The AMLU's Birmingham Folly

[Carl Childress]

Originally Posted by Justme

They are apprentices. They are in the minors learning their trade. To my understanding working in the minor leagues is not meant to be the end of a career path, it’s the beginning.

Once upon a time there were career minor league umpires. You could look it up.

That all changed with the first contract with the major league umpires. Now, MiLB has a three-year clause: If you don't move up after three years, bye-bye.

Reason: They can continue to pay a pittance for their AAA umpires. If the majors have evinced an interest in an umpire, he can remain longer; but he can NEVER make a career of professional baseball unless he's in the majors.

Think about it.