Interesting Photo

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

This beauty comes from the person who said he gets his assignments simply because he is available! Even his assigner told him to shut up about that one. Thanks, Jeff - keep reaching for the stars; those goals will be in reach some day. ROTFLMAO

The funny part is you keep saying thing hoping they will one day become true. I guess fantasy is stranger than reality. The problem is that assignor you keep referring to still hires me and he is not the only person I work for. Oh well, life must great to worry about what I am doing.

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

I have purposely stayed away from the last three or four threads regarding replacement umpires. I noticed that the same guys still perpetuate the myth that the league will come crawling back because the replacements are horrendous. How many days have they been out now?

I do not recall that is what anyone said, but once again the fantasy is better than the reality.

Peace

[AMLU]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Wow, you worked a Minor League game and did not beat out thousands of umpires that went through the normal process to get there. You only worked the games because the "qualified" umpires have decided not to work. I guess we all have our goals.

Peace

Working MiLB ball has all to do with who you know not how good you are. In my case, I am both and that is why I get to travel around calling parks. I also would be remiss to say that I fly at my own expense (pilot with plane) which makes it an easy decision, considering my skill level, to hire me. Quality, quantity, inexpensive.

[AMLU]

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

I have purposely stayed away from the last three or four threads regarding replacement umpires. I noticed that the same guys still perpetuate the myth that the league will come crawling back because the replacements are horrendous. How many days have they been out now?

The deed is done. AMLU is screwed.

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue
This beauty comes from the person who said he gets his assignments simply because he is available! Even his assigner told him to shut up about that one. Thanks, Jeff - keep reaching for the stars; those goals will be in reach some day. ROTFLMAO

From J.Rutledge
The funny part is you keep saying thing hoping they will one day become true. I guess fantasy is stranger than reality. The problem is that assignor you keep referring to still hires me and he is not the only person I work for. Oh well, life must great to worry about what I am doing.

1) You wrote that you get your college assignments simply because you are available. FACT
2) You were told to shut up by your assigner. FACT

What exactly was not true about those statements? I never said that he was your only assignment director or that you don't get games from him. I'll let others judge whether that says more about him than you. You seem to be the one that twists the facts...again!

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue
I have purposely stayed away from the last three or four threads regarding replacement umpires. I noticed that the same guys still perpetuate the myth that the league will come crawling back because the replacements are horrendous. How many days have they been out now?

From J.Rutledge
I do not recall that is what anyone said, but once again the fantasy is better than the reality.

Once again you prove that you are new to the game. Others have read about this for four months now and know the players. You see my name and it's like Viagra. I don't know how to break this to you, but your kind doesn't appeal to me. Good luck with that fantasy thing...I wouldn't let any of your partners know about which way your gate swings though.


For those who are actually paying attention, I received an email from a former student of mine who is working as a replacement umpire. He said that it is much more difficult than he thought it would be and that he appreciates the effort that goes into the job. I think most of us recognized that this level of baseball requires commitment and desire. The guys that served it well have decided to abandon their dream for good. The shame of it is that they did deserve more and we all know it. But many employees feel that way and are in the same boat when they fail to report for work. I have watched the news and don't see the horror stories that the AMLU gang said would occur. A few bad calls made by guys that may not look like Marines...that sounds like any ball park in the world.

I couldn't believe that a few of you are mocking the uniforms these guys wear. They ACTUALLY PAY FOR THEM and may have never worked together before. We've had countless debates regarding acceptable shades of gray in slacks, logos on shirts, black/grey/blue ball bags, white on shoes, etc. The motley crews that are working these games are just that...working these games. They get no points for style, the league doesn't subsidize their equipment...hell, they get paid to get the calls right. So far, it looks like they are doing a pretty good job of it.

The photos placed on the web by nefarious union types are suspect at best. I imagine that I could take a camera to a ball park and get dozens of shots of their best crews looking like LL volunteers. I've been to Minor League fields when the umpires wore green hats for St. Patrick's Day and I've seen MLB boys in blue jeans (my generation calls them dungarees) and home team windbreakers. I suggest that while some of the photos are unflattering, we should consider the source of the pixel propaganda.

More games and no movement from the MiLB boys - seems like that last, best offer was just that. What a shame...

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

What exactly was not true about those statements? I never said that he was your only assignment director or that you don't get games from him. I'll let others judge whether that says more about him than you. You seem to be the one that twists the facts...again!

You would not know a fact if it hit your right in the face and called you by name. As usual you try to represent something as fact and you are out of the loop. I just do not have the energy to point out all the things you claimed to be true and were just the opposite.

Peace

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

You seem to be the one that twists the facts...

Since when did he ever let the facts get in his way?

You see my name and it's like Viagra.

LMAO!!!

I've seen MLB boys in blue jeans (my generation calls them dungarees)

Gee, WWTB, you're really, really old!

[Texas Aggie]

I just do not have the energy to point out all the things you claimed to be true and were just the opposite.

Translation: I can't disprove it, so I'll use ad hominem and hope everyone will think I'm smarter.

This comment is pretty bush league.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by AMLU

Working MiLB ball has all to do with who you know not how good you are. In my case, I am both and that is why I get to travel around calling parks. I also would be remiss to say that I fly at my own expense (pilot with plane) which makes it an easy decision, considering my skill level, to hire me. Quality, quantity, inexpensive.

AMLU:

I just read your profile. I guess undermining your fellow sports officials just so you can bypass having to go to school and being evaluated by professional umpires as to whether you really are quailfied to upmire at the minor league level doesn't mean a thing to you except being able to say that you umpired minor league baseball. You are a real class act.

MTD, Sr.

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I just do not have the energy to point out all the things you claimed to be true and were just the opposite.

Jeff, energy and ability are not synonyms. You've used the wrong word here. It's ok - we all knew what you meant.

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Yes, we sure did.

I love that line about not knowing the truth...he forgets that it was he who typed the infamous "I get my college games because I am available" line. Now, he denies it. (Funny, but yesterday he tried to argue that the assignor still gives him questions anyway!!!)

One of his assignors (imagine dealing with him exclusively!) replied on this very board that Jeff needed to put an end to his brain vomiting. He cautioned him to not play so fast and loose with the facts. Like someone already pointed out, that is the only way he knows how to play. For what it's worth Jeff, a 'fax' is not the same. (snicker, giggle, guffaw).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Has anyone encountered a legitimate news story concerning the performance of the replacement umpires? I've only seen a few and all deal with the issue and have kind words about the new arbiters. A couple of local beat reporters (read: hoping that they get out of those one stoplight towns) are doing decent jobs of trying to catch all angles. Keep searching and let us know how those 'misfits' are ruining the game.

[socalblue1]

"Has anyone encountered a legitimate news story concerning the performance of the replacement umpires? I've only seen a few and all deal with the issue and have kind words about the new arbiters. A couple of local beat reporters (read: hoping that they get out of those one stoplight towns) are doing decent jobs of trying to catch all angles. Keep searching and let us know how those 'misfits' are ruining the game."

Problem is that the reporters simply don't have a clue. Look at Joe Morgan - makes $$$ spouting rules on TV & is wrong most of the time.

The answer to your questions is: Depends

1. The few games AA & A handled by decent D-I crews have gone, for the most part OK. The NCAA strike zone is different (Lower for the most part), which has required an adjustment for the players.

2. Otherwise, whenever the replacements have had to WORK it's been cluster $%^@.

- Strike zones stink (Read between the lines of the player/manager comments)

- Gross inability to control the game. Since when do you let a pitching coach come out to argue a balk from the bullpen? Base coaches leaving position to argue ball/strike or safe/out? Permit a manager to argue for 15 minutes? fail to recognize a brewing bean ball war?

- No need to make generalized comments about individual quality, crew mechanics, etc. It's to be expected that crews thrown together that normally work 2 umpire in a slower paced environment are working 3 umpire crews at the pro level. D-1 umpires one would expect to get the mechanics right, as they work the 3 umpire system all the time.

In reality the overall quality is deteriorating, as the better umpires refuse or turn back games (The glammer of working MiLB has been replaced by the realization that working 40+ hours at a regular job, handling 5-7 D-1 or MiLB assignments plus travel week over week is NOT fun). On weekends all good D-1 guys are and have been booked for months, so it's been left to locals (Mostly HS or perhaps JUCCO) umpires.

Whatever happens in the end (IMO AMLU will win some concessions & be back to work at some point this year) it's going to be an interesting journey.

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

"Has anyone encountered a legitimate news story concerning the performance of the replacement umpires? I've only seen a few and all deal with the issue and have kind words about the new arbiters. A couple of local beat reporters (read: hoping that they get out of those one stoplight towns) are doing decent jobs of trying to catch all angles. Keep searching and let us know how those 'misfits' are ruining the game."

Problem is that the reporters simply don't have a clue. Look at Joe Morgan - makes $$$ spouting rules on TV & is wrong most of the time.

The answer to your questions is: Depends

Please don't tell me that you consider Joe Morgan to be a 'reporter'. You'll have your baseball privileges taken away.

1. The few games AA & A handled by decent D-I crews have gone, for the most part OK. The NCAA strike is different (Lower for the most part), which has required an adjustment for the players.

No it is not, I have been calling a D1 strike zone for more years than I can remember. The zone is the same and that half of a ball strike will be argued at every level. Many D1 players (at the better programs, not the last place contenders) are better than the A players out there.

2. Otherwise, whenever the replacements have had to WORK it's been cluster $%^@.

- Strike zones stink (Read between the lines of the player/manager comments)

C'mon - they ***** about this in the Show too. You'll have to do better than that. Strike zones are typically the most ridiculed part of any official's game.

- Gross inability to control the game. Since when do you let a pitching coach come out to argur a balk from the bullpen? Base coaches leaving position to argue ball/strike or safe/out? Permit a manager to argue for 15 minutes? fail to recognize a brewing bean ball war?

I don't see specifics here. I have read countless stories and fail to find mentions of the umpires looking as inept as you imply. By the way, umpires know what to look for when watching others work. This board is full of exmples of such criticism.

I think the world has seen enough bad calls by AMLU boys on the sports shows. I recall one making a Sports Incidents Special.

- No need to make generalized comments about individual quality, crew mechanics, etc. It's to be expected that crews thrown together that normally work 2 umpire in a slower paced environment are working 3 umpire crews at the pro level. D-1 umpires one would expect to get the mechanics right, as they work the 3 umpire system all the time.

Not all levels of MiLB feature 3 man systems. A student of mine has worked a couple of games with just one partner. They got the job done just fine.

In reality the overall quality is deteriorating, as the better umpires refuse or turn back games (The glammer of working MiLB has been replaced by the realization that working 40+ hours at a regular job, handling 5-7 D-1 or MiLB assignments plus travel week over week is NOT fun). On weekends all good D-1 guys are and have been booked for months, so it's been left to locals (Mostly HS or perhaps JUCCO) umpires.

That is the biggest generalization you've made. I know at least a dozen guys who take leave of their 9-5's during NCAA baseball season. Some travel as a crew and work the highest level games. They have no problem grabbing a night time MiLB contest for the extra cash. You see, in a three man system, one guy always has a day off the dish. Even with a double header that day, the final plate guy is fresh.

The quality of umpiring is not diminishing the game. Like I asked, where are the articles espousing all of the venom against the replacements? Even ESPN did a piece that showed the replacements looking great.

Whatever happens in the end (IMO AMLU will win some concessions & be back to work at some point this year) it's going to be an interesting journey.

Maybe you are right...I don't disagree that a little give and take may be in order. Many of us have said that they should have taken the little bit offered, signed for a year and hired a new negotiating team. Then they would be out there and showing us how talented they claim to be.

Check out my comment to Clint Lawson on the other thread started by a union sympathizer and member of his own local-Mark T. DeNucci). I said that PBUC has correctly asserted their right to replace the umpires who walked away from the game. The AMLU guys are being paid to learn a craft - seven years is hardly a career. I had injuries that lasted longer. There are no guarantees and if the union guys don't like it, they are free to purchase a ticket and hoot at the umpires all they want. Umpires have thick skin - well, most of us do.

[JRutledge]

Windbag has lied about my background, his resume, events that have taken place in the area. He said I would never work a playoff game and I did. Not only did I work a playoff game I worked a level in the playoffs that is practically unheard of with the current HS ranking I hold. He said I would never work a D1 game and I have and I am expected to work more in the future. He said I would not work for “the other” organization in my area and I did last summer. Not only was I recruited to work a game I was asked to work some games this year (I was not available) with a fellow AOA board member. He said that everyone in one of my current organization hated me, and when I had a chance to work several games with many of the top umpires at a "bonding" tournament, I got along with everyone. Then was told by many of the top guys they would work with me anytime after seeing me actually work a game. Windbag said the coach from Carmel went nuts on me during a double header about 4 years ago, when actually it was my partner that screwed up by completely missing a play at second base while I was the PU. I have had Carmel since and I am going to work them again this year. The only coach I have ever had a problem with just got fired and it was not from that school (FVB guys know who I am talking about).

Now the clown of all clowns says that and assignor told me to “shut up,” and as usual does not give context or tells what I was told to “shut up” about. I have been approached many times about this site, but they are never negative about me or what I have to say. As a matter of fact nothing has changed in my schedule, opportunities or just respect in any negative way. So if I said something that was so bad and was told to “shut up,” why have things gotten better? (Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm)

I just find a lot of humor in someone that talks about the truth, but makes claims that cannot at all resemble a person that lives in this area. You cannot go to pro school, work a D1 schedule and work Minor League ball and not a single person in the Chicagoland are not know who you are. Maybe that is why he combines about 5 different people's resumes to hide the fact that he really is not anything he says he is.

Then again, Windbag you are a truthful person. How could any of us think otherwise?

Peace

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

A member asked how he could get a college schedule. Enough people remember you writing that you get your college games simply because you are available. I called you on it and another guy said that must make your assignor proud. You responded that working college baseball in the Chicago area is nothing special and that most games are given to those who can work a two o' clock start. FVB9 posted a message that told you to stop the idiocy. There is that the context you were referring to?

As for who I am, it matters not whether you run in the same circles I do. A few people know who I am and have even posted on these very boards. Most have guessed incorrectly and it made for some hilarious political intrigue. You even went so far as to call me by my first name a few times. Now, I've given more than enough info over the years and you still are like a bull in a china store. I have proven time and again that the facts make a difference. You can surmise, propose and generalize all you want. In the end, most members know that if I say the ball should be ruled fair and you say foul - they go with fair. Also, you should check back over the past few years and note that I never said my D1 games are in Illinois. I don't have a nine to five job and can umpire whenever I choose. Just because you didn't win life's lottery doesn't mean others haven't.

Keep stretching the truth...enough of us remember the line about being a strong, black man too. You did write that, didn't you? I don't remember Farrakhan and Jackson preaching that lying makes you strong. Oh well...lah me.

[bobbybanaduck]

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

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Has anyone encountered a legitimate news story concerning the performance of the replacement umpires? I've only seen a few and all deal with the issue and have kind words about the new arbiters. A couple of local beat reporters (read: hoping that they get out of those one stoplight towns) are doing decent jobs of trying to catch all angles. Keep searching and let us know how those 'misfits' are ruining the game.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/...604190376/1002

Roasted umps: The Huntsville Stars pointed at two plays that could have changed the outcome of the Biscuits' 6-1 win Tuesday.

One was an apparent blown call by an umpire.

A foul call on an apparent home run by Huntsville's Greg Sain had the Stars and Biscuits talking about the replacement umpires.

The regular minor-league umpires are on strike. While they're out, teams are using local amateur-level umpires.

"We know they're not professional guys and we tell our guys to try to remember that," Huntsville manager Don Money said. "We just have to play the game like it is."

Minor League Baseball has ordered its teams to not identify the replacement umpires. The regular umpires didn't work spring training games and have been on strike since the start of the season.

"I never thought I would say this, but I can't wait until we get the (regular) umpires back," Biscuits left fielder Michael Coleman said. "We still have to play ball."

Coleman said he hit a ball at Jacksonville that hit the foul pole and was called foul. Money described the umpires that worked Huntsville's season-opening series at Mississippi as "rough."

The Stars even had a play at home last week where second baseman Callix Crabbe wanted to dispute a safe call on a force play. Crabbe instead motioned for Money to come argue.

"I went out and the umpire told me that (Crabbe's) right foot wasn't on the bag," Money said. "I said, 'Well, that's because we teach them to take that throw with their left foot on it.'"

On Tuesday, Money demonstratively argued the foul call on Sain's ball. Sain struck out on the next pitch.

"Definitely fair," said Sain, who homered in the first two games of the series.

"The minor-league umpires are in the minor leagues because they're not good enough to be in the big leagues yet, just like the players," Sain said. "(The replacements) are trying, but they're not at this level.

"The calls they are making are making things difficult for both the position players and pitchers."

Had it been a home run, Huntsville would have trailed only 4-3. The argument was the first noticeable spat involving the replacement umpires at Riverwalk Stadium.

"It was fair. He missed it," Money said. "He told me it went to the left of the pole. I said, 'You're wrong, you're flat out wrong, you missed it.'"