Disappointed in AMLU

[BenedictArnold]

You can disagree with me and argue your points, but do not try to use my words against me WWTB. I cast no ill will, you are the only member that insists that he is always right. You try to say that these AMLU guys knew what they were getting into. No they didn't. This is the first negotiations to take place for this union. In this country, even the minimum wage is raised for our low class workers each year. You can never admit that someone has made a good point. You only say that they are getting what they deserved because they went on strike. As a member of an umpire union, you do not quit the union when the going gets tough. You stand beside each other and take the good with the bad. In the professional game, your reputation is more important than anything. Unlike the amateur field, it is not every man for themself. Sure there is competition, often very thick competition. But as you know, you live as a crew and you die as a crew. Respect and perception.

You cannot admit that a gallon of milk or gasoline was a lot cheaper in 2000 than 2006. You are an absolute joke. You should work as a replacement. You should do this because what you are doing is less noble. You sit at your computer and you feed off of those people that get upset with the AMLU. As Sal pointed out, he was upset and needed to vent. Then you sweep in like a predator to try and convince him that he should become a replacement. Where is the honor in that? Sal puts his name on his posts and I respect his opinion. I did not call him names and I tried to explain a different way to look at things. You remain negative and frankly, I don't care. In the end, Sal knows that I am trying to educate both professional umpires and amateur umpires through my own personal experience. I left baseball on my own terms. I am not bitter with baseball nor am I bitter with the AMLU. I want what is best for them and everyone else. You do not. You want to see them crumble so that you can sit and laugh and say "I told you so." In the end that may be the case and the union may fail. But the only guarantee is that you will be saying "I told you so" on this message board and you will never show your face. I remember the old days in the minor leagues. I even remember when you started off. Look at where you are now and ask yourself how you got there. It is not out of experience, it is out of hatred.

I have wasted too much time already on you. I refuse to stoop to your level. I will not take the bait and I will not engage in a discussion where you are always right and everyone else is always wrong (unless of course you are a replacement looking for some reassurance). To every replacement that reads this board, is this the kind of person you want defending what you are doing? I already know that answer.

WWTB, you do not need to respond to me. I already know your answers as well. I am not writing this to you, I am writing this so everyone else on this board can see what a one sided mind you are. Even though I know more than I am willing to share on this board, I nonetheless can also sleep at night. My reputation is very important to me and my dignity will never be compromised. You truly do not have a clue what you are talking about.

BA

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

I must have missed a memo that put you in charge. I never said I was always right; it just so happens that I am correct very often. I make mistakes and I have been known to offer contrition. However, with most of this affair I have been dead on. Some of those that argued with me in October have come to understand that I know far more about what was happening than others suggested. I was lucky enough to have been asked to work at that level. Yes, I consider it fortunate to have worked for the miniscule pay check that accompanied the job. My opinions are borne of experience. I am certainly entitled to answer any point brought forth on this board. If you want to disagree with it, hone up your communication skills and debate it logically. Umpires should be used to heated arguments and others wanting to be correct.

You are incorrect to assume that I am twisting your words, but yes, I am using them against you. You have stated that the umpires did not know what they were getting into when they agreed to accept their assignments. That is rubbish...everyone at pro school knows the story and hears about the rotten life the contract brings. But to put it in terms you might understand, if a teacher takes a job at a school for $22,000 a year, he/she has little room to complain about the hours, conditions and salary that accompany an entry level position. He/she is valuable to the process and probably deserves more money, but he/she signed on the dotted line. If the local union decides to go on strike to seek raises, he/she can partake or move along. If the school board comes back and offers a pittance, he/she may feel abused but that is the system. She signed on for the job and that was the pay that was offered. She may not have been aware that salaries have not been increasing or that the system would treat her so poorly, but the Lord gave her free will. She can accept the conditions and do the job or she can try something else.

No one is holding a gun to the MiLB umpire's heads. They may dream of treading the parks of the Show, but the price to pay is steep. Musicians, artists and many tradesmen dream of glory but work for peanuts while paying their dues. Our country is in the midst of social upheaval over an immigration bill. These people come to our land and take menial jobs for peanuts. They accept their lot in life and work hard for something better. Why is it so hard for some to comprehend that there are no guarantees in life? I understand that the AMLU guys are only seeking a better living wage, but the boss has consistently said "No". They threats have fallen on deaf ears and they have been replaced easier than they ever dreamed would happen. While some grumbling is going on about consistency within the replacement ranks, the same is happening in the Majors. Was Bob Davidson an example of AAA consistency that some keep harping about?

I may not be correct on every issue, but I am certainly going to speak my mind when I have been intimately involved with the issue. For quite some time I have been the Devil's advocate regarding this matter. I was vilified for saying that the MiLB guys could be replaced. Others took umbrage at my insistence that the union would crack before MiLB/PBUC did. Still others ranted that I knew little about the offers on the table and that the strike would be over - "soon, very soon". So far, I have a pretty good record regarding this ordeal. You may not like what you read, but the passion is not misplaced. All along I wished that the strike would not happen, that the boys would wise up and not abandon their dreams. I did not accept assignments and chose to highlight the shameful actions of the Birmingham brass. My mind was made up when the March offer was refuted. My feelings have been justified by the Scab photos and articles. In a perfect world the members would rise up and form a new coalition. They would accept their plight and a small salary increase. These men would work hard to prove their merit and mend some fences. In the end, we would all be able to have a beer and realize our lot in life...thankless, humorless umpires.

I got my butt handed to me in the market yesterday, so you'll excuse my anger and condescension. We are all in this together, but only some of us are behaving. My words are just that...words. I have crossed no picket lines or posted incriminating photos. WHile you may not agree with my thoughts, my message has been steadfast and fairly honorable. I take issue with the brass and those who denegrate the good name of amateur umpiring. It wasn't long ago that those men were in the same boat as some of the replacements. I wonder if they would have been able to temper their passions and not accept assignments prior to their making it.

[Sal Giaco]

Originally Posted by BenedictArnold

Sal puts his name on his posts and I respect his opinion... In the end, Sal knows that I am trying to educate both professional umpires and amateur umpires through my own personal experience.

BA

BA,
I respect your opinions as well and appreciate the experiences you share with us. You have a very unique perspective (having both professional and amatuer points of view) and I think we can all benefit from your knowledge.

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

Good Lord, if he stops suddenly, you'd break your nose.

I could have sworn you recently said that moi should use his real name if he expected credibility from you. I'd happily put my resume up against anyone on this board, but this has never been about me. For four years I have repeatedly expressed my opinion based on my experience. I am not trying to sell a book, solicit assignments or look for kudos. Correcting disinformation or assisting a newbie were my goals. Long ago, I even tossed a few words of praise your way.

You and I feel passionately about the MiLB situation. Only one of us has maintained his position throughout. I have never thought that the AMLU gang was in it for anything other than themselves. I cautioned others about accepting assignments but also said that I understood why some would take them. I lauded those that crossed the line as knowing their places in the game. Further, when it came to the AMLU statements of exclusion, I told this board not to believe that they wouldn't swoop down and grab their games when the heat was put to their feet. You however, feel a pang of regret for falling for their lies. You didn't come to my side when I pointed out the hypocrisy of a news article regarding a couple AMLU guys working High School ball while on strike. I don't recall you chiming in when I spoke with contempt for the publishing of amateur's names and photos about 'Scabs'. The one who was true to his heart isn't hiding behind a nom de net, despite your misrepresentation. I know that my opinions may not be universally accepted - I am an umpire after all. However, your recent accusations and revelations lead me to believe that you had blinders on. Most skippers only ask for consistency from the crew - I expect that I just showed you why mine hasn't been questioned in a long time. Can you honestly say the same? However, I will retract all of this if Benedict Arnold's parents actually gave him that unique birth name. I mean, we can only give creedence to those using his legal name, right?

[JRutledge]

You need to blame the assignors, not the umpires that accept those positions. There is nothing that says anyone cannot accept an assignment they are offered. If that was the case then every "scab" would not accept those assignments either. If an assignor does not want to hire an umpire that hardly works games during the regular season at a certain level, then they should not hire them at all. Also if someone worked all regular season and they were highly recommended, they deserve those assignments regardless of who they are.

Peace

[NIump50]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

You need to blame the assignors, not the umpires that accept those positions. There is nothing that says anyone cannot accept an assignment they are offered. If that was the case then every "scab" would not accept those assignments either. If an assignor does not want to hire an umpire that hardly works games during the regular season at a certain level, then they should not hire them at all. Also if someone worked all regular season and they were highly recommended, they deserve those assignments regardless of who they are.

Peace

J
I think you've said the same thing 5 different times, but you continue to miss the point.
1. AMLU said and I paraphrase We won't work amateur games
2. But wait, they are working amateur games and taking the plums to boot.
3. They lied
4. No need to blame anyone but the union and it's members.

If the union cannot control it's membership then they should not speak for the membership.
If the members won't listen to the union then why should the amatuer?

To use your logic, no blame or ill will should be given to the replacement, blame the assignor, MiLB
Is that how you feel?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by NIump50

1. AMLU said and I paraphrase We won't work amateur games

So. If you were dump enough to think that was going to happen, shame on you for not using common sense.

Originally Posted by NIump50

2. But wait, they are working amateur games and taking the plums to boot.

Taken from whom? If you were good enough to boot, then you would not have anything taken from you. BTW, I am sure many amateur umpires were not working games, they were scabbing.

Originally Posted by NIump50

3. They lied

Lied to whom? They did not lie to me. I never heard a single Minor League umpire make that promise to me. The only place I have heard that claim was here. Also if that claim was made, I would not be dumb enough to expect them to hold to that if the strike went on for a long time. Many did not think it was going to go on this long. So I am sorry you believe everything that someone tells you.

Originally Posted by NIump50

4. No need to blame anyone but the union and it's members.

I believe in taking responsibility for what I do. I do not blame other people because I could not cut it or what I did not accomplish. What you need to do is look right in the mirror and wonder why you were passed over. I was not passed over. And if I was I think union members are not the ones I would be looking at.

Originally Posted by NIump50

If the union cannot control it's membership then they should not speak for the membership.
If the members won't listen to the union then why should the amatuer?

If you ever think the leadership of any organization can totally control the membership, then you must not be aware of how organizations are run.

Originally Posted by NIump50

To use your logic, no blame or ill will should be given to the replacement, blame the assignor, MiLB
Is that how you feel?

You have the right to feel whatever you like. I just think you sound like a cry baby when you things do not go your way. If it was not the union, it would be something else. The union members did not give out assignments. I also feel that the assignors are not to blame. The assignors were doing their job. If some guys got screwed, will not be the first time and it definitely will not be the last.

Peace

[NIump50]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

So. If you were dump enough to think that was going to happen, shame on you for not using common sense.



Taken from whom? If you were good enough to boot, then you would not have anything taken from you. BTW, I am sure many amateur umpires were not working games, they were scabbing.



Lied to whom? They did not lie to me. I never heard a single Minor League umpire make that promise to me. The only place I have heard that claim was here. Also if that claim was made, I would not be dumb enough to expect them to hold to that if the strike went on for a long time. Many did not think it was going to go on this long. So I am sorry you believe everything that someone tells you.



I believe in taking responsibility for what I do. I do not blame other people because I could not cut it or what I did not accomplish. What you need to do is look right in the mirror and wonder why you were passed over. I was not passed over. And if I was I think union members are not the ones I would be looking at.



If you ever think the leadership of any organization can totally control the membership, then you must not be aware of how organizations are run.



You have the right to feel whatever you like. I just think you sound like a cry baby when you things do not go your way. If it was not the union, it would be something else. The union members did not give out assignments. I also feel that the assignors are not to blame. The assignors were doing their job. If some guys got screwed, will not be the first time and it definitely will not be the last.

Peace

J
I could care less what games any ump does. It's only an issue because AMLU said we won't do amateur. Whether or not I believed them is not the issue. Let's eleminate for the moment the responsibility the union member has to the union.
The union made a promise they either knew they couldn't keep,or had expectations from their members to honor the promise or just outright lied.
Which was it? And why did they say it to begin with?
Answer these two questions honestly and everything else falls into place.

You can hide your head in the sand all you want, it doesn't change the facts.
AMLU in an attempt to strengthen their position and dissuade amateurs from doing MiLB said in essence, you stay off our turf, we'll stay off yours.

I agree witha lot of what you say about who gets the work and who doesn't, but it's not the issue. I could care less where AMLU guys work.
But J don't tell me that it's ok for the individual AMLU member to break ranks and do amateur games but the replacement is a scab and worthy of being blackballed in the community.
Live on one side of the fence or the other.
It seems you have more misplaced loyalty to the union than it's actual members. Why is that?

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

NI, you are trying to teach a pig to sing...it ain't happenin'.

Let it go; you'll never be able to explain to people like him what it means to be professional. When the AMLU site posted a notice stipulating that they would not work any amateur contests while on strike, that was merely a suggestion to their members (right!). If Jeff didn't receive an email asking him not to accept MiLB assignments, that speaks volumes about what others thought of him. I received a half dozen from mostly ML guys. They implored me not to cross their line and support my brothers in blue. I did not accept assignments, even when contacted by GMs and a local assignor. If Jeff did not recieve these calls it was likelly because they had never heard of him. The talent in the area is scouted and the best umpires are noticed. I'm sure that the same goes in your neck of the woods.

This strike went longer than any of them anticipated. The bank accounts are getting low and they need to bring home some bacon. I really couldn't care if they want to work some rec games or summer ball. Taking playoff assignments from the guys who earned them is worse than 'scabbing'. The replacements are accepting assignments that would go unfilled by the guys who earned the right to be there. The AMLU strikers have not worked forty game Springs (in the rain, snow and broiling heat). Now they want the plums and are only too happy to accept them. So much for being professional.

By the way - Pete in AZ don't be ashamed to work those games. Just do a great job and let the chips fall. Did you see if your photo is on the AMLU site? I wouldn't be surprised if someone snapped away and found one of you talking with a base coach - they'll label it "Scab getting red-assed for not hustling or blowing another balk call".

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue

If Jeff didn't receive an email asking him not to accept MiLB assignments, that speaks volumes about what others thought of him. I received a half dozen from mostly ML guys. They implored me not to cross their line and support my brothers in blue. I did not accept assignments, even when contacted by GMs and a local assignor. If Jeff did not recieve these calls it was likelly because they had never heard of him. The talent in the area is scouted and the best umpires are noticed. I'm sure that the same goes in your neck of the woods.

Not only did I receive an email, I talked directly to the people that sent out the email. I had drinks with the very people that sent out personal emails about the situation. There are two Minor League Umpires that work Basketball and we have been talking about this issue long before it was ever talked about on this or any website. I also did not read in any email that said they would not work any games of any kind under any circumstances. I was one of many that were asked directly by one assignor, "What do you think about me giving games to Minor League umpires games at our level?" The response from me and others is "We do not care." When this assignor every day is trying to fill games in afternoon to cover a game around 4:00 because of changes, why would I care if he gave an assignment to a Minor League guy? I have worked games all season with Minor League guys from time to time. I would work college games that were rescheduled and my partner would be a Minor League guy. Not everyone is available the day before to work a noon start.

Woooowwwww, I did not get a call. Man, how is my life going to go on?

Peace

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by NIump50

I could care less what games any ump does. It's only an issue because AMLU said we won't do amateur. Whether or not I believed them is not the issue. Let's eleminate for the moment the responsibility the union member has to the union.

I "couldn't care less" what you think about the union or what they said and did not say.

Originally Posted by NIump50

The union made a promise they either knew they couldn't keep,or had expectations from their members to honor the promise or just outright lied.
Which was it? And why did they say it to begin with?

Who cares?

Originally Posted by NIump50

Answer these two questions honestly and everything else falls into place.


You can hide your head in the sand all you want, it doesn't change the facts.
AMLU in an attempt to strengthen their position and dissuade amateurs from doing MiLB said in essence, you stay off our turf, we'll stay off yours.

Once again, who cares? If you were good enough you would get the assignments. If the Minor League umpires are not working pro ball anymore, they will flood the "market" of amateur games and the same thing will happen. Whether it is HS, college or any summer league that comes around the assignors are going to assign the best people available. If they do not hire the best officials, then that is something they will have to live with. I also say this because every sport I work someone complains they did not get a post season assignment. Someone always complains they did not advance further. Someone always complains it was some underhanded reason they did not get a shot. This is the same story all the time just a bunch of different circumstances.

Originally Posted by NIump50

I agree witha lot of what you say about who gets the work and who doesn't, but it's not the issue. I could care less where AMLU guys work.
But J don't tell me that it's ok for the individual AMLU member to break ranks and do amateur games but the replacement is a scab and worthy of being blackballed in the community.

Who said anyone should be blackballed? It is clear you have never read any of my statements on this issue.

Originally Posted by NIump50

Live on one side of the fence or the other.
It seems you have more misplaced loyalty to the union than it's actual members. Why is that?

Loyalty? What the hell does loyalty have to do with this issue? What I think you have is misplaced stupidity when you believe a statement (which I have yet to see outside of hearsay BTW) that no umpire was going to work games at any level what so ever. Not only would that be stupid to believe so, it would not be realistic. So you are going to tell me a guy that normally uses the money they make umpiring to support their family or any living expense is going to not work any games because a bunch of guys do not want them to? You have got to be kidding? Now that is the funniest thing I have heard in a long time.

Peace

[NIump50]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I "couldn't care less" what you think about the union or what they said and did not say.



Who cares?




Once again, who cares? If you were good enough you would get the assignments. If the Minor League umpires are not working pro ball anymore, they will flood the "market" of amateur games and the same thing will happen. Whether it is HS, college or any summer league that comes around the assignors are going to assign the best people available. If they do not hire the best officials, then that is something they will have to live with. I also say this because every sport I work someone complains they did not get a post season assignment. Someone always complains they did not advance further. Someone always complains it was some underhanded reason they did not get a shot. This is the same story all the time just a bunch of different circumstances.



Who said anyone should be blackballed? It is clear you have never read any of my statements on this issue.



Loyalty? What the hell does loyalty have to do with this issue? What I think you have is misplaced stupidity when you believe a statement (which I have yet to see outside of hearsay BTW) that no umpire was going to work games at any level what so ever. Not only would that be stupid to believe so, it would not be realistic. So you are going to tell me a guy that normally uses the money they make umpiring to support their family or any living expense is going to not work any games because a bunch of guys do not want them to? You have got to be kidding? Now that is the funniest thing I have heard in a long time.

Peace

I'm beginning to agree with WWTB.
First j I have never said one word about me getting or not getting assignments because of AMLU member actions. In fact I specifically said it has not affected me. It is not a personal battle I'm fighting here. For me, it's merely a discussion on a relevant topic to umpiring.
My posts have spoken to the issues of the strike relative to replacements and the responsibilities of the membership of AMLU.

2 questions.
Are the AMLU umps that are working amateur games supporting or opposing the replacements?
If the answer is supporting I commend them.
If the answer is opposing, in your world deep beneath the sand, do you see any hypocrisy at all, even a little bit?