"real umpires"

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by fwump

However, if you have not, for whatever reason, worked higher level baseball at at least HS varsity level or above, then you will never gain the right to proclaim yourself a "real" umpire.

Unless OJ was quoted saying something recently, this may qualify for some sort of prize.

[Tim C]

Actually he is on the "right" road here.

No matter what you think:

No "real" umpire has worked small diamond ball only.

In my opinion, which I do not have to defend to anyone, small diamond umpires are not "real" umpires. They are nothing more than inexpensive baby sitters.

In fact, we are getting more close to the definition of "real baseball umpires" than ever before . . .

I don't expect you to agree . . . in fact I expect an agressive answer . . . that does not make you correct.

Regards,

[SanDiegoSteve]

Your opinion, which you do not have to defend to anyone, really bites.

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Your opinion, which you do not have to defend to anyone, really bites.

Yeah but guys like you do "real" baseball and drop to the small diamond for a little "fun". You don't live on the small diamond!

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Yeah but guys like you do "real" baseball and drop to the small diamond for a little "fun". You don't live on the small diamond!

Actually, come tournament time I look at getting in some small diamond games as a break from some of the attitudes we deal with when we're working the bigger players. I get a kick out of hearing players say "we've got real umpires today."


Tim.

[fwump]

I believe this is an apt analogy: You wish to learn to fly an airplane. First you read some manuals and perhaps some books or articles about flying. You make a trip to the airport where you find a good instructor to mentor you through the process. After perhaps 70-80 hours of dual time you finally solo the airplane. Finally when your instructor decides that you are ready he calls out the check airman who gives you your check ride. If you don’t blow it he signs your ticket. Hey I’m a “real” pilot now! Hardly. All you have is a license to learn. Now you get in that airplane as often as you can until you master the skills you need to be a real pilot. You accomplish this by practice, practice, and more practice, along with continued training. Those who go out every other weekend and putter around in their single engine 2 seater only if the weather is sky clear are just "smitty" in an airplane.

Mike

[bob jenkins]

Someone, Evans perhaps, lists the four stages of umpires:

1) You suck, but don't know it.

2) You suck, and you know it.

3) You don't suck, but you don't know it.

4) You don't suck, and you know it.

"Real Umpires" are those trying to moving through stages 2 - 4 (and those stages exist at all levels -- someone could be in stage 4 for HS ball, but stage 2 for college ball).

"LL Umpires" are those stuck in stage 1 (or 2 if they know it but don't care).

While "LL Umpires" can exist at all levels, IMO, there are a higher percentage in youth ball than at other levels -- youth ball seems to allow those at stage 1 and 2 to stick around more than HS or higher ball.

[Justme]

Originally Posted by fwump

After perhaps 70-80 hours of dual time you finally solo the airplane.
Mike

If it took you that long to solo, you should look for a different hobby