The Next Generation of Pros

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

I want to compliment Dave Davies for a well intended question in the thread about Minor League Baseball Umpires. It was deleted prior to my seeing what caused it to disappear. I liked the comment so much that I will revisit it.

Dave asked where the next generation of MLB umpires will herald if MiLB abandons the umpire training program. It was thought provoking and well intended. I responded that Football and Basketball train their officials without a Minor League system. I realize that the Arena League, CFL, European football and various basketball pro leagues serve as training beyond collegiate ball. However, there is no true minor league proving ground in place. In fact, we know that NFL referee have full time jobs other than their Sunday duties.

Now I'm not presuming that AAA ball teams deserve anything less than what they currently have, but there are umpires out there that can do the job. Our collegiate ranks have some terrific talent and many could transition well. Don't get me wrong, not everyone that works college baseball could handle the rigors of MiLB action. Besides the rule differences, having nine stars instead of one or two makes every play interesting.

If the MiLB ownership decides to abandon the current system where would the next MLB umpires come from? Are you ready to work Class A baseball? Does your organization plan to do anything to assist some of your best umpires in contacting those teams?