True Confessions - Your Analysis and Eval?

[GarthB]

In addition to Rich Fronheiser's suggestion that the level of umpire was not relevant to this issue, I received an email inquiring if I had a problem with Seattle's BJ Moose.

Prior to responding to either, I re-read the original post and my reply.

My intent, and I am guilty for not making that clear, was to respond with my opinion of the behavior of the umpire within the stated situation, set-up and all. The set-up I was addressing in the original post was Moose's comment:

"Quick background.. I am a "mid tier" 4th year umpire with my association. I have 400 Assoc games, and maybe 40 or more at the level of THIS GAME. I am assigned a game in the Connie Mack State Tourny, 17-18 year olds, very high level, all varsity players. I am teamed with a VET 20 year guy, D1 tier. (Highest)."

I believed at the time that the author was saying that he was in over his head, and I replied accordingly.

I have no problem with Mr. Moose. I understand from mutual acquaintances, who I respect ,that he is a competent and credible umpire. My comments should have included a note that they were directed at umpire behavior, generically, and not necessarily at the Great Antlered (horny?)One.

In retrospect I should have made more clear some of the assumptions as well as some of the comments I made.

Otherwise, I stand by my post in that: 1. The timing of the call was uncharacteristic of calls made at beyond Varsity-Level championships, 2. The call is not one that should be subject to appeal and reversal, and 3. The posture and comments by the D1 plate man were probably a notice that he didn't want to get involved.

Garth

[Edited by GarthB on Feb 4th, 2001 at 09:58 PM]