't get it."
The Regional and WS levels are, to be honest, Smittyvilles. Umps get picked by number of years of service, connections, other volunteer work. If you do HS or above, you'd best leave that off your resume.
I've seen umps at the Bristol regional (right down the road from ESPN) who were absolutely horrible. One guy, who was a big national honcho, used to give "directions" (up, down, in, out)on every called ball with little waves of his left hand. I am not kidding.
I saw a woman ump in Bristol (who eventually became the first female to do a LLWS) and call time after EVERY play. Big, too, dressing it up.
How do they get there? Some opinions:
* They have worked for so many years and developed so many bad habits that they are ingrained as poor officials.
* They are the senior guys in their area, so they assign themselves for the best games.
* They discourage young talent.
* W-port itself doesn't have any A+ umpires to judge these Smittys.
* There is virtually no "overseeing" authority anywhere in LL, meaning people who will evaluate umpires and work with them to correct inadequacies.
I know, I know, I should be championing LL umps. I can't--seen to many sh!tty ones. Plus, I believe in calling a Smitty a Smitty.
Ace