MiLB jobs

[johnnyg08]

Do all umpires who advance out of Ump School move to "A" ball, or have people started higher than "A" and can or have umpires skipped levels?

[johnnyg08]

Those of you who have been to umpire school in the last 5 years...what would you say is the average age? All of the pictures I see from the 2 schools...a lot of the umpires there look pretty young (23 or younger)...is that reality, or not necessarily...just curious

[DTQ_Blue]

I went to 2 Class A MiLB games near where I live last year. First pro game I'd attended since I started umpiring 3 years ago (in my 50's). I watched the umpires (2 man crew) more than the players, much to the bemusement of my 20 year old son. I had front row seats close enough to count the BU's chin hairs. Both umps looked like kids right out of HS or college. I got curious about the subject and read a little. Seems like the lifestyle and pay factors work to primarily attract young unattached guys who are much more amenable to the low pay and the lifestyle. Then it's either move up quickly or get out because the pay/lifestyle are not attractive as these guys get a little bit older.

It would be interesting to hear about the lifestyle from anyone who actually umpired MiLB. Do you have to take bus rides to the destinations, do you ever get to eat decent food, etc.

[johnnyg08]

I've read that MiLB isn't that great of a life financially and per diem wise until at least AAA...then of course "the show" is off the hook.

[lawump]

Originally Posted by DTQ_Blue

It would be interesting to hear about the lifestyle from anyone who actually umpired MiLB. Do you have to take bus rides to the destinations, do you ever get to eat decent food, etc.

(1) No. In the low minors, partners are paired such that one has (or can provide) a vehicle for the crew to travel around the league in, and the other does not have a vehicle.

(2) Only on the nights when Dennis Cregg (MiLB evaluator) takes you out to eat after your game. (He knows the best place in every town...and he pays)...otherwise, no.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by DTQ_Blue

do you ever get to eat decent food, etc.

The clubs are supposed to provide a meal on game day. Often it is a hot dog, chips and cold coke delivered to the umpire's dressing room in the fifth inning so that by the end of the game it is a cold dog, chips and hot coke.

My bride and I have provided meals for some crews and the local association has taken crews out to dinner after games.

We've discovered that in early season they like to be taken out, but as the season wears on they prefer the home cooking.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

Do all umpires who advance out of Ump School move to "A" ball, or have people started higher than "A" and can or have umpires skipped levels?

First year umpires are assigned to the rookie leagues and to the short season single A leagues.

[Ump18]

The typical progression is: Rookie League, Short Season A, Long Season A, Advanced A, Double A and Triple A.

Most of the umpires in my son's year group are between 20 and 25 Years old. There is an 18 year old that has received an assignment to the AZL this year.

1st and 2nd year guys are paid $1,900 to $2,000 per month plus a per diem and the driver for the crew is paid mileage.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by Ump18

Garth,

Congratulations to you and your son. My son graduated from Harry's last year and worked in the Gulf Coast League for about a month and was fortunate to move up to the NY Penn League for the last month and half. This year he got to work Spring Training in Tampa and is currently working in the South Atlantic League.

I know you are as proud as I am...it appears that you are well connected with what is happening in MiLB but if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Mark

Hey that's cool! The WV Power is in the SAL - maybe I'll see him out there sometime!

[johnSandlin]

We had a young man in my area attend Jim's school this year and was hired. He has to head out east in late May or early June.

[briancurtin]

this is great news, garth. congratulations to your son, and to you

[johnnyg08]

Tim, I couldn't agree more, I put the feelers out there with that posting...I wasn't implying anything. I haven't been to umpire school, nor have I ever claimed such. For the most part, in pro ball, the guys that get selected are good. period. at least in baseball, it doesn't appear to be as much of a good ol' boy network at the top as it appears to be in other sports NBA, NCAA basketball/football, and the NFL. I realize it's not that way for every guy...but I bet many of us know people who are/were good enough to make it and didn't for whatever reason...that's all I'm saying...as a former public educator in our nation's school system, I will never, ever chase a person away from chasing his/her dream.

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by Chris_Hickman

Hey Garth, Are u gettin' ur boy the Honigs bag or the Victorinox bag the PCL guys use? I have the Victorinox bag and it is very nice.

Chris,

Any clue where to get one these days? A close friend just made to AAA (IL) and can't fine one (His finally died).