MLBU - what kind of program would you run

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by tiger49

First off I would do away with the umpire schools and the PBUC as we now know them. I would select umpires from various programs ie: NCAA, USA Baseball, Baseball Canada, and other High Calibre programs. I would then work with one of the two schools to develop a set training school solely for these umpires. From there I would send them out to work with the low level Minor Leagues in groups of two, working in a three man crew with a local umpire who will be look at to see if he can also be brought along.

I believe the school system and PBUC are strengths, not weaknesses. Currently anyone can attend proschool and put himself in position to make it to the pros. Doing away with that and moving to the system you propose inserts politics and more hoops into the process. We don't need NCAA or Baseball Canada involved in saying who may or may not be qualified to be trained as a professional umpire. It is far better to let those who aspire to that level select themselves as candidates.

Perhaps this is a cultural difference between our societies, but we value individual initiative over group control.

Asfar as pay scale goes I would pay these umpires a normal full-time job rate of about $40,000/year.

All of the umpires would be paid the same? The rookies up to AAA? Regardless of performance?

Another cultural difference, I guess. I don't think a socialist model would work in a capitalist environment.

... but rotate through the leagues and switch partners four times during the season.

This would benefit the umpires or their craft how?