NCAA Div 1 Umpires

[BigUmp56]

All of the recent bickering and discussion about how competent the Div 1 umpires are in comparison to the MiLb umpires really convinced me to watch them closely this past week.

I had the occasion this last weekend to take my son to three Notre Dame -vs- Pittsburg games here in South Bend. Then yesterday and again this evening we saw a different crew. I have to say that during all of these games the quality of umpiring was superb. These guys busted their asses out there on every play, worked extremely well as a team, and were in complete control of any sticky situation that arose.

Now, we only have an MiLB single A team here in town so I can't say much for how the games are officiated at AA or AAA when compared. However, I go to upwards of 20 games a season here and always watch the umpires. I have to say that the NCAA crews I saw this week were more than qualified to work these single A games. In fact I would say they were even better than some of the MiLB umpires I've watched over the years here.

What I'm getting at is if this is indicative of how these games are going to be covered then I don't see how the AMLU can hang their hat on management wanting to get better umpires back. In my opinion there isn't the huge disparity that's been suggested on this forum. I'm hoping Sal Giaco will chime in here because I would imagine he works with some of the guys I'm referring to.


Tim.

[big]

Like I said in another post you don't get to be a D1 ump unless your the cream of the crop! I've been umping now consistently for several years and next year will be my 1st year @ the college level I found out today. I'll start NAIA & JuCo & see how I do after that.

[Sal Giaco]

I personally work with five of the six umpires that worked the Pitt/ND series and last night's crew (both used 3 man system). Two of the six were in the game before including one who was in AAA and has recently worked the college world series. Three out of the other four are very experienced D1 college umpires that work in the Big Ten, Big East and the Valley. They've probably forgotten more than I learned in this business.

With that said, there is one important fact that's being left out. THEY ALL HAVE REFUSED TO CROSS THE LINES TO WORK MiLB GAMES! Almost all D1 umpires in Michigan and Indiana, (where 5 out of those 6 umpires are from), have unamiously decided to not take games.

So yes, while there are NCAA D1 umpires qualified to work fill in games, especially at the A and AA levels, the problem is there are few that will actually take the games. We have taken a firm stand here in our area to support our fellow brethern and I encourage you to do the same. Just my/our opinion.

[JRutledge]

Sal,

I have a perfect explanation for why those umpires probably came to that conclusion. Many of those umpires know that if they make such a move it might negatively affect their career. No of us live in a bubble and are not affected by the decisions that are made and where we all choose to work. Also a lot of these guys know what the system they work in is better than what the MiLB guys are working under. I am sure there are many that have deep seated convictions on this situation, but self-preservation is a strong motivation.

Peace

[BigUmp56]

Perfect explanation for probably.......


Doesn't compute.


Tim.

[LMan]

Don't these umps get paid a lot more for NCAA D-1 games than they would make as a MiLB umpire?