In a response to the thread entitled "Problems at the plate Conference" Peter responded as follows:


<b> " The umpire blew a rule. Blowing rules end umpire careers. Recently, I told of how an umpire called a dead ball balk in a tournament game and two umpires on the crew had their careers sidelined. Yet, stupid posters here (probably LL) continued to insist that one could have a balk on a dead ball. In our situation, we have an umpire who has blown a rule. The absolute last thing in the world that he should do is call unwanted attention to his mistake. Tossing the coach at the plate conference will certainly call the attention of his assignor to his mistake. Very STUPID move. It is simply irrelevant that the ejection is justified. If you want to be right and derail your career, go ahead. I'd rather be wrong and get promoted. </b>

The reason I use the aforementioned quote is the theme for my thread. Not Every Umpire wants the BIG game or cares about being promoted. Generally speaking there is a lack of Officials so even the Ole Smitty's of the world will get plenty of assignments.

Also, I find it kind of ironic when using the term "Kiddy Ball" because some "Kiddy Ball" depending upon where you live pays more than the so called BIG Games.

I'll give you an example; I worked in Westchester County NY and a colleague of mine asked me if wanted to do some LL Major Games for him. The LL Organization was in a "rich" part of Westchester County where the officers had plenty of money and didn't want to be bothered scheduling umpires. The FEE was $60.00 for one umpire behind the plate.

Now you can talk all about the BIG Games, but from my experience (other than dealing with the Parents), the so called Kiddy Ball is the best around meaning the game(s)are 6 innings long and last on avg. approx 1hr and 20 minutes to 1hr and a half, meaning you can do 3 games on a Saturday (or more if you wish) and walk away with $180.00 before the real heat arrives. In other words the games start at 9 AM and by 12:30 you are on your way home.

You can than go to the parks where the so called "BIG Games" are at and see everyone sweating and they don't make as much as you do.

What all this means is that you need to DEFINE your umpiring goals. Most of us have a regular Job that pays the mortgage, etc. meaning we use umpiring money for vacations, taking the wife/significant other out to dinner etc. therefore, I do not think amateur umpires should take the abuse that Major League umpires take even if we do blow a call.

I'd rather be promoted in MY REAL job than umpiring. There is plenty of work around, so why kiss you know what and get ajeda over it.

Also, again depending upon where you live if you want to aspire to the collegiate level, means a great deal of travel. A colleague of mine recently joined the Collegiate ranks and all he does is travel.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying as an amateur umpire we shouldn't try and be the best we can be by attending clinics,etc. but it also is not a "life" or "death" situation either if you don't get the big game or promoted.

In Summary before starting on your umpiring career, define the goals you want to achieve.

Pete Booth

Great Point Pete.
 

I have learned in all my sports, everyone is not interested in achieving the same things I might be. Some want to be in the NFL. Some guys are happy working in the Park District. Who am I to define for others what works for them?

Peace

Well, I want to be the best High School baseball umpire and volleyball official I can be, at the state and national level. I wouldn't mind - in my later years - being a district director or a camp instructor.

I've always wanted to at least try college ball, but with my family as young as it is, that'll have to wait. But for me, the HS game is where it's at. All the summer stuff - Legion, AAU, MSBL, LL, GNABA, etc. - is just a bonus. I worked almost every day from May 20 to July 10 and earned enough for a weeks vacation to Orlando, without putting a dime on a credit card. So, I guess in the summer, the money is a little more important. But in the HS season (late Feb to early May around here), money is really a non-issue. I really just enjoy the high school game.

My goal is to be regarded as a very good high school umpire, and do even some college ball down the road. I have been doing kiddy ball up to this point, but I want to move up. I just went to Carl Childress's clinic down in texas, and learned a great deal.

I have only been AABC certified and known around the leagues by the officials for about 3 months, and I have already been getting calls to work games in other "known" umpires' backyards. I hope that is a good sign, and not just the fact I am available. I got a call to work 6 games this weekend, at $35.00 a game. The coach told me he heard about me from a tournament I worked a few weeks ago. Not too bad for not being high school certified yet.

Yep,
 

Each umpire should at least have a purpose for umpiring.

It is not my position to tell anyone why they should umpire.

I just hope as a trainer and teacher that I can find the correct button to push for each student.

Your post dwells on the dollars and cents aspect of defining a "Big Game."

That is hardly how I define "Big Games" at all . . .

As I have noted several times I umpire for two reasons: power and money. BUT, the money part is just score keeping. I make plenty enough money as my chosen profession that the money made umpiring is basically to replace old gear (or try out new technology) used umpiring.

"Big Game" umpires are a cut above the regular umpire and not in the same universe as "Smitty" . . .

A "Big Game" can change by definiton each day . . .

The game could be between two average teams that had a big confrontation the last time they played. Your assignor could be sending you there because you are an "elephant hunter": he could be sending you because the game is between two teams fighting for the championship (or last playoff spot), or (more alturistically) he may be sending you to a game that maybe in the press where he cannot afford (for his personal well being)a screw up.

"Big Games" to some are normal games to others.

Pete, I set goals each year.

After 35 years and THOUSANDS of games it is still easy to set "performance" goals. I have found that if I set goals for HOW I umpire (and attain them) I will get more than my share of "Big Games."

I want the "Big Game", I want to be in the "Big Inning" and I want the last "Big Call" to come my way . . . I want the 3-2 pitch, with the bases full, in the bottom of the last inning with the score tied. (i.e. I had F6 ask me once what I was saying during a pitch, I told him 'I said, hit it to me, hit it to me.')

I don't want the "big call" to prove I have a big sack, I want the "big call' because that is what I have trained for all my life.

And the reason I get "Big Games" is best defined by my assignor when he said, "Tee, I have NEVER had a call after a game you worked that was anything but positive." That is OK, but it is better when the losing coach calls.

Perfomance goals should be established even by "Smitty" -- but it is not my place to evaluate any umpire for how far (i.e. how big of games he wants) or how low an umpire wants to work.

That comes from inside people and is defined by what THEY want not someone else.

Sorry about the length,

Tee

good points
 

good points and critical to determining the future. In football, I am the crew chief of a crew that only works the "little" games - Jr High AAA or below on Thursday nights. I could care less if I ever work a HS playoff game, or a AAAAA conference game on Friday night, much less NCAA or NFL. In baseball, different story. I will be satisfied when I am on D1 staff. Of course, by then I may be eye-balling a CWS. :)

Either way, we, as officials, must define our goals and position ourselves to accomplish that goal.

I am in the process of defining and developing an evaluation process in our umpires assocation to position umpires to maximize their potential be it at 8 year old kiddie league or NCAA D1. The delta in this what does the offical want?

Goals are meaningless.

I have friends from high school whose goals 30 years ago were to be rich and famous and who are now and always have been unrecognized lower level whatevers: civil servants, grocery clerks, hotel desk clerks. Not that there is anything wrong with ANY honest job, but none of them have come close to a "goal".

Instead of deciding a goal, or something you want, decide on what how much work, study and effort you are willing to dedicate to something. The fields are cluttered with Smittys who had the Goal of being a D-1 conference umpire or MLB umpire; while the D-1 ranks and the pro ranks, right down to short season A leagues, are filled with those who decided instead to see how far their sweat woudl take them.

How much time are you willing to dedicate to umpiring? how much money are you willing to spend on clinics, camps or even pro-school? How many games are you willing and able to work? How much effort will you dedicate to learning from those above you instead of arguing about how you "want" to do things?

Instead of setting a goal to become something, find out what it took for others to get there and then see if you are willing to match that.

Effort and results will beat goal setting any day.

Another perspective
 

Pete,
I like much of what you wrote, but a heartily disagree with your final statement. Most rookies don't have a realistic expectation of this endeavor. Some are washed up jocks, some retirees, while others may just looking for an outlet from the wife and kids. Unless you are unemployed, MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE THE REASON YOU OFFICIATE. Some guys will work lesser ball for more money because they don't care about the quality - they want the paycheck. Others will only work the best ball available, meaning travelling all over, for a modest paycheck. Their reward is to see the next Barry Bonds or Joe Torre.

Many new officials have a friend or relative recruit them into the ranks. They may have dreams about working the Conference Championship at their alma mater, but spend the next twenty years loving Freshman "B" baseball.

One of my College crew mates was a fantastic football official that started doing baseball as something to keep him on his toes during the offseason. He was born to umpire and quickly flew up the ranks. This season, he was the one I flew to see work a Super-Regional. He never dreamed he would be doing baseball at this level.

I teach at many clinics and see guys who are coerced into umpiring (Mom said it was either this or McDonald's) or figure that it is going to be a way to wield the sword of authority. It always amazes me when one of those feet draggers turns out to be unbelieveable.

Setting your goals as a rookie official is about as easy as asking a freshman in college to declare his major. Some are capable and many are clueless. Rather than setting your goals, I think that new officials would be better served to set priorities. Money? Time away? Exercise? Comraderie? The opportunity to becme the best? These are all valid ideals, but like Darwin said, adapt, evolve or die.

[Edited by WindyCityBlue on Aug 5th, 2004 at 02:42 PM]

As for "goals"; I want to umpire in the worst way!

Many have said I've succeeded.

Jerry

Goals are the foundation.
 

I totally disagree that goals are meaningless. They mean a lot. I think that is the foundation of the work you have to do. Of course you cannot say, “I want to be in the Majors" without knowledge of what that takes. Getting to that level does not just happen, you have to take the right routes to that destination. How hard you work is not going to get you there if you are not doing the correct things. I know in my area you are not going to just work college ball just because you work hard. Many times you have to show interest, they usually do not just come around calling. When I say show interest, you might have to talk to assignors or college umpires to consider you. Then when you show the interest, most will tell you what it takes. Many times college games are in the middle of the afternoon, most people are not available for those games. At least those umpires that have jobs and responsibilities outside of umpiring.

Information is the key. I have had conversations with NFL Officials, D1 and Pro level officials in basketball and a few Minor League umpires. I also have done a lot of reading on experiences of others that I never met. I learned what it took to make it to those levels in all my sports. Just in that fact finding, I realized that some opportunities were not for me. Or I realized that I had to attend certain camps or join certain groups to make any advancement a possible reality. But just working hard does not gut it. Sometimes it is just luck that the right person sees you. Jerry Markbriet(sp?) got his Big Ten Opportunity by working a D3 College game in the pouring rain on a sloppy field. An evaluator happens to be there and the next year I believe he was in the Big Ten. He was lucky and he will tell you that himself.

Goals are the foundation of the work you put in. Of course you cannot just set a goal and all of a sudden you will achieve them. But I bet those friends of yours that wanted to be rich and famous probably did not do a lot of things to make that happen. And if some of them worked hard, they might not have received the right break or were not in the right place at the same time.

Blessings and hard work have to go hand and hand in my opinion. <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_17_6.gif' alt='#1 Trophy' border=0></a>

Peace

Hmmm,
 

I think Garth, Windy and I are all saying just about the same thing:

If you set goals make them learning and perfomance goals NOT level of game goals.

While Windy feels that money shold never be the reason you officiate that is fine, that is his opinion.

I think pay is AN important function and movitation for some.

Garth thinks that the goals should be defined more along what kind of commitment are you will to give . . . I also buy that.

My goal stting is simple each season:

I pick three things that I felt needed work at the end of the last season and set up goals around those performance issues.

Tee

Serious question.
 

Why not? It cost money to travel to a game? The equipment cost money. You accept the money they give you right? I know I accept the money.

If anyone that knows me realizes that I might go further than most in my sports when I officiate. And in the long run I might actually lose money based on what they are paying me for the game, but I would not be honest with myself if I said I did not do it for the money at all. Of course it is not the only reason, but it is a reason. I know if I was not getting paid, it would be really hard to go to many games if I was never compensated.

Peace

What was the question?
 

Reading 101 - MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE...THE...REASON YOU OFFICIATE.

If you are umpiring/refereeing/officiating solely for the money, then you made a serious career error.

At the beginning - remember, this post was targeted at new officials setting their goals - the money sucks and the aggravation immense.

READING 102 - GOALS ARE NOT PRIORITIES

Most new officials don't enter this trade with dollar signs in their eyes. Most of the guys I work with don't walk off the field saying "I earned my money today." We walk off and talk about the game. That is why I enterred the profession.

READING 103 - I HAVE WORKED MANY TIMES FOR FREE, USUALLY TEACHING CLINICS

I will gladly accept remuneration for my efforts. It is not the reason I accepted the game, bought gear and travelled. Like I said, unless you have to accept the game in order to eat, most of us have a choice in working the game. If you are soley officiating because of the money, you are either a professional (making huge bucks) or need to reevaluate your priorities. The game deserves better.

Re: What was the question?
 

It might be the reason, but not the ONLY reason. But that is why I asked the question, so you could clarify.

I did not ask you about this point of view. Not sure what part of this you read?

I know many officials that work games to put their children thru schools or to pay for an extra bill. It might not be the only reason they do it, but it is a reason. Maybe many could afford bills without the officiating money, but I know many that do it because they have responsibilities as their life has changed. Maybe it is not the sole reason, but it is a big reason. Basically this is a debate of semantics and is based on your own personal feelings. I cannot tell someone how to spend their time or what is good for them. Again, why I asked the question in the first place.

Peace

Gentlemen, there have been a lot of good things said here;

1) Concerning goals: When I started umpiring was when I had had enough of coaching. That was about 4 years ago, a friend at our local LL,( yes Tee, I know, ugh!!) call me and asked if I would be the FU for a 13-14 YO game. I have never looked back. Where else can you still do something good to contribute to our kids, earn no money or respect, get a couple of hours out in the sun & fresh air and go home feeling good about it. At that time I had no goals.

That has all changed, in that short time I have been able to do a boat load of LL games including district, sectional and state all-star games, a bunch of older AAU and some summer Legion games. I want to progress up the ladder because like most of you I'm tried of getting beat up behind the plate (ie. "Kidde Ball"). Goals are important! I have mine (short term is to get HS cert, after my boys grad or quit playing HS), and my long term goal/dream is to one day do JUCO or NCAA. I don't know if I will make it, hell I turned 40 this year.
But like many of you said, they are important, they just need to be tempered in some reality.

2) Money: The money issue for most people I know and work with is a secondary issue or benefit. All of my LL is volunteer, sometimes I can get a shirt or pants out of them, but I do them for the love of the game. The paid games are good, they have allowed me to upgrade my equipment, do some things I might have not done otherwise, but it is not the sole reason I do it.

It is really funny to see the reasons why I decided to start this journey being listed from so many other people, but all of you are right, goals are important. But they need to be realistic, and you need to know what it will take to achieve them, or you will become discouraged and find something else to do.

One goal is to stay in the game. I love this game. Played it, coached it, organized it, and called it.
Each aspect has it's own rewards.

Another goal, that I have always strive to maintain, is that the kids come first. I could care less about any coach, fan or administrator's feelings over a call.
I want to get the call right. Because these kids only come this way once. And I have my personal pride to do my best.

Maybe I put too much pressure upon myself. When I complete a game I will go over calls and non calls. It's good for me to review each game with another ump. Of course there are some that could care less about reviewing.

I came here to read about situations that occur to other umps and to learn. I have learned a few things and plan on applying that knowledge when the situation calls for it.

I too have a secondary goal of financial. It is pretty good money and I have taken vacations the past two years to Wyoming for Antelope hunting and to The Carolinas for golfing. My umpiring provide me the extra funds for those wonderful trips.

Not everyone is cut out for umpiring. As I'm sure most here know that. To be able to stand and not flinch behind that plate while a 80 to 90 mile an hour fast ball hits short.
Or take one straight from the bat to the face, arms and shoulders. And then to continue on as nothing had happened, takes a special person.
I haven't taken one to the couch yet!

Truly I enjoy the game.

Shouldn't hurt much. Most couches are pretty well padded. Some are even overstuffed.

Crotch! LOL

I bet if I did get hit in the crotch on a couch it would hurt more for the fact that on the couch I wouldn't have a cup on. :)

The last game I called I got hit in the right ear. The ball went from the bat to the glove to my shoulder pad to the ear. It happened so fast that no one really saw it. I didn't flinch. Called foul and tossed another ball to the pitcher.
I thougth that my ear was ripped open because I felt something wet running down the side of my head. It was sweat.
After the half inning, I asked the FU if he could see any blood or cut on my ear. He said "NO, I thought you got hit, but I wasn't for sure".
Man has got to be tough for this game.

Priorities vs. goals
 

Was anyone else unclear about the words..."MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE...THE...REASON YOU OFFICIATE."

Yes, getting paid is wonderful. The exercise, comraderie, sense of giving back, are also imporatant factors of getting into this field. None should ever be the ONLY focus of why you officiate. The original post asked guys to set their goals and I suggested priorities might be better thought, since most rookies don't have a clue what this job takes.

If your priority is to make money for your college fund, that's terrific, but won't keep you coming back when the weather and season turn to crap. You can only deal with so many a-hole coaches, players and fans before you say, "Maybe I should get a part-time gig at Home Depot, instead."

Setting goald will make you better or appreciate what you've got. Setting priorities can help you achieve your goals.

Re: Priorities vs. goals
 

And that is your opinion. Happy to know you have one.

I have never worked at Office Depot before. I am not sure what they make. But I do not know many people that work at jobs like that and can make 200+ over a weekend and not be away from the house 9 or 10 hours after taxes. I know if I wanted to, I could make about $1000 a week if I took enough games. It might be hard, but it has been done. I know many successful people that officiate games they might never work, to help fun their children to some very good and expensive schools. I am not suggesting that all the money earned can fun the entire college bill, but it might fun extra things they want to do for their children and might pay expenses so they can come home more or go see them more often as well. I know many officials that claim the money they make officiating put their kids thru school.

Peace

Re: Re: Priorities vs. goals
 

Argggh...I couldn't make this up! Do you know how to read?
Home Depot...Office Depot??? Or is it that you can't stand seeing my name and need to show everyone that you've got an axe to grind.

Does "fun" mean the same thing as "fund"? You did it twice, by the way, so don't try to say it was a typo.

What exactly is the point of this mess? I have simply said that money should not be ...THE... reason for officiating. If you are only in it for the money, you will burn out very fast. You have to love this job to put up with the grind it puts us through (spelled correctly, by the way).

I know hundreds of guys that officiate. One of them works over 50 Spring H.S. baseball games and doesn't cash the check. In fact, the Board has had to beg him in the past so that they can audit the books. He gets satisfaction from being one of the boys. I know others that were told to get some exercise after they retired. The pocket change is a bonus, but they are out there to keep alive. I know still others that volunteer for their local LL and never take a cent. Every one of these guys is good for their level. Not one is in it for the money. What does it matter? Just that like I said, there are many reasons to join our ranks. Don't do it for solely for the money, you won't last or enjoy it.

You cannot disagree without insults I see.
 

If you consider yourself an educated person, you should be able to figure it out. I know when I read the newspaper and you see a misspelling of a word, I do not have a problem understanding the word that was suppose to be typed. I guess you have a problem with analytical thinking.

I think you have another analytical problem. I officiate because I enjoy it, but that is not THE ONLY reason I officiate. I have other reasons and I am sure many here do as well. And you might love it because of the money. It is possible that people do not see things you way.

Then why does he just not accept the money or donate the money to the school or entity that gave him the money? I have done that and know others that have. But that is by far the minority in that issue.

Again, if you do not understand the point, it is clear that you are not a very deep thinker. Because all those situations you just talked about are in the minority. Most people I know not only accept the money, but complain if they are not paid in a timely manner. As a matter of fact, it seems to be a major issue with assignors in several sports in this area as to how the officials are paid or the money. I can tell you in football that one of the biggest complaints is when we do double headers, we do not get the similar amount of money that we would get if we did just one game. I know I can get $55 for one Varsity football game, and then only get $10 more for the sophomore game. I know officials that will not work conferences because of what they are paid. It is a constant issue. I know assignors that have complained about the vouchers or the paperwork all the time. So it matters to someone. I know money does not grow on trees and neither does the gas or the time most have to take off from their families and work. Baseball is the most expensive sport to officiate for basic equipment. I know I would like to at the very least break even when I buy new equipment. I know others that would like to do the same.

It might not be THE reason that umpires and officials start, but it might be the reason they do not continue or why they do not get started. You claimed your issue was about rookies, but I know an umpire starting out has to pay about $400 to get started. That is if they want to have equipment that lasts or is worth maintaining.

Peace

[Edited by JRutledge on Aug 8th, 2004 at 08:07 PM]

I work baseball because I enjoy it. I enjoy being part of the game, even though I don't play anymore.

As far as money, that is definitely a bonus, but it does not enter into my mind as a reason to accept an assignment or not. Our leagues around here, at least during kiddy ball, pay anywhere from $20 per game to $40. I do not turn down the money or donate it to a school, but I do not think of the money factor hardly at all. I made $180 this weekend, umpiring 6 kiddy ball games. I am going to use that money to buy better equipment.

What I am getting at is that there are many reasons to officiate, and you should not bash someone for THEIR reason. I know plenty of umpires who did not want to umpire when they started, but they were good at it and liked the money. I have no problem with that. I do have a problem with someone telling me why I can or cannot umpire because of the reasons I choose.

Jim,

I think you summerized the issue perfectly. When we set goals, we might change the game in the middle based on some other factors in life.

Great post.

Peace

Re: Yep,
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~

AINT THAT THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!

TEE, you are dead on. Only 11 years here and perhaps a couple thosand games, from the 9-10's to the old man crap....meaningless to championship PONY regions and FED sections. Put me in the fire.....tiss where I belong. Great umps can handle it, others are not so gifted.

Re: What was the question?
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~


Very interesting. Here's my screwed up opinion. I started officiating back in 92, so I would have a great understanding of applicable rules. Did a lot of free games, learned the trade. NOW, money is coming in. I am coming of age and getting some good games, PONY loves me, FED loves me.....wow....JUCO calls are coming in.

Now, this may seem selfish, but I have a "product" to offer, ME! As is my career, I do not work for free, nor do I expect anyone to do so. You have a talent, charge accordingly. I tok this past season off to coach my son's Mustang team, I worked 3 behind the dish when ump no-showed(yes, gear is set up in car, baseball/football), accepted no moneys, had fun with the kids. That is alll good, but....there comes a time where my time is money...simply put.....ya get what ya pay for

Thesis submitted
 

Jim -
I agree, your response was well spoken.

We disagree on some semantics, though.
Few college freshman know what they want to do professionally after graduation. They may have an idea, but that it why most universities allow the student to defer his/her commitment (Read "goal") until they have experienced a generalized curriculum. Yes, there are exceptions, but most don't have a clue.

The same goes for new officials. The rare ones know that they will have to work hard and be very disciplined in order to achieve in this field. I'm not referring to the guy who is just picking up a few bucks working a handful of games for his local park district. I am specifically referring to the individual that has made a conscious effort to purchase good gear, attend training sessions and work a solid schedule. Every year we see these rookies and mentor them to expect a rough few years. We ask them why they got into the trade and what drives them to do this. Some say they need the income, some say they miss the game. The following year, the guys that return are the ones that had their priorities right. Learn...then earn.

I'm not asking anyone to give up the paycheck or respect the game more. I am reminding my fellow members that like anything in life, if you have a very narrow focus on something (working solely for the money) you may achieve your goals, but the journey won't be as much fun. I challenge any member to show me anyone who has officiated for twenty years or more and does it SOLELY for the money. Even Trump does some things because they are fun (take Milania , for instance).

Providing for your family, having a little extra fun money or putting it away for retirement - these are all noble endeavors. The guy who volunteers his time and talent is no more loved and respected, but has set different priorities. The overweight guy who wants to see his daughter walk down the aisle, same boat. Let's not forget the retiree who just wants to keep his mind sharp and enjoy the sun. All of these guys have different priorities and love officiating. My point was and remains, discover something you love to do and find reasons to do it. (Reasons - plural.) Life will be better that way.

[Edited by WindyCityBlue on Aug 10th, 2004 at 10:34 AM]

My goals when I started four years ago were to 1) meet people within the community and 2) help pay for the house full of furniture I had just bought. For two years I took every game offered to me, even made myself available when umpires were need on a moments notice...I live about 2 miles from the park. Since then, I've re-discovered my love of the game even though I haven't played seriously for 20 years and having picked up hockey on my 30th birthday (speaking of which, why is it easier to find adult hockey leagues than adult baseball leagues?). I also discovered how much I enjoyed being a part of the group at the park, both older and younger guys. One of my favorite partners is 17 and going to be a senior in HS this year. He had one of the most outstanding ejections I've ever seen! But since that first two years and the addition of a wife and a son, my priorities have changed.
Even when the games are over in an hour, at $40 each, its now to the point where I no longer want to sweat profusely, spend hours on the field away from my family, listen to bickering from the dugout or the stands over how a caught tipped ball is still in play or the IFR for the millionth time. Its nice to pay for my ice time or to fund whatever project my wife has gotten into this month, but its simply a matter of not wanting to do it any more and having lost my enthusiasm for doing so. Some have suggested I just need a break, so I'm not calling any fall games. I don't care about the level of play, or age, I'm just tired of it for now. Anyone else feel that way? I see some of the people here who have been doing this for 15, 20 years and it just amazes me.

And,
 

Some of us just finished our 35th season.

Tee

Re: And,
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Damn, Tee........you are being a dick!!!!!

Re: Thesis submitted
 

AMEN!

Re: Re: Thesis submitted
 

Well I don't know about that philosophy. I would have to ask Mike Tyson about that, let's see, several million in debt and can't box ...

Probably time to try something else.

Similiar to a lot of umpires I know. They just LOVE to umpire, but everyone else is wishing they would go ahead and retire.

And for the record, I just finished my 27th season.

Thanks
David

Re: Re: Re: Thesis submitted
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~
Retire, right, I quit!!! Assignor is a ****ing asswipe, I would love to beat the crap outa him. He gets fired by PONY after he gets the Bronco series a year ago, guy is a total ****stick.......I am done.

Been known to finish a fight in less than 15 seconds, pretty good at that!!!! Don't need to go there, TYson is big puss, he be softy.................

Okay, I'll come clean. I'm a *gasp* Little League ump. I've done everything from 9-10 ball up through big diamond Senior ball. But all under the LL system.

I do it mainly for the kids. Not many people in the league had a good understanding of the rules ("hands part of the bat," "can't steal on a walk," "the runner's out if he leads off") and I did. Couple that with the fact that we had many games where there were no umps at all, and it was an easy decision to start umping.

I started with the equipment the league owned and when I got sick of ill-fitting masks that weighed 100 pounds I bought some decent stuff. Not WV Platinum or anything, but some good Honigs gear. It's amazing how much the kids and parents appreciate having someone who looks like a real ump. Most of the time we have a dad strap the gear over his clothes and stumble his way through a game.

So my goals are to give the kids a good game. I'm there to encourage a love of baseball. At the same time, I strive to get better. I'd love to ge to the point where I could do varsity HS ball, but I expect I'd still do a lot of Little League.

I'm in this for the kids. The same reason I lead Cub Scouts, and coach ball and soccer.

akalsey,

Thank you. You understand what I first proposed.

Really plain and really simple.
 

Many understood as well, we just disagreed with your point of view.

You cannot tell others why they should or why they should not do something. It is not your place to do so. It is not my place to do so.

Peace

PPPPTTTTHHHHHH!
 

Actually R.i.t., I can do whatever I want, within the constraints of the law. Many others agreed with my opinion and said so, you didn't and the spot in the back of the class is still yours. Pay attention and we'll include you in our discussion next time.

I am sure UMPS is really proud of you.
 

You are just more evidence why people completely shy away from your organization. You do not know me, what do you say to those you do not like that actually know you?

You are a wonderful spokesperson for UMPS. I hope the individuals that read your responses are proud of your professionalism.

Peace

And yet, Rut, here you are, telling WCB what and why he shouldn't do something. I know that Windy & others like to push your buttons, but maybe if you didn't rise to the bait EVERY DAMN TIME, they'd eventually get bored and give up. Please, try to let it go, at least when it's not directed at you by name, huh?

Peace back at ya' --

Carter

I think you inflate this place much more than I do.
 

I am not telling him what to do at all. I am saying that he cannot make decisions for anyone that decides to take up officiating or umpiring. If there are people that want to umpire for the money that is up to them. WCB can do whatever he likes. But it is not his place or my place to tell others why they take up what is essentially a hobby.


Push buttons? Just another example of how many here take this place a little too seriously. If the clowns here "push my buttons,” then I really need to rethink my officiating goals. I have officiated in places that most here would never go, so I think if someone thinks I get upset over what is said here, they need to find another hobby.


Who said I was responding because it was about me? I was responding first of all because I can. I was responding because the individual is trying to suggest that no one understood his point of view, instead of just understanding that we disagreed with it. I am not alone in this. And even if I was, it is still not the point of view that everyone holds. No one can tell you why or why not you can do something. They can try, but it surely does not mean we have to agree.

Peace

Rut:
I get it, truly. And, FWIW, I'd like to see Windy & Co. let it go, too.

But for someone who professes not to get torqued anytime certain folk post anything, you seem to, as I said before, rise to the bait every, single, damn, time!

And as for "Who says I'm responding 'cause it's about me?"
Heck, wasn't that what I wrote? - "Let it go, at least when it's not directed at you by name"?

Actually, I don't take this place very seriously; which is why it amazes me that folks who supposedly have no "buttons" to be pushed get their shorts in a twist about who posts what, and persist in flogging issues that can never be resolved authoritatively, simply to "make it clear" that the "other side" is a bunch of dopes.

Of course you CAN post anything you please, and so can your "friends" Windy, HHH, etc.: and I'm sure y'all will continue to do so. I'm just wondering, since you know that anything you say, WCB will disagree with, and vice versa, once you've made your point, and the others have made theirs, is it finally a question of who has the last word?

Peace, back at ya'...

--Carter

I got me a Zebco Charlie Brown Spincater with 12# test...
 

Counselor -
Great argument...the bait analogy...terrific, too.
Most of the time I am fishing for trophies and find that my time is being wasted unhooking bottom feeders.

I'm sure that you've read enough of my worthy posts to recognize the difference. All I've ever asked is that if you have a different opinion, 1) be eloquent enough to state it, 2) have the resources to support it (i.e. experience or rule book excerpt, 3) have the courage of your convictions when the challenge caomes back. I have had disagreements with very few members here, R.I.T. and Jurassic seem to stir from the deep every time a line gets wet. Others may disagree with some of my ideas, but have never taken it personally. Philosophical differences I encourage, but arguing for the sake of seeing your own (often poorly constructed) sentences is not.

From what I've been reading here over the last two years, I'm not alone in this thinking. I hope you've noticed that on too many occassions, I will post an intelligent, positive response to a query only to have R.I.T. grab the hook and start shaking. You'd think that hook would start to hurt after a while.

Just another type of "reality TV."
 

Is someone coming through the computer screen and kick my ***? Is someone going to do more than just run their mouth? What is going to happen but chatter on a discussion board? I have been here for years and not one time has anything I said affected me personally in real life in a negative way. I have never had one person approach me and say anything negative about my posts. They might laugh at how people react; I have yet to meet someone that is emotionally affected by what we talk about here. I guess if I respond that I have be in constant pain over what is said. Windy lives right around my area and all he has done is run his mouth. He has never emailed me, what he thinks of me did not affect my umpiring. Nothing this year was different because he started running his mouth. I was still called to work baseball all summer long and did what I do every year, turn most of it down. So if I am such a bad umpire and official and those word affect me, it surely has not prevented my schedules from growing.


I ignore a lot of WCB posts and others. But I will never shy away from a topic that I find interesting or have an opinion on. I do not care who is posting their opinions. But there are many here that will always use my name when I could give a damn about the topic. If that makes them happy, I hope they continue. But when I officiate a game, I can never reference this board and the people on it a get more credibility as a result. And since WCB lives in my area, I can never reference him or his organization and gain more credibility from it. So if someone thinks all this back and forth means anything, I guess not much is going on in their life. At best this is reality TV behind a computer. Great for entertainment purposes, but I am not personally affected if someone is kicked off the island.


Peace

Re: I got me a Zebco Charlie Brown Spincater with 12# test...
 

Yeah, but I've also noticed you spending a lot of time "chumming" [to continue the analogy] for Rutfish.

Got no problem with arguing: I do it for a living, and find it mentally stimulating, presuming we get beyond: "IS! ISN'T!! POO_POO HEAD!!!!!!" - that I get from listening to my kids.

Guess the crux of what I wrote was the part about maybe you [& a couple others] would get bored and quit if Rut stopped being such a willing and ready participant. Guess you are astute enough to figure out why I addressed my comments to Rut, and not [at least directly] to you guys.

Oh, well: I've tried [twice]. Just hope that with the apparent coming demise of "the OTHER" site, we won't have to plow thru too much flaming to get to the informative stuff. Suppose all will cope, whatever happens.

--Carter

Carter - The noblest of men sometimes fail.

Remember when you saw an obvious balk, called it and then spent an eternity trying to defend your position.

The next time you walked onto the field, the guy had it in for you even though he only showed the world his substance. He keeps coming back for more but even his fans aren't smiling anymore.

Sounds, vaguely familiar, eh?

The prosecution rests.


"It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in an argument"
- William Gibbs McAdoo

You are <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_4_167.gif' alt='Weird' border=0></a>.

Peace