A Primer For Going Pro

[Jerry]

Actually, Ria is the top ranked umpire in AA ball; currently assigned to the Southern League. In addition to umpiring the Futures Game in Pittsburgh last year, she was a Spring Training umpire for MLB this past Spring.

She is also the only female currently working in the Minors; which is the very reason why she would be a prime candidate to replace Froemming. There's also an expected 6-8 umpires that would be retiring within the next 5-10 years.

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Ria in the Majors within the next several years.

Jerry

[Tim C]

While I seldom agree with Mr. Kaufman the people that I speak with at minor league levels have told me the exact same review of Rita.

I was also told that it was her base work that held back significantly.

This has been a very difficult year for A and AA umpires. Several have all ready "self-released" themselves after reviews.

It is the nature of the profession.

Regards,

[justanotherblue]

During my time in school, it was truly inspiring watching some of the kids work. They truly stood out, mostly second year attendees, they were fun to watch. I make my mistakes, and know it immediatly, the "Man in the Mirror" holds true for me every day.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by Tim C

While I seldom agree with Mr. Kaufman the people that I speak with at minor league levels have told me the exact same review of Rita.

I was also told that it was her base work that held back significantly.

This has been a very difficult year for A and AA umpires. Several have all ready "self-released" themselves after reviews.

It is the nature of the profession.

Regards,

My information is that this is the first year of mid-season ratings and rankings. As Tee said, in part, this has been the cause of several MiLB umpires self releasing. Why? If one has been in, let's say, AA for four or five years and finds himself ranked in the bottom half at mid-season, he may find it easier to leave now and begin the process of getting on with life rather than finish out the year and being released over the winter.

For those keeping score, I believe Jason Klein was the top rated AA umpire at the end of last season. He moved up to AAA this season.

[fitump56]

[quote=GarthB] As Tee said, in part, this has been the cause of several MiLB umpires self releasing. Why? If one has been in, let's say, AA for four or five years and finds himself ranked in the bottom half at mid-season, he may find it easier to leave now and begin the process of getting on with life rather than finish out the year and being released over the winter.

[quote]

Or not being released. Either way, youthful exuberance wears off when you know you have hit the ceilng. The majority will and the ones who forego college or post graduate might find themselves late in life to choose an educational path.

Which is the point of my OP. Let them know the slim chances, the very, very slim chances of MLB.

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by GarthB

My information is that this is the first year of mid-season ratings and rankings. As Tee said, in part, this has been the cause of several MiLB umpires self releasing. Why? If one has been in, let's say, AA for four or five years and finds himself ranked in the bottom half at mid-season, he may find it easier to leave now and begin the process of getting on with life rather than finish out the year and being released over the winter.

For those keeping score, I believe Jason Klein was the top rated AA umpire at the end of last season. He moved up to AAA this season.

Garth,

Your right on the $$$. My partner was #1 and was promoted to AAA (International League).

[fitump56]

Originally Posted by Jerry

Actually, Ria is the top ranked umpire in AA ball; currently assigned to the Southern League. In addition to umpiring the Futures Game in Pittsburgh last year, she was a Spring Training umpire for MLB this past Spring.

She is also the only female currently working in the Minors; which is the very reason why she would be a prime candidate to replace Froemming. There's also an expected 6-8 umpires that would be retiring within the next 5-10 years.

It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Ria in the Majors within the next several years.

Jerry

I hope she makes it but it doesn't change the stark realities.