So, Tim C

[dpierr]

Originally Posted by lorenzeugene

And my quick search of PDX lead me to the pdxbeavers who speak highly of you.

*The home plate umpire had a wildly inconsistent zone that had both teams voicing their displeasure. Sledge and Hirsch were both the victims of particularly bad strike calls. Brooks Conrad protested for an extended period after being called out on strikes in the seventh. The disagreement carried over to the ninth when he took a called strike and complained some more. After going down swinging, Conrad threw both his bat and helmet in disgust.

The bad news for both teams: assuming usual rotation, the anonymous umpire will be back behind the dish for Tuesday’s finale.

Zinter drew a walk on four pitches to lead off the inning, moved to second on a Conrad single and scored on a Cody Ransom single to center. Jason Hill, Cassel and Craig Colbet all argued that Zinter had been outside the baseline between third and home.

There was a minor confrontation between Round Rock shortstop Cody Ransom and Beavers catcher Luke Carlin in the top of the eighth inning. No punches were thrown, but everyone was rearing and ready to go if there had been.

*The Beavers two run fifth inning wasn’t without controversy. After Bobby Hill and Jason Hill led off the frame with back-to-back singles, pitcher Seth Etherton was called upon to lay down a sacrifice bunt, but was called for touching the ball in fair territory on an appeal to the first base umpire. The home plate umpire didn’t clearly rule on the play, but Albuquerque catcher Paul Hoover protested immediately. Skipper Dean Treanor took over the argument with the plate arbitrator who asked the first base umpire for help. After a brief discussion, Etherton was called out. Craig Colbert immediately took up the issue, getting an explanation from all three umpires before he was done. Meanwhile, Etherton waited at the right handed batter’s box, believing the ball was foul.

According to your "pdxbeavers" home town, you're doing a great job.
From your favorite supporter nearest the BOS, and your favorite fan in New England, good luck with your business decisions.

I'm very sorry to interupt your confrontations, but don't you think, everybody thinks that this problems could appear even if the regular Umpires was on place. It's something that could happen to anyone, good or bad Umpire, so give them a chanche to do what they only dream of.

[pdxblue]

I did NOT post from a "look at me" position. I posted simply to clarify to Tim, who seemed to think he knows why I crossed the picket line, exactly why I did.

Also, if you go back and read very carefully, you will find NOWHERE that I made ANY claims about my umpiring skills. I simply stated that I wanted to see if I was "good enough", and might have made it in pro ball had I pursued that path. That is ALL I said. No claims about my quality. Only that I saw this as an opportunity to see where I am at in the realm of things.

Some of you guys can't seem to get a handle on that, and think that I am the type that has to go around "bragging" or what not. Indeed, I took some liberty and appeared to "brag" after the vicious, and unwarrented attacks by a few. What is funny is that NONE of you, except Tim C know me, and have absolutely no clue what you are talking about when you start discussing my attitude!

I can tell you this. The pdxbeavers crap is simply that, crap. Some of the situation described are totally inaccurate to what really happened out there. Anybody using a fans blog as a accurate meter as to how the crew did is just plain ignorant and silly!

What is amazing is not ONCE has anybody asked me what I have thought about the quality of the officiating of the games I have done. Everybody assumes that I somehow think everything has been perfect and nobody needs to improve. Let me tell you something, I did not get to the level or umpiring where I would be considered for being a "replacement" ump at the Triple A level because I am unrealistic about the job I do, or the job my partners do! I know my strengths and weaknesses! I have sat through many post game reviews from ex pro umpires and have had the obvious to the most subtle things they felt I am doing wrong pointed out to me.

I am glad I am doing what I am doing. It has been a tremendous challenge, and will only make me a MUCH better umpire. For your information, I feel I have done an adequate job out there!

[pdxblue]

And to touch on the original subject again, which was WHY "I" crossed the picket line.

If it was a "business decision" on my part, it was a VERY poor one! On afternoon games, I pretty much can't work that day, and I make about 1/3 to 1/4 doing the game as I would working my regular job! Business is about money, and in essense, Tim C is saying I crossed the picket line for money.

That is not true.

[Tim C]

Following your request I went back and read EACH post in this thread.

I read (trying to surpress my ego) what you really said and tried to decide what you really meant. That is what you have done with my column (it is not an "article" -- "Strikes & Outs" is arguably the oldest column of any type on the internet) and my thoughts.

Strikes & Outs is an opinion piece. Since I sign my real name and have my picture (out dated since I am soooo much thinner now) attached it is obvious that everything I write are my feelings about issues. I do not use your specific example as a starting or ending point . . . my audience is much larger than a local Portland Umpire.

I guess my issue is two fold:

1) I guess my poor writing skills have confused what a "business" decision is and how it affects any umpire. PDX, it is my opinion, that working a game to "test" one's ability and grade oneself is a "business" decision. The "business" is the process that you are following to evaluate your abilities as rated against other umpires and other levels of baseball.

That is a "business" decision.

It isn't always about the amount of money involved. Since you know me you recognize that I feel your pain in giving up part of my work day to umpire even high school baseball -- it costs me money to umpire a high school game also.

2) My second concern about your posts is that you continue to take shots at me that are personal and not important to others on this board. I am fine with you bringing the basic issue to this thread since my column is public your concerns should also be public. My concern lies in that fact that you don't have the professionalism to even send me a private e-mail from my reftown address or even send one through my officiating.com e-mail.

Tonight you have an excellent opportunity to talk with me face-to-face. Better yet you can talk with me Saturday morning at the mandatory 3 man clinic.

I tried previously to step away from this thread and I'll try that again now . . .

Regards,

[NIump50]

Originally Posted by Tim C

"Strikes & Outs" is arguably the oldest column of any type on the internet)

Say hi to AL for me.

[LilLeaguer]

Originally Posted by Tim C

"Strikes & Outs" is arguably the oldest column of any type on the internet

Are any columns in the series older than this one? Does anybody know when it was written?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by PWL

Now you know why I don't subscribe to the paid site. It's high school journalism at it's best.

That wasn't from the paid site.

You may now resume jumping to conclusions.

[SAump]

"On your best D1 teams, Arizona State or USC, there are maybe a couple to a few kids that will ever make it to AA."

The only ones I see drafted and making it to the show are all pitchers. Seems the college stars are known for striking OUT as much as hitting HRs. The position players got a BUM rap after Bob Horner fizzled back in the 80's. Great college players usually lose the FREE RIDE, never find the WOOD POP, and miss the NEW MAMAS. The PROS don't want to pick it back UP from the bottom, either.

Seems the good kids were drafted for their baseball talent or athletic skills right out of high school. College interferes with the REAL GAME and learning all about GRAVITY (sinkers, sliders, cutters, and 12-6 curves). The high school kids definitely have an advantage going to school early.

[BigUmp56]

Another in a long list of petty insults by PWL. I doubt you could even comprehend the majority of what Tim writes about. After all, it is about umpring baseball........



Tim.

[David B]

Originally Posted by pdxblue

And to touch on the original subject again, which was WHY "I" crossed the picket line.

If it was a "business decision" on my part, it was a VERY poor one! On afternoon games, I pretty much can't work that day, and I make about 1/3 to 1/4 doing the game as I would working my regular job! Business is about money, and in essense, Tim C is saying I crossed the picket line for money.

That is not true.

Tim might call it business, I call it ego and every good umpire has one.

However, I did find it quite interesting that you wanted to work these games to see if you are qualified?

That should not be a question for an umpire who is qualified - you would KNOW if you were able to work these games.

As you find working up the ladder, there's not a lot of difference, its all about pleasing the higher ups and dealing with the coaches and players.

As far as calling the games, I find its a lot easier to call higher levels than to call say HS or small college.

Thanks
David

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by David B

As far as calling the games, I find its a lot easier to call higher levels than to call say HS or small college.

Yes, this is exactly the point. It is much easier to work higher levels of baseball. It's easier to work HS than to work Pony League or Little League. The higher the level, the better the pitching, catching, and defense.

I would love the legitimate opportunity to set up behind a Mike Piazza, for instance, rather than the catchers I get that just let the ball hit me every other pitch. I wouldn't even blink, much less flinch as I have seen some pros do. I have umpired many of today's major league star pitchers, so I know I can handle big league pitching no problem. And except for the occasional bang-bang play, the calls on the bases nearly call themselves at the top level. What a joy it would be to not have a nut-cutter on every other play!

ATI62 echos my viewpoint on the subject. It is not rocket science, and the schools in Florida are not the only way to become an excellent umpire. Some umpires have 1 year of experience 20 times, but some of us have 20 or more solid years of good experience, and are not the Smitties that guys like Jiggy seem to think we are.

[NIump50]

Originally Posted by PWL

Well here's your big chance to put up or shut up. Go find a minor league team that is looking for the best "scab" umpire avaliable and sign up for duty. I don't want hear any of your whiny excuses either. Talk the talk, walk the walk. Or are you just another Internet Charlie?

Perhaps instead of walking and talking so much you should hone up your reading comprehension skills.
As I read SDS post he said he'd like to be behind the plate with Mike Piazza.
When Mike gets sent down maybe your whining may have some validity.

[lawump]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

The point was that the higher the level, the easier it is to umpire. That is an axiom which is true.

Steve,

I agree with that statement...mostly. Calling balls and strikes and outs and safes, I have found becomes easier the higher the level. No argument from me...I've said that on various threads on various boards numersous times.

However, IMHO it is NOT easier to umpire the non-routine situations the higher the level. I find quite the opposite to be true.

I've never had to shut down a beanball war on anything but the pro level.

I've never had coaches/managers come out to argue on a call I clearly got correct because he just wanted to get tossed to fire up his team on anything but the pro level. (Where I could tell that was clearly what the coach was trying to do.)

I've never had dirt kicked on me or home plate on anything but the pro level.

I've never had a fight occur in a game on the amateur level.

And while I have had "heated" arguments with head coaches on the amateur level, I have not had one approach the level of "heat" in the majority of my pro arguments. Simply put...I've been called things on the pro field that no amateur coach that I've worked with has come close to saying.

Now, I know these happen on the amateur level...but I think, at least from my experience, that the number and severity of these non-routine situations is far less than in pro ball.

I have found that most managers in pro ball viewed me as the "enemy" or a "necessary evil", and that no amount of hard work or correct calls could change that.

I have found that hard work over the past few seasons on the amateur level has actually gained the respect of coaches and I'm not viewed as the "enemy"...which reduces the number and severity of non-routine situations.

I'm not making a comment about the strike or replacements or anything of that nature. God knows I've posted my views on other threads.

I'm just suggesting, based on MY experience (MiLB, NCAA (I & II), HS, Legion, AAU), that non-routine situations are much more difficult to handle the higher the level.

Others may disagree...and that's fine.

[SanDiegoSteve]

lawump,

Out here in San Diego, the intensity level at the Varsity HS level is very high. This area is heavily laden in talent, and there are scouts at most of the big games. The coaches here will kick the occasional dirt on the shoes, will try to get tossed to fire up their team, and we have had quite a few historical beanballs and bench clearing brawls, including one in the 1989 CIF Finals. It was started by the plate umpire not calling (or ejecting for) malicious contact when a runner did a Pete Rose number on the catcher. The next inning or so, the other team returned the favor by knocking the crap out of the catcher, and a bench clearing brawl resulted in I believe 6 or 7 ejections.

My point is that I personally have been nose to nose with some very good, highly experience coaches, and have yet to lose an argument. I realize that I am never going to advance to the pro ball level, but I think I could handle any manager, even Bobby Cox.

It is too late for me to ever work these higher levels, but I would love to go back in time if I could and give it a shot. In the meantime, I have my regrets to hold on to. I don't want to re-hash that trip down Memory Lane.

[JIGGY]

Originally Posted by pdxblue

I did NOT post from a "look at me" position. I posted simply to clarify to Tim, who seemed to think he knows why I crossed the picket line, exactly why I did.

Also, if you go back and read very carefully, you will find NOWHERE that I made ANY claims about my umpiring skills. I simply stated that I wanted to see if I was "good enough", and might have made it in pro ball had I pursued that path. That is ALL I said. No claims about my quality. Only that I saw this as an opportunity to see where I am at in the realm of things.

Some of you guys can't seem to get a handle on that, and think that I am the type that has to go around "bragging" or what not. Indeed, I took some liberty and appeared to "brag" after the vicious, and unwarrented attacks by a few. What is funny is that NONE of you, except Tim C know me, and have absolutely no clue what you are talking about when you start discussing my attitude!

I can tell you this. The pdxbeavers crap is simply that, crap. Some of the situation described are totally inaccurate to what really happened out there. Anybody using a fans blog as a accurate meter as to how the crew did is just plain ignorant and silly!

What is amazing is not ONCE has anybody asked me what I have thought about the quality of the officiating of the games I have done. Everybody assumes that I somehow think everything has been perfect and nobody needs to improve. Let me tell you something, I did not get to the level or umpiring where I would be considered for being a "replacement" ump at the Triple A level because I am unrealistic about the job I do, or the job my partners do! I know my strengths and weaknesses! I have sat through many post game reviews from ex pro umpires and have had the obvious to the most subtle things they felt I am doing wrong pointed out to me.

I am glad I am doing what I am doing. It has been a tremendous challenge, and will only make me a MUCH better umpire. For your information, I feel I have done an adequate job out there!

You speak as if there were some qualifications for scabs who were to work this season. I watched a little league umpire with no high school or college experience work a AAA game just the other day, no one could even think to say he was somehow qualified to work at that level. You act as though it says something positive about your ability to umpire to have gotten a phone call to scab. MiLB themselves has pretty much admitted that they just looked for warm bodies in blue shirts. If anything, getting such a phone call is really proof positive that you are not good enough to work that level of ball. How many phone calls did you receive last season to come work in the minor leagues? To say you wanted to see if you are "good enough" is a joke. You aren't doing the real job, and even with that aren't doing well. If you want to find out if you are good enough, sack up and go to Florida in January. Spend the money, the time away from home, the bad hotel room, bad food, aching muscles, etc. to see where you come out. Bottom line, you know you don't have it in you. If you did, you would have already taken your shot. But you didn't, and now you are trying to justify being a person with no integrity and poor character. You are willing to hurt a fellow man in blue, one that did have the guts to put it all on the line to pursue the dream, just so you can ease the pain of being a coward who never stepped up to take his shot at making it. If you have chosen to scab, fine, but you should do so quietly and in shame. Bragging about having accomplished something by working as a scab just highlights what a coward and a fool you really are.