Officiating.com has published today a free article written by Jason Millsap, a minor league umpire.

We ask that you read it and give it the consideration and calm deliberation it deserves.

Thanks.

I received the same "article" from another minor league umpire today in an email from one of my college assignors. Appears to be a form email.

I am happy to give the AMLU all the consideration it deserves.

However, I have to ask one question that, answered, would seriously impact my feelings toward the AMLU -- if these umpires DO strike will they promise to not take any high school or college dates from the umpires that normally work THOSE games?

Best regards,
Rich

<i> Originally posted by Carl Childress </i>

<b> Officiating.com has published today a free article written by Jason Millsap, a minor league umpire. </b>

Papa C before I comment, please clarify something for me.

When Richie Phillips and the Umpires Union went on strike, did the Minor league Umpires "cross the picket Line" so to speak?

If they did, then the article holds no credence because it becomes hypocritical. On one hand they do not want "other umpires" taking Minor league assignments, but it was ok for them to take Big league Assignments.

Thanks

Pete Booth

In 1984 when the MLB umpires "walked out" at the end of the season, well-known college umpies filled in.

In the American League Championship Series (Kansas City v Detroit, won by Detroit 3-0), a former major league umpire, Bill Deegan, called all three plates. The other umpires were:

Game 1: Bill Deegan, Jon Bible, Randy Cristal, Larry Zirbel, Harold Jordan, Mike O'Dell

Game 2: Bill Deegan, Jon Bible, Randy Cristal, Bob Jones, Richard Denny, Carl Nothnagel

Game 3: Bill Deegan, Jon Bible, Randy Cristal, Doug Cossey, Dick Runchey, Dick Zivic

In 1979, minor league umpire filled in. Several, one of whom was Dave Pallone, became permanent members of the staff.

I don't know about other minor league umpires, but Jason is a member of TASO and a D1 college official. Generally, he's had four to five weeks of amateur baseball before he reports to his minor league.

When the hockey officials were locked out, they did not drop down to minor league hockey though many did work in Europe.

The test, though, should not be whether minor league umpires accept amateur games. During a strike, moving down, taking other jobs, has always been sanctioned.

It's when an umpire moves up that the union is weakened. In 1984, 12 college umpires walked into a play-off situation. If the AMLU strikes, far more than a dozen would be needed.

BTW: There's no doubt that your article is different from the one I published.

You guys are too tough. I officiate as a hobby; it's a challenge, fun and an enrichment to my day job. But these minor league guys do it for a living as a career. They contribute to a growingly popular product, and should be compensated for their contribution. Though many unions today protect mediocrity and laziness, minor league officiating is already a ruthless meritocracy and the union only attempts to fairly negotiate.

I don't like competing with this guys for my NCAA assignments. But I have mostly found these guys all too willing to help me improve. So I believe our minor-league brethren should be given the benefit of every doubt. Support them and their strike!

I have no problem with umpires working the games they normally work, Carl. But I can't wait to see if long season minor league umpires start competing with established HS and college umpires for assignments. We shouldn't take their games, but I will bet that many will take ours.

BTW, here's the email I received this morning. Another umpire has received FOUR copies from different umpires:

My name is Andy Russell and I am a professional baseball umpire .I would like to ask you for a few minutes of your time to update or inform you on the Association of Minor League Umpires (AMLU) and our current negotiations with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation (PBUC).

As some of you may have already heard, our contract and collective bargaining agreement has expired and we have been in negotiations with MiLB/PBUC for the past three months. We are asking for better wages and living conditions for the umpires of today, and for those who will follow in our paths. To date, MiLB/PBUC and the AMLU have been unsuccessful on agreeing to a new contract. With that being said, the AMLU has made a decision not to attend spring training this year.

In a nutshell, minor league umpires have not had a pay raise in over TEN years. In fact, seven years ago there was actually a DECREASE in pay and a wage freeze put in place. Five years ago the minor league umpires formed an association and signed their first contract ever. It was believed to be a major step in the right direction, but as it turned out it gave MiLB almost deity-like power over the umpires. They have pushed us around for five years, and have treated us like dirt. It has come time for things to change, and this is the year for it to happen.

We are not asking baseball to make minor league umpires rich, but we are asking them to come up to level that will allow us to follow our career paths with affordable means - right now, the wages are not livable. The top AAA umpires currently make $14,000/season (give or take). Our per diem is $25/day at the highest level while the government allows for a MINIMUM of $40/day, with many of the MiLB cities listed closer to $50.

Some of you may be approached to either work games in spring training or even the regular season, as this has been happening recently in minor league cities throughout the country. As my fellow brothers on the field, and also as friends with whom I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know over the past few years, I would ask that you take our situation into consideration if you are contacted. MiLB believes that they have a broad pool of talent to choose from to replace us in spring, and also in the event of a work stoppage. By agreeing to work in our stead, you would be denying us any hope of leverage in negotiations.

If you have not already read the numerous articles about our situation, you can visit the AMLU website (www.amlu.org) and view some of the articles there. Also, doing a Google search about minor league umpires and contracts or negotiations will produce a multitude of results. If, for whatever reason, you can’t find these articles and would like to read them, please feel free to contact me and I will forward them to you.

I hope this information helps and each of you better understand what we are trying to accomplish and that you will seriously consider standing behind our effort. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for umpires in the minor leagues. If we don't make a stand now, MiLB will never have to take us seriously and we will be pushed around forever.

If anyone has questions, comments, concerns or any information about contact that has been made by MLB or MiLB that they would like to share, I ask you please do not hesitate to get in touch with me, or with any of the other guys I will list at the end of this letter.

I can’t thank you all enough for taking the time to read through this and for any and all support that you can give.
Andy Russell
South Atlantic League


[Edited by Rich Fronheiser on Feb 28th, 2006 at 03:12 PM]

It is very like the one Jason sent me. No doubtr someone provided the general form and text; each umpire could make changes if he chose.

I'm certain that some amateur umpires will decide to fill in. There's a whole slew of unaffiliated minor league umpires, some of who were in PBUC and let go. I would expect many of them would cross the line, having already had a taste of the "little" Show.

They're not going to offer games to an old fat man like me, but I certainly would turn them down.

I have little desire to work them myself as, frankly, they won't pay enough for someone to travel and put up with a lot of crap. My reasons for not working them are not noble ones, though. I don't feel a "brotherhood" with these guys or anything like that.

I think there will be more than enough school grads and PBUC-released umpires who won't even think twice about taking the assignments. And if that happens, all the strikers will lose. It'll be like Reagan and the air traffic controllers all over again.

I may be way of base on this so forgive me if I don't have a thorough understanding of what transpired. When the MLB umpires negotiations with the WBC to work those games hit an impass and broke down alltogether, why did the MiLB umpires decide to not support their bretheren and take the games for less money? It would seem to me that if the AMLU want's to take a stance for their members and ask others not to work their games, they've set a double standard by undercutting the MLB umpires by stepping in and agreeing to work the WBC.


Tim.

I know it's a broken record, but for God sakes this is not a melodrama. These men have taken a chance on a career; no promises of huge salaries or security were made. They are the musicians and artists of the sporting world. To say that they aren't being paid to learn and master their craft is absurd. That is why they don't stick new graduates in AAA. Despite the protestations of a few befuddled members, a decent D1 umpire can work a AAA series. The spirit and talent on the fields of Miami, Arizona State, USC, Texas and many more top programs is akin to what you'll see on many minor league fields. The action is no faster on the whole, in fact, composite bats make the game much more interesting in college. The same six calls get made and if you don't think there is pressure on you for games like USC vs. UCLA, A&M vs Texas or Miami vs Oklahoma, then you have never been to one of those games.

The men who chose the path of the apprentice umpire deserve the respect of the league but have no business asking for ours. Why should an amateur umpire refuse games at his local affiliate? What loyalty has the AMLU shown amateur umpires who try to work those local games. The answer is none. If you have ever been asked to fill in at any level, you will find that your salary is a lot less than you think. You get treated as a second class citizen by the union and the number of spots available for locals is strictly regulated. The independent leagues have operated for years with locals and no one knows that they didn't attend pro school or work their way through the PBUC system. They hustle, study and make the calls.

I have long said that I won't work those games. I know that I'm too old to move like those young robots. The fact that some of you might challenge yourself and ask to be considered should be applauded. Maybe you'll find that the game is beyond your scope and appreciate the dedication it takes to work at that level. However, this letter writing campaign is the last gasp of a dying association. It takes a lot of gall to ask someone you normally would never work with to protect your livelihood.

I would also like to correct a statement made earlier in that letter. "The top AAA umpires currently make $14,000/season (give or take)." Hogwash, even your press releases state otherwise! I know a few AAA guys and they make more than some college grads their age. The Department of Labor stated that an employee without a college degree often makes 40% less than one who does. Take a poll and see how many complete bachelors degrees are in hand. When you factor in a five month season and that most of those guys are eligible to work two seasons, hustle clinics or grab some choice summer assignments that take home is considerably more.

I won't even discuss the per diem. Any fill in or local umpire doesn't receive even a hot dog. He may have to drive hours to the park and be relegated to the rabbit position. He gets less than you per game and you still complain about conditions. Think about it, there are guys that are willing to work for less than you and put up with the grief and you are asking them to help you make more.

In the end, I hope that your union is smart enough to limit their focus and accept a nominal increase for a year or two. Spend the time finding better bargaining positions and remind yourselves of how special it feels to step onto those fields. That is what it is all about. It is a privilege to work in those parks. Yes, you are talented and deserve more, but should not compromise your brethren while at it. Your cause will be hurt if they take games, but you made a decision and want others to bail you out. That is a horrible trait in an umpire. Make the call and live with the decision.

[Edited by WhatWuzThatBlue on Feb 28th, 2006 at 06:52 PM]

I worked with a couple of the AMLU folks to draft the letter. There is one change that may not have made it out to everyone, so I will post the most updated version here (Look at the last two paras):

If you would please distribute this to all of the umpires in your local association it would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Fellow umpires,

We would like to take a just minute out of your time and update/inform you on the Association of Minor League Umpires (AMLU) and their current negotiations with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation (PBUC).

If you have not already heard, our contract/collective bargaining agreement has expired and we have been in negotiations with MiLB/PBUC for the past three months. We are asking for better wages and living conditions for the umpires of today and the future to be. To date, MiLB/PBUC and the AMLU have been unsuccessful on agreeing to a new contract. With that being said, the AMLU has made a decision not to attend spring training this year.

If you have not read the numerous articles about our situation, you can visit the AMLU website (www.amlu.org) and view many of the articles there. We also have available a section for associate membership for a very small fee. If you are not interested in this membership and want these articles, you can email me directly and I will do my best to send these your ways. You can also do a “Google” search using "Minor League Umpires Voting on Contract”.

In a nutshell; MiLB umpires have not had a pay raise in over 10 years. Our per diem is $25/day at the highest level while the government provides for a minimum of $40/day. We are not asking baseball to make minor league umpires rich by any means, but we are asking them to come up to a par level and allow us to follow our career paths with affordable means - right now, the wages are not livable and a top AAA umpires currently makes $14,000/season (give or take).

As fellow umpires, and many of you we know on a personal level, would ask that you take our situation into consideration if you are approached to work games in either spring training or the regular season.

The AMLU would like to assure you that our members have no intention of going after you games. During the period when we are not working, many of our members are willing to be a ‘go to’ resource to assist your association with filling open games. Many of our members already have games that are scheduled to them and will maintain their current schedule. But we will recommend to our local assignor to only utilize us if necessary.

We hope this information helps and each of you will stand behind our effort. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for umpires in the minor leagues. If umpires don't make their stand now, then they will never have any leg to stand on and be pushed around forever.

Thanks for the open ear and we look forward to your support.

"The AMLU would like to assure you that our members have no intention of going after you games."

that should be "your games" - normally i wouldnt nitpick this but i figured it would help you if you didnt notice it, since people are sending this out to other umpires across the US

Your facts are wrong. Check the dates and come back when you know what you're talking about.

Strike in 1979; walk out in 1984, just before the playoffs.

The mass resignation? Summer, 1999, effective 2 September.

But you are supposed to be a reader, no? When you make elementary mistakes like this, you certainly lose some of whatever credibility you ever had.

Cut YOU some slack? You "corrected" me with bogus information. You should remember there are some who post here who are pretty knowledgeable about baseball. I am one of them.

The answer to your question is "Yes."

Tim,

The AAA umpires that are MLB fill-in's are working the games. MLB controls what they do doing spring training under a different agreement. If these guys had refused it would not have been good for them ....

Re: GO BACK AND READ
 

There you go again, not reading carefully. I don't make interpretations. I never have.

All I do is explain what the language means. The FED (and you, apparently) is not worried that the book does not condone calling coach's interference during a dead ball.

That's not an interpretation; that's a fact.

The FED says: We mean that the coach can aid a runner during a dead ball only when it doesn't help the runner to leave or return to a base.

Now <i>that</i> is an interpretation, and I have no quarrel with the FED making it.

But I won't let them get away with saying the "rule" prohibits it.

You seem close to the situation, so I'll grant you some credibility here. If those same guys take those games but walk out from their seasonal assignments, they are hypocrites. The only reason Drake, et al are taking those assignments is because theyarethisclose to not having to worry about MiLB any longer. If they can shine and a WUA guy goes down, they have a chance to shine and jump to a bigger, better world. I better not see any letters with their names on them. This is a classic example of "Do as I say, not as I do." If you are strong enough to stand for your rights, why would you tread on anothers'?

The clock is ticking and these guys know it. Do some reserach about how the umpire development program in the Minors had to let go of their own staff over the years due to budget cuts. Evaluators, administrators and field guys all worked for peanuts and lost jobs when times got tough. The front office guys don't give too much heed to the boys in blue or the men who guide them. It's a fact of life that is becoming apparent a little too late for 200 guys. Circle the wagons and go for a moderate increase - save the season and your dreams. You only get one shot at life guys, make the most of it or you'll be an old umpire who wishes he made more of it. I'm done being the heavy here. I wish you luck and hope that MiLB blinks soon. We are a couple weeks away from the first local games and I'm getting itchy. I know that you are too.

WWTB, I have read many of your posts. You make some sense. But you seem to be mistaken about what the AMLU has asked for as far as salary. You have said multiple times that they should look for a "moderate" increase. Is 100/month "moderate"? That's what they were offered. When negotiations start, one side comes in from the high side, one from the low, then they SHOULD work to something in the middle. The AMLU has come down on everything. MiLB has not come up to meet in the middle. The AMLU has not asked for any HUGE increase in salary. They have asked for a "moderate" increase, and MiLB refuses to acknowledge that it is deserved.

That's all I've got for now.

Carl, I don't like PWL any more than the next guy... but he was not responding to or correcting YOU. He was responding to the same person YOU responded to. His remarks were wrong, but in all honesty I made the same assumption - that the person you and he were responding to was referring to 1999. The assumption by you that the poster was referring to 1979 or 1984 may or may not be correct - who knows what he meant. Your information is helpful and additional, but your attacks on PWL, in this singular case, are unwarranted.

Ok, point taken. Let me go back a couple of days where an attack <i>would</i> be warranted. (grin)

Oh, the one directly above PWL was Pete Booth. I've known Pete a long time. He certainly did not mix up his facts.

I think it's funny how some of you feel as though the AMLU is uninformed and is leading everyone down the wrong path, while you know exactly what they should do.

I'm going to bet that the AMLU knows more about the situation than any of us. I'm not going to second guess them. As far as MiLB umpires asking us not to work their games...how can you blame them for that? That's not a last resort or a desperate cry because they know they are in a bad position. It's just what anybody would do. If you go on strike, you don't want people to take your job.

Shame on the AMLU for sending out a uniform letter with information on it to inform other umpires of what is going on. How dare they?!? I mean...they would much better be served just ignoring us, and doing their own thing.

Minor League Umpires are less of apprentices than NCAA umpires are. They aren't getting paid to learn a craft or trade. They hardly get any evaluation or training. They go out there, work this butts off, and learn from each other and studying on their own. They don't get to work with the Masters (MLB umpires) until they are in AAA and then deemed worthy.

Maybe some D1 officials could make good MiLB umpires...but those guys aren't going to fill in. They are going to work thier NCAA games because they pay better.

Oh and by the way...fill in umpires do get meals after the game...the same meals the AMLU guys do. Fill in guys also do get a per-diem. It's included in their fee. That's why the check they get is greater than a MiLB guy's salary per game. They don't get paid mileage...but they are supposed to be locals. MiLB guys don't get paid to go from the Hotel they are staying at to the park either. Just to go from city to city. Plus almost every MiLB guy i've come in contact with, even just to go WATCH their games, has taken me out for dinner and drinks afterwards, even though I make more money than them...and THEY REFUSE to let me pay.

MiLB guys that I know do care about us. They all started out where we are...they all worked HS baseball and a lot worked some college baseball before they got where they are now. All the MiLB guys in my area still go to association meetings, pay their dues, and help out during our clinics FOR FREE! And every guy I have talked to has said they aren't going to take games from us. One guy told me he is just going to go evaluate local HS umpires, again FOR FREE, so he can help out his association any way he can.

This is just my viewpoint on this, and what I have seen and experienced. If some of you have seen or experienced different, then that is okay. But what I am saying aren't just my opinions, they are facts that I have observed.

Take it for what it is worth. Argue with what I say if you want, but I don't see how you can argue with what I have observed from these guys. It's just how it is.

This is Jason Millsap here.

First and formost, I would like to thank Carl for posting this for me, and all of you for your time to read it and your consideration.

I have read through the replies here briefly and wanted to answer one question real quick, as it is 1:30 at night, and I just got in from a four hour road trip after a double header.

As Carl stated, I have always worked amateur games in the time before reporting to spring training. Before getting into the game, I was an amateur umpire for five years, and was already working at the college level before attending umpire school.

As a union, we have discussed in depth, us working amateur games. We have decided, and mandated that we will only work games as a last minute fill in to help out assignors. We will not attempt to pick up games to fill out our schedule while we are on strike, should the need to strike arise. I repeat, we will not take your games.

Our theory on this is simple. If we are going to ask you for your support in not taking our games, we can not, and will not take yours. Plain and simple. If you know of a MiLB umpire who takes games, please contact me personally, and I will look into the situation, and help you out as much as possible.

As a note, I will let you know how I handled this situation personally. I recevied my schedule through March 15th like I have for the last four years. Any dates after that point, I will only accept games that need me to work them due to last minute schedule changes, or cancellations. I will not take games that could be filled by other amateur umpires. I assure you that, and for those that know me, I stand by my word.

After spending the early parts of my career initially learning how to umpire, and the game at the amateur level, I have made many friends at the amatuer level. Many of these I would consider to be some of my best friends. I still have a deep connection, and concern for the game at the amateur level. I take every opportunity afforded to me to give back to amateur umpires, whether it be through watching guys work, speaking engagements, or clinics. I have been given the opportunity to learn many things that most guys don't, and the more of this I can pass on, the better off the game is due to better umpiring.

I will read through the rest of these posts later tomorrow after I have rested and have more time. Until then, if you need to, please feel free to contact me with any questions, or concerns.

I thank you for your time, and your support. I assure you, we will not be taking any of your games at the amateur level due to our inopportunity to work, should it happen. We have been preparing for this possibility both as a union, and individually. We will not hurt your schedule, and hope to resolve our issues and continue on with our careers.

This can only be achieved through your support.

Thanks

Jason Millsap
seeitcallit "at" earthlink.net

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.

1. In 1999 THERE WAS NO AMLU. MiLB umpires were not represented by AMLU until 200/2001.

2. MLB & MiLB had a contract to supply AAA umpires for fill-in duties. The was NO STRIKE - the MLB umpires resigned, leaving the AAA umpires no choice - work or be terminated by MiLB.

3. Others have posted about the WBC. MLB umpires (WUA) could not reach an agreement with MLB. AMLU did reach an agreement witn MLB to staff the small number of games (This has been in the works for quite some time).

Your point number 2 doesn't address the issue of the MiLB guys knew what the WUA was doing with the resignation strategy, and they decided to CYA instead of unite with their bretheren, that helped them so much and did all sorts of stuff for them, and all the things the MiLB guys do for Am. Umpires. Just an observation!

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]

This is where it gets tricky, ehhhhhh?

So because they had strife within their ranks it made it ok to come in and help break what they were attempting to do, Ohhhhhh now I see!

I hope every member of the AMLU is on the same page, as well as the guys that are finishing up at Coco. I mean if PBUC tells them they have to work or they will be released, just like they told the AAA guys in '99, then it is ok for those guys to work, right?

As for your question to me, it is a dangerous one. I don't pretend to know what MLB guys are thinking, but if you are telling me that it is ok for you to work the games for cheaper than the MLB guys will do it, then is it ok for Am. guys to work games for cheaper than you will do it? I know, I know, you have the MLB guys blessing, that is right. So why don't we have yours? Big brother shares with little brother, but little brother won't share with baby brother! I see now.

MrB:

I feel that you are trying to turn this into an argument, and I am not willing to do that. If I can not get you to understand or agree with us, so be it. I know that there are many others out there who feel like you.

As far as the new guys go, I understand totally if they are told to work, and will hold nothing against them. They attended umpire school, and went through the process. They are not a part of the union until they are hired by PBUC, and then membership in the union is optional, as we were formed in a "Right to Work" state. They would have to make a decision, that in there position seems easy. They either work for PBUC, or side with us, and never get a job, regardless of what happens with the union. They must take the job, as this is the whole reason that they have done what they have since the first of the year. They are not members of the Union.

As far as the WBC, I guess you will not understand the situation, so I will try to explain it one more time. The WUA attempted to negotiate with the WBC, at which time they decided that they did not want to work. The walked away from negotiations with no ill feelings. For us and MiLB, we have not walked away from negotiations, and there are definitely ill feelings. We are still bargaining for improved labor conditions, and a four year contract. By you crossing, you would undermine out attempts to continue negotiating. By us working the WBC, we are undermining nothing that the WUA attempted, they tried, did not like the offer, and then passed it on to us.

The reason that you do not have our blessing is we are still bargaining, and any help to MiLB from others, would possibly hurt that. There is a theory that fill-ins could help our situation. It is a different game. It is no longer a hobby at this level, but a business. A business in which you are dealing with many personalities, and a lot of money. Read between the lines here (egos). Most of the people involved on their side are worried about themselves. The team theory falls away when you have the movement that there is in MiLB between levels. Minor mistakes in an amateur game turn into huge ones at this level. Amplified by the number of cameras and eyes at the game. If you think the two levels are even close, you are dead wrong. This is not you average JUCO, or D1 game. There is a huge difference in the pitching, speed of the game, and approach to playing it. Some of these become extremely evident once you step on the field. Yes, short season could be handled relatively easy, it's when you move up the ladder that it gets tougher quick.

Sorry, I am starting to ramble. I hope you understand a little more. If you have any other questions, please continue, as I am sure you will.

Thanks for your time.

I hope that makes it easier for you to understand the WBC situation.

By the way, in '99, the MiLB guys did not break what they MLB guys were attempting to do. They broke it, and at that point there was no way to recover, just to hope that guys could get their job back. A resignation is a resignation. I know that if we strike, we are subject to replacement, and have weighed that risk. I truly hope that it does not come to that, and we can work something out.

I wish you guys the best of luck, but if it doesn't work out, just understand that to many it is just a game and it will be played with or without any single one of us. No hard feelings from me to who ever works them.

MrB,

Thanks. I understand your perspective. You are right, to many, it is just a game. To others it is a career, and a livelyhood. One that many sacrifices have been made for. All to see how unappreciated we are by our bosses, and the game. A game in which we are trusted to uphold the integrity of.

I understand you trying to protect your jobs and to make working conditions better, but please don't talk (your last sentence) as if you are doing something noble. You are an umpire, not the pillar holding the game up.

To me, a career is something you can do to make a living throughout your life. Once you get hired by MLB you have a career. Until then, it's something less, I'm afraid, and this is what MiLB is hanging its hat on.

You are right, I am not the pillar of the game, but at almost all minor league baseball games, the umpires are the only paid representatives of the league, and the game, present. What exactly does that entail? You decide. Baseball is a game, that governs itself for the most part, but at a point, it need direction. As an example, intentionally throwing at a batter after he has pimped a home run. The game is governing itself, but something must be done to keep it from getting out of hand. This is were we come in. No we are not pillars, and that was not my intent above. We are crucial to the game, and have been trained for it at the professional level. Pay us accordingly for our expertise and time.

As far as a career. This is a career, by definition:

a. A chosen pursuit; a profession or occupation.
b. The general course or progression of one's working life or one's professional achievements:

Would you say that a person in AAA with 13 years of experience, had not persued, and been involved in a career?

You need not do something for your entire life for it to be considered a career, as you have stated. You are correct though, that is what MiLB is probably hanging their hat on.

I tried to stay away... Two quotes for the price of one:

"Thanks. I understand your perspective. You are right, to many, it is just a game. To others it is a career, and a livelyhood. One that many sacrifices have been made for. All to see how unappreciated we are by our bosses, and the game. A game in which we are trusted to uphold the integrity of."

I agree with Rich. That is a pretty sanctimonious pose you are striking. The game is bigger than the player or umpire. The fact that you are asking others to not work those games in your stead is ironic. I thought that the game was so important. Don't the fans and players deserve the chance to see it played? Sure, I go to the park and watch the umpires, but not many others do. Kindly rephrase that positioning statement before it makes the press. You are there to do your job as arbiters, not to represent the league.

"Pay us according to our expertise and time."

They are paying you for your expertise and time! Your value to the MiLB is not as great as you assume. All of us believe that we should receive higher dividends for our investment. For the sake of argument though, why is your time more important than the guy who is struggling to make ends meet with his nine to five? He buys the best gear he can afford, attends the clinics and training to perform at his peak. He gets done working and sacrifices time with the kids and spouse, so he can earn a few extra dollars on the local ball field. He comes home tired as a dog and gets no benefit other than the check. His expertise may be equal to many in A or even AA ball. His time is lost to family and friends because of his passion and desire to keep his assignor happy. Shouldn't he be treated better? If he and a group of the best umpires in his area consciously decide to refuse to work more games, should they implore others not to scramble for those coveted contests?

Most everyone agrees that you should get paid more, but your arguments are becoming absurd. Conditions in the Minor League are better than many D1 facilities. I've changed in closets and at my car because they lacked respect for umpires locker room conditions. Did you pay for your equipment? If I bounce a guy at the beginning of the season, I don't worry about what his punishment was. If he acts up improperly, I'll do it again and again. The threats made on officials in the MiLB is no greater than what we are witnessing on the nightly news or VideoXposed of your choice.

Someone asked what sort of nominal increase is acceptable. If MiLB is offering $100 a month and (according to wire stories on ESPN, CBS and ABC) the union is asking for 25-35% increases it seems you may need to soften your resolve. If they have to lay off umpire field supervisors and staff, why would you think they can reach deeper for you? Again, I hope that they can toss $500 a month more to you but it may be unrealistic. Bargain for the next year and start proving your importance and worth. Otherwise, those GMs may start dialing the locals soon. That contract will look pretty inviting when you have to start bagging groceries to pay the mortgage. I've said it before - the dream ends when you turn your back. You'll never be satisfied even if you make the CWS every year. Take it from someone old enough to be your father and smart enough to know what happens when dreams are memories. Good luck with the little bit of time on the clock and I hope that you realize that some of us may speak hurtful words, but are really trying to get you to think. Umpires make few friends in the game. Listen to what those outside your comfort zone are telling you. Be careful giving it all up. Regret is a lifetime pursuit.

[Edited by WhatWuzThatBlue on Mar 2nd, 2006 at 07:09 PM]

<i> Originally posted by millhouse76 </i>

<b> This is Jason Millsap here </b>

Hi Jason I have some questions that I would like some clarification on:

1. Why isn't there simply one union for ALL professional Umpires instead of having separate ones? Reason being that the guys now fortunate enough to be in the BIG leagues were at the minor level once in their careers. Also, which in my opinion would be a major stubbling block. Would the Major League Umpires take a little less to filter some more money down to the minor leagues.

I do not know the exact pay scales, but in what I have read, there is a HUGE difference between being the head of say Triple A and a "rookie" in the BIG Leagues.

Should there be that much of a monetary change from Minor League baseball to the PROS?

2. At what level of Minor League baseball do you have 3 person crews.

The reason I ask is that I live in Hudson Valley New York and am only 15 minutes from Dutchess Stadium the home of the Hudson Valley Rennigades an A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The cost is relatively inexpensive and my son enjoys the games. There are only 2 umpires for those games.

Therefore, does it go something like this

A ball - 2 person crews
AA ball and Triple A - 3 person crews.

I am a HS umpire and each year our association asks us if we would like 3 person crews. The problem, the FEES are not any different meaning we would have to take the same FEE and split it 3 ways instead of 2. The only exception is during State and Regional Finals in which the schools will pay for 3 officials.

Therefore, any thought of simply going to 2 person crews for all of minor league baseball with the exception of the playoffs or ultimately is it a detriment because if you do make to the next level you are not prepared.

Thank you

Pete Booth

What was puzzling about that phrase? I can think of at least fifty guys in the Chicago area that have been to Pro school, work college baseball and any number of professional rules leagues. Most of those guys have been at it for fifteen or more years. Between them they have hundreds of hours of clinics and instruction. Are you telling me that a newbie out of pro school or even a guy with two years in, has more knowledge than one of these guys? Maybe I should borrow your wuote - Are you kidding me? An A level umpire works how many games in his 3-4 month season (be careful, I've been there and know)? Compare that to the journeyman who has a dozen years of college ball under his belt and your newbie is outclassed. Maybe his mechanics may look textbook, but his knowledge couldn't fit into the cup of one of those guys.

There are always exceptions, but I was using one specific example and you chose to generalize. I'm sorry, but you are way off on this one. There are plenty of guys out there that meet my criteria - they have put in the years instead of a few thousand at a winter camp. There are a few old timers here and any one of us could umpire rings around a newbie fresh out of pro school.

Maybe I need to rephrase. The A ball part I have LESS of an issue with, but AA? Not a chance. I don't care how long you've been doing it at what level, it doesn't compare, game managment and consistency-wise. The LEAST experienced guy in AA is in his fourth year in pro ball, so he's probably worked, including spring training, oh, a min. of 500 professional games. Who's kidding who?

AMLU/ MiLB Negotiations
 

Fellow Umpires,

After taking some time to see what has been written about this subject I feel that I MUST post something. My name is Brandon Leopoldus and I was a Minor League Umpire from 2000-2004. I am proud to say that I was part of the initial vote that ratified the Association of Minor League Umpires with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). I have read all the posts to this point, and I would loke to clarify some things in order. Before I begin, I want to thank Jason for his energy in attemping to answer the questions that have been posted on this forum, all of his answers have been honest, and to the point. Thank you for that buddy!

Flashback to 1999: MLB umpires decide to have a "mass resignation", this was not a STRIKE, it was a negotiation tactic based on the advise of the union lawyer that turned out to be bad advise. THIS WAS NOT A STRIKE, OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF WALKOUT. The result of which was the hiring by MLB of 20+ new full-time members from both the International League, and Pacific Coast League. The question was asked "why didn't the Minor League guys support the Big League union move?" Simple answer. In 1999, there was only talk about a new union for the MiLB umpires in the near future. Nothing had been established, and each umpire that was offered a contract by the AL and NL were to decide for themselves. Perhaps if the AMLU had been formed before this happened, then the result may have been different, but that is speculation.

Second, I know many of the umpires that "resigned" and many that are in the "new" group of 22. Today there is very little antimosity between these groups, outside of personality differences. As umpires, they respect each other and the MLB guys that were let go understand for the most part that the minor league umpires that recieved contracts could not pass up the opportunity to recieve a MLB contract without major strings attached.

Third, a post stated that MiLB guys should realize that it is a special opportunity they have to work rofessional baseball games. I 100% agree with that, and I would say that everyone, including Jason, and myself realize that this is a great opportunity. However, from my research, I have been unable to find a career in the United States with an industry this large that has not recieved a pay increase in 12 years. I believe the minimum wage has increased 5 times in that period, yet MiLB has put pay freezes into place. We all realize that we are very fortunate to work the level that we have, but at the same time we need to be able to support ourselves and families. I was released the day after the 2004 World Series, and currently while still working in baseball in a small capacity, am scraping by more than 16 months later. I had $752.00 in my bank account the day I was released, and I have less today. Not a pitty story, I would not change my career choice, but I want to explain the circumstances. I routinely worked THREE different jobs during the off season, and my BEST year I cleared $20,000 before taxes. Good luck raising a family on $20k.

Ladies and Gentelmen, I realize that many of you think the expereince level in the Minor Leagues is the same as experienced collegiate umpires, and I whole heartedly disagree. At the professional level the communication style is different that in college, and high school. A successful MLB/MiLB must master the proper ways to communicate, and why a manager/player is communicating in a certain way. Arguements in professional baseball are not just about calls they hapen for several reasons.

Another difference in professional baseball is player development. It is detrimental to teams player development staffs to have different umpires on the field. Each team has reports on each umpire, their tendancies, and charts. Umpiring at that level requires consistancy that p.d. staffs can evaluate players performence. If collegiate umpires begin to work higher level Minor League games, the p.d. staffs have to restart this process rather than update information that they have on umpires like Jason.
That is not beneficial for anyone, including the AMLU.

I have been teaching clinics in Colorado for the past seven seasons and most of which, I have set up, administered, and taught for little or no cost. This is something that AMLU members do to help pass knowledge along, not out of ego, but to help out. I recently taught (with several other AMLU memmbers) the Colorado H.S. Baseball Umpire Master Clinic, and it cost the members nothing! We all have friends that are not in professional baseball, and consider them all to be important, and good umpires. We continue to pass on information and help associations to help the people who have helped us.

At this time these same people are asking for your help in supporting their cause. These are stand up people who are sacrificing families, money, and time to go after something they deeply care about. They are not doing this because they feel bigger than anyone, they are doing this for their families, and to make the job less stressful on those families, and themselves.

I ask you as a fellow umpire, whatever you may think or have heard about me, to think about why the AMLU is taking this action. I know that as a former member who has been speaking with other former AMLU memebers, the people who are going to work are 99% not former professional umpires, because we know what the fight is about. I have friends on the MiLB side, and many more on the AMLU side. I just ask that you think about the sides before you accept an assignment.

If you have any questions, I have been throught the full spectrum of the Minor Leagues and had all the experiences from signing th contract, starting a union, fighting for the union, and ultimately being released; please feel free to contact me. Thank you, and may you always be safe!!

Brandon Leopoldus
2000-2004 AMLU/ MiLB umpire
[email protected]
(719)310-4928

I'm going to bed, but wanted to say to Leo, well done! You are articulate and prepared. I think that you made valid points about some issues and clarified others.

However, your 'large industry' is roughly 250 members. That doesn't seem to qualify as a giant in any stretch of the imagination. Some grocery stores have that many employees and I'd bet you a dollar to a donut, that some of those people make less than you. In fact, let's look at a really large industry that trains individuals while helping them climb the 'corporate ladder'. The United States Military offers on the job training and the opportunity for advancement. Those courageous souls who enlist are aware that they will not get rich. The pay is nominal and raises are negligible. In fact, many enlistees train for a career and leave when their time is up to venture to greener pastures. They leave because they realize that a career in the military is not for the feint of heart nor Donald Trump aspirants.

The fact that you aren't getting paid more is sad, but no different than many of us. The important difference is that we don't ask others to stay away from our games when we walk away. The moral of the story is if you leave your beautiful girlfriend at a bar, she may not be there when you come back. How long have you been dating? Do you think she'll take you back after you left her?

A cup of joe and kick in the pants are in order. AMLU -wake up before it is too late. Take the small increase and sign for a year. Work out the bugs in the next one and keep your jobs. The simple truth is that some of us would rather see you out there. All I'm saying is, if you leave you are done. That would be a tragedy.
Good night and may we all be in a better mood in the morning. Johnny, my boy, I need a nightcap!

Hear, hear.

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

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

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.

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.

Pathed????????

These are last years numbers for minor league umpires.

The regular-season salary ranges for each classification are as follows:

Class AAA $2,500-3,400 per month
Class AA $2,200-2,400 per month
Class A-Full Season $1,900-2,200 per month
Class A-Short Season & Rookie Leagues $1,800-2,000 per month

Salaries may vary from the above ranges due to service time or other special considerations. Umpires receive a promotion premium in the form of increase pay when promoted to Class AA, and another promotion premium when promoted to Class AAA.

Some of the more important features of the program include:

--Pay raises for Minor League umpires (the starting monthly salary for a rookie umpire is currently $1,800 (compare this with the $175 per month before the establishment of UDP). All Minor League umpire salaries and expenses are paid by the NA league which employs the umpire.
--Group medical, dental, and life insurance is provided free of charge for all umpires in all full-season leagues.
--Hotel lodging is provided free through the league offices for each umpire while on assignment within the league.
--Local courtesy transportation (generally a complimentary rental car) is provided through the league offices for Class AAA umpire crews in each city.
--Uniforms are provided to each umpire [years ago, umpires were on their own in obtaining uniforms].
--Three-umpire crew system used in AAA and AA leagues [until the late 1970's, both the IL and PCL used the two-umpire system].
--A fair and impartial evaluation process for each Minor League umpire, including two written evaluations each year.
--Thorough evaluation and training of each Minor League umpire by means of a criss-cross schedule by the evaluation staff.
--Use of video and audio tape in the training and evaluation of Minor League umpires.
--Numerous educational and training materials published by PBUC, including the NAPBL Umpire Manual and the Manual for the 2-Umpire System.
--A comprehensive annual rules test administered to all NA umpires each winter.
--Annual Spring Training Meetings for NA umpires assigned to Spring Training.

The PBUC operates out of the National Association offices in St. Petersburg, Florida.

I have a problem with the myopic comments made by folks here about replacement umpires. Calling names? Really? Are you adults, or not?

I have not seen anyone has answer this: Why is it ok for a striking worker to take another job(that someone else wants) but it is a horrible crime against humanity for someone to do the job that he refuses to do?

Joe In Michigan