2005 MLB UMPIRES and CREWS

[Tim C]

"You also don't understand what it takes to umpire at that level, with all the tips and comps you give to certain individuals who help to make your life on the road that much easier."

Back the truck up!

I don't understand?

Ahem, I think I understand just as well as you do.

I understand the amount of travel that umpires USED to have compared to what they have now.

I understand the amount of vacation time umpires USED to have compared to what they have now.

I understand the amount of money umpires USED to make compared to what they have now.

I understand that you tip the clubhouse guy to make sure your gear is cleaned and in place each day.

UMP25, I think many, many of us understand how hard it is to be an MLB umpire. I think many, many of us understand how well paid they are. I think all of us understand that it is great to be able to give a cabbie free tickets to games to be sure that he will be parked outside the stadium to take you the hotel after a real late night game, I think all of us understand that it is great to be able to give tickets to someone at the hotel to make sure your dry cleaning is returned in time for your departure, and I am sure we also recognize that it is great to give out free tickets to someone you meet in the hotel bar that is a big baseball fan.

I don't think you should try to lump any of us on this page with "someone who doesn't understand" -- we understand and we get it.

MLB umpires are highly paid because they are the best they do in a highly competitive field.

I just think you are pressing the point that they have to pay for tickets.