Quote:
|
What I find completely objectionable is this facade, this ridiculous dishonesty about the money, and its influence on all of us.
|
It's not about dishonesty but about survival.
Even the BIG BOYS are told how the PLAYERS want the game called.
Case an point:
Many years ago, the ML umpires were intsructed to call balks in line with the book definition. During that 1/2 season there were more balks called then the entire previous season.
The Players union got involved and things went back to the "old way"
Jim Porter is "right-on" when he says the game is not about us. It's for the participants.
Also, the reason the EXPECTED call exists is not because of money but because of the Tradition in baseball.
I'll admit at times especially in a terrible game I am there for the money. Equipment, gas and acessories cost money but as rei said if all I did was umpire I'd be bankrupt and lawump would have all kinds of business.
The past discussion is about one's preference. It's not a Right or Wrong philosophy. I'm in Jim's camp especially since the majority of my work is 2 person.
There are "smitty's" as Jim mentioned and they do not have a care in the world. They show up and get paid and you know what, they have as much work as anybody unless you live in an area where there is an abundance of umpires.
Also IMO, you cannot compare MLB to what we do. I do think Instant replay has changed the way the game is called at that level. It seems every close play is replayed over and over again.
Pete Booth