Rodney King Lives

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

I saw this gem and couldn't resist:

Originally Posted by AMLU Daydreamer

Thank You for Your Support

The Association of Minor League Umpires would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all of you that have shown support for our cause.

Our gratitude goes out to all of the umpires that have made the ultimate show of support by saying, "No" to working strike related games. As everyone who has ever umpired knows, we do not have an abundance of friends in the game of baseball. People who are mutually disliked are left with no choice but to unite, and support one another.

As we face confrontation once again we are forced to defend umpiring as a career. Professional and amateur umpires have never been more united. The show of support from ALL umpires at ALL levels is just one more enormous step in the right direction.

Our combined efforts have brought us one step closer and we will together strengthen the profession we all love so much. You all have a friend in the AMLU.

The second sentence in the next to last paragraph seems especially preposterous. But the rest of the spin was even more hysterical. I don't know about you, but the threats at the picket line, the 'scab' photo page, disparaging remarks by AMLU members to the press and promises of retaliation and blackballing are still fresh in many minds. I suppose those will just be dismissed as the politcs of negotiation. Sure they will...

I know of several organizations who have already told the pros that they aren't welcome to teach at their next umpire clinics. Apparently those amateur 'rabbit ears' must have picked up on the way the AMLU umpires painted amateur umpiring. Friends indeed...