MiLB Sprng Training

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Once again, everyone is not excited about working Minor League ball. Sorry, you can try to convince everyone it is but we all are not trying to chase that dream. If I work one Minor League game I am not going to feel like I accomplished something. I know many this is a hard core dream, but it is neither my dream nor the dream of many, many umpires. There are people that could have worked Minor League games in other situations and passed on them without a strike.

Jeff, I never generalized about this issue. I specifically mentioned that if you take the opportunity to work a few of these games, it is not a badge of dishonor, no matter how a few ill-informed souls spin it. Umpires support the game - the fact that these games will be played because of replacements may be sad to some, but not the fans, players and administrators. Replacement umpires have bills to pay too.

Also, I never said that working a Minor League game should be the zenith of your career in officiating. It is just another test and a chance to show your abilities. The Minor League players aren't on strike, so the game won't change. If you decide to focus on other levels or respect the AMLU walk out, I don't think less of you. I just asked the same courtesy be bestowed on those that may have to take those games. (I read the article, Wichita is a big town - lots of umpires available, but they still reach for the best college guys and they are accepting assignments faster than a few want to admit.)

You are really stuck on this All-Star game with was about 2 years ago. I can personally think of 10 games (in other sports) this year alone that I was more excited about doing in other sports than that All-Star game. I can think of 10 things before that game that were more exciting or anticipated. It was an All-Star game. It was not a "real game" with "real" intensity. For some reason you think this was a shining moment all because there were pictures that anyone could see online. If that was the case why have you not seen any of my other accomplishments on the internet? This year was on of the best I ever had and there are no posted pictures anywhere.

Goodness, Jeff - I am not hung up on it, I just used it to illustrate that each of us consider certain things an honor. At the time, you were very pleased and a few of us ribbed you. I never mentioned the photos either, I simply pointed out that you and your crew were excited to work a competitive game on a nice field, that's all. You need to relax and read what was really written.

One of these days you will realize that some of us are motivated by different things. I know umpires in our state (not sure this applies anymore ) that only get an umpiring license so they can work their local rec. league. Some people like to stay close to home and work games at a certain level. As I said before if you want to go and work those games go right ahead. I know I would not be happy with that "accomplishment" if I had to wait for the regular guys to go on strike to get there. I know I would not be comfortable to put any of that on a resume. If you want to undermine those that worked hard to get to that level, be my guest. I just know that I am too competitive to work those games. If I ever were to get to that point or ever decide to get to that point, I would not be satisfied with just working a game or two. I would want to work the playoffs and many important games. Working a game and you have no idea if you will be at that level is not my idea of an exciting thing.

Good points - ones that were previously mentioned, but valid. Many of those guys won't just work a game or two - they will be in it for the long haul. If they fire the umpires, as promised, those replacements will work the whole season and playoffs.

Another member said that it is not an achievment because you didn't earn it. Let's use the Wichita story as an example - that NCAA umpire certainly qualified as a worthy candidate. The leagues he works are just as competitive and the umpiring is outstanding. He was asked to work those games over many other umpires in his area. The fact that they thought enough of his talent IS an honor. Maybe he won't include it on his resume either, that is a decision that each guy has to make.

Let's take another look at it - I know plenty of excellent umpires that are too old or not wealthy enough to attend pro school. Maybe they now have families and can't afford the way that the career path is structured. They have put in many years honing their skills and work excellent college schedules. Now they are asked to take their game to another level and a few of you say, "Don't do it - those poor boys that signed contracts will suffer." Do you see how hypocritical that is? Sure those MiLB umpires may be nice and they deserve better, but they made a business decision and no promises were made - not for pay or advancement. Remember that, NO ASSURANCES WERE GIVEN. They may want more, but that is secondary to the issue. They agreed to work for a certain fee and develop themselves according to a set protocol. Now they want more and the boss says, "No." That happens thousands of times a day across America. And yes, someone will happily step into the roles they abandon.

Too many of you keep missing the bigger picture...the game is more important than 230 boys. If they concede and decide to work, the game will be better served - agreed. However, thousands of MiLB players make the same salaries at the lower levels and they can't afford to see their games cancelled. They need the chance to hit, throw, run and catch. They were not guaranteed a chance at the Show and their time and talent is extremely limited. Talk to a skipper some day and he'll tell you that it isn't fair what the Minor League umpires are doing. He wants them out there too and knows that they are better trained and deserve more, but so do his players. They deserve a chance to perform and be seen. If they decided to strike for better pay (Many haven't received raises either.) do you think the umpires would be saying, it's okay...it's a sign of loyalty and a stand for what they believe? N F W...they'd be scrambling for your jobs because they have bills to pay too. That is the argument after all, throwing stones at a few guys that may need the money - not the glory. What were those sayings about throwing stones?