Association of Minor League Umpires

[millhouse76]

Originally posted by MrB
It was stated that the AMLU enetered into the same type of behavior that they are asking us not to, and I want to ask Jason to clarrify why they did what they did and how is it different.

How was the AMLU replacing guys in '99 different, yes they resigned, but you knew what they were trying to do and the AMLU hurt the MLB guys fight for a better situation for themselves.

Now, they AMLU guys are going to work for less than the MLB guys asked for to do the World Classic. Isn't that being a Scab of sorts, doing the same job for less?

The AMLU should probably just ingnore us am. guys, but if they are asking for our support, shouldn't they try to clarrify these types of questions?

I realize some will say they had no choice, but they did, you always do.

MrB:

As stated, there was no AMLU in 1999, and there was no strike either. Here is where it get's tricky now. Less than half of the ML umpires in 1999 agreed with the attempted resignation, if you look at the numbers. Are you really scabbing, when a majority of the people involved did not do their part in the resignation. Not saying that I agree with how it all went down at the Major League level in 1999, but there was really no direction to what was attempted. Just to help you understand, there is no animosity between the guys that came up and worked in 1999, and the guys that attempted to resign. If there is animosity, it is between those who did, and didn't resign.

As far as the WBC, I really hate when people make assumptions based on what they have heard. Here is the way it went down, and if anyone else tells you different, they are lying.

The WBC was in negotiation with the WUA. Throughout these talks, the WUA was in contact with the AMLU as to their progress. We told the WUA that we would not talk to the WBC while they were at the table with them. When the WUA decided that they would not work, and told us that we could, we then sat down with the WBC as a Union.

We did not stab our brethren, but instead worked with them, and their blessing, to get to where we are in the WBC. Here is a question for you? Do you really think that the ML guys wanted to work the WBC for less than they get during the season, right before they start a six month season?

[Edited by millhouse76 on Mar 2nd, 2006 at 02:33 PM]

[Clint Lawson]

What is wrong with a guy like john coons taking a high school game. He pays his dues just like the next guy. He has paid his dues for years and not worked any games. What makes him any different than anybody in that group. If he didn't pay dues and just off the street called and wanted a game that would be wrong. But the minor league guys (like myself and john) that pay there dues and teach clinics for free should be able to work these games. I am still working college games myself. I dont have a schedule. My assigner sends out a mass email to the whole group when a game is turned back to him and if you can work you respond. If he sends me the game back i take. If someone had not turned back that game it would not be there for me to work. I don't feel bad about working those games at all. And the guys work I with like to work with me and support the amlu. Every college umpire i have worked with has been in support of what we are doing. Do you guys think it is wrong that i am still working college games in my area? I paid the same fee that everyone else in the group paid.

Clint Lawson
[email protected]
Carolina League

[briancurtin]

im not really involved in these threads, but its good to see that at least one person decided to post as themselves from that side of the table. the anonymous coward attacks got old after about .4 seconds.

note that im trusting Clint Lawson to actually be the real Clint Lawson

[Sal Giaco]

Originally Posted by Clint Lawson

Do you guys think it is wrong that i am still working college games in my area?

No but I am concerned if this strike goes longer than expected, that it will conflict with Independent Pro ball in the summer. I know that it can get fairly competitive for those assignments because it's probably the best baseball for amateur umpires to work - especially during summer ball.

If, (worst case scenario), the strike continues into late May, June..., I hope the MiLB Umpires extend the same courtesy of not working the Independent League games as I did by not working AAA games as a fill-in/scab.

[fmsc]

I belong to the high school association that is proud to have Clint Lawson as a member. He is one of our youngest members but is an invaluable resource. He has generously donated his time to share his professional training and experience for clinics on mechanics and rules at no charge to our membership. Even during his Minor League seasons he has responded by cell phone or email to questions. He pays dues ,is very active in the organization of our association and has been nominated for election as an officer. Yes , he works some high school games and myself and others have benefited from the games we have worked with him. I am a better umpire thanks to Clint and 5 or 6 other MiLB guys that I have spent time with on the field and in clinics. I have not been asked but I will support these guys by turning down any offer of MiLB games. And also by welcoming as partners those who choose to participate in the manner Clint has at our local amateur level.

By the way I called Clint this morning with a question and also confirmed for myself that the earlier poster was indeed the real Clint Lawson.

[D-Man]

Pathed????????