What is a LL Umpire

[aceholleran]

Originally Posted by Dave Hensley

The schools are turning out better and better tournament umpires, as confirmed by what most observers would agree is a gradual improvement in the quality of the umpires working the TV games in each of the last several years. But that's where it ends - the LL TV umpires are the window dressing of a program that still, at the local level, is dominated by guys with backward caps and shinguards on the outside of their jeans.

It's sad that such a great opportunity has been largely squandered.

I know a guy who's doing a regional this year who is borderline competent.

Dave's sooo right about the "backward cap and jeans."

I know a handful of LL umps (who also work HS, Legion and above). None of them are willing to go through the system to get a bigger job in LL.

The "volunteer" system eventually convinces good up-and-coming umps to take their trade elsewhere.

I know a way to fix this, but it would involve paying umpire evaluators, something LL will never do.

Ace

[ctblu40]

When I first started umpiring, I started in Little League. My first time carrying the stick, my first time hearing, "C'mon ump!" from the bleachers, my first time beating myself up over a blown call, and my first ejection (which was particularly sweet because I was 16 years old and ran the manager a.k.a. my father ), all happened in Little League.

That being said, when I began my obsession with umpiring and put the time and effort into moving up the ladder, Little League slowly faded into my rearview mirror. I still "volunteer" every spring in my local league. I used to attend the district "umpire" meetings/training sessions. I've even held rules and mechanics clinics for the local league with minimal participation from the group of guys who work the most local games.
Come district tournament time, I always contacted the district UIC and informed him of my willingness to work these games (for free). The only restriction I placed on my availability was that he contact me with dates 2 weeks in advance so that I could schedule my HS and NCAA games around LL because I didn't want to turn back these games, pay a fine and pi$$ off my assignors. In 4 years , I was contacted exactly 1 time to work a game in the district tournament. The call came around 3:00 for a 5:00 game. I already had a game scheduled that night, and graciously declined. His response was, "You said you were available, and now all of a sudden you're not?" It was obvious that he was calling me as a last ditch effort to have the game covered.

I no longer contact Little League and beg to help out. If they call me and I'm available, I'll do almost anything to lend them a hand. But, unfortunately, they're not interested, so why should I keep knocking on their door?

[aceholleran]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

In 4 years , I was contacted exactly 1 time to work a game in the district tournament. The call came around 3:00 for a 5:00 game. I already had a game scheduled that night, and graciously declined. His response was, "You said you were available, and now all of a sudden you're not?" It was obvious that he was calling me as a last ditch effort to have the game covered.

I take it that you're from Connecticut. I probably know the LL assignor. Basically, I'm guessing he knows you have "up the ladder" experience ... ergo, he is afraid. He'll keep putting his same old guys in the same old slots.

Please contact me directly, and we'll do a District 2 game together ... with plenty of notice.

Ace

[cmckenna]

Originally Posted by aceholleran

I take it that you're from Connecticut. I probably know the LL assignor. Basically, I'm guessing he knows you have "up the ladder" experience ... ergo, he is afraid. He'll keep putting his same old guys in the same old slots.

Please contact me directly, and we'll do a District 2 game together ... with plenty of notice.

Ace

You can both come up to District 6 if you would like. I worked several games with the same guys (all quality HS and above umps - one even spent several seasons doing single and double A ball) because we did not have enough coverage. Even did a sectional with the same guys...