What questions would YOU ask?

[Warren Willson]

I am about to interview two of my country's top level umpires, virtually on the eve of their involvement in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. I intend for the results of these interviews to be posted here at eUmpire. I would be VERY interested to know what questions each of you would like to ask a top level baseball official of the host country on the eve of the Olympics.



There is a catch: You have only 24 hours to respond with your question(s).



Carl: I hope this will spark some discussion for you. I too want to see this board take off apace.

Cheers, mate.

Warren


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Member and Co-Moderator, UT

[Stan W]

excellent idea warren.......My questions.....first and foremost...what credentials do you have?...starting with the most basic..(training, schools, years experience..ect) 2. Selection process...(how selected, (merit or nomination) 3.Is there any "olympic" rules or regs that are called or enforced 4. Have they recieved any prompting from OOC as to game management. 5. How will they handle the multi-lingual requirements for teams...intrepreters?..........good luck warren.......also would have a few questions for you when you are done interviewing...like your thoughts and preceptions.....for example I seem to feel that all the new MLB Umpires are 28 yrs old, white , 6'2" tall and 185 lbs.......kind of cookie cutter image....best wishes on your results....

[T Alan]

Warren:

"Do you use the mechanic 'No, he didn't go!'" JUST KIDDING big guy.

Actually I think it would be interesting to ask each umpire to place in order the THREE things in umpiring that they do well enough to be asked to work this advanced level of baseball.

We all would die to work these games - guys like your members and Gus Rodriguez have made it . . . what made them get to the top.

T Alan
Member of the Paul Reubens Fan Club

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Strikes & Outs

[Hugo Tafurstnow]

T Alan
Member of the Paul Reubens Fan Club

First I learn that Carl is a Democrat. Now I find out that you have a thing for PeeWee!
(Going to celebrate his birthday Sunday? Take in a movie?)

[Hugo Tafurstnow]

(snip)
There is a catch: You have only 24 hours to respond with your question(s).
(snip)

Uh, I think I'm too late. Been busy with work and kids.....and trying to catch up with and figure out all the new mail I'm getting!!!

Hugo Tafurst
(very) New Member, UT

[Warren Willson]

For those of you who weren't too late, and even for those who were , here are the twelve questions I have posed to our Olympic umpires. The questions you will get for free. The answers will be posted for members only at eUmpire.

To those who contributed questions I say thank you. I used each and every one!

Questions:

1. What is your personal umpiring background; i.e. what path did you take to reach this point in your career?

2. What are some of the other major highlights of your umpiring career?

3. What further ambitions do you have for your career after these Olympics?

4. Are there any specific tournament rules or regulations in force for Olympic competition?

5. Have you been given any "special" game management guidelines for handling Olympic fixtures?

6. What do you think will be the problems in handling such high standard multi-lingual fixtures?

7. What three(3) things, in order of their importance, do you feel you have done so well thoughout your career that you were invited to participate at this level?

8a. How do you think the umpiring avocation has changed since you started your career?

8b. What does it feel like to be so young and yet so far advanced along the career path?

9. What might you say in answer to the skeptic who could suggest that anyone who was not born and raised in the home of baseball could not truly understand or appreciate the game at its heart?

10. How well do you believe Australian umpires compare with those you have seen from other countries and why?

11. How has being a baseball official in international competition changed your personal view of the local game?

12. If you could change only one thing about the avocation, or your participation in it, what would that one thing be and why?

Cheers, and thanks

Warren Willson

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Member and Co-Moderator, UT