[QUOTE=canadaump6][QUOTE=bob jenkins]Huh?

You see the photo captions. Kids were 8 years old. Judging by that area of Chicago, the equipment everyone was using, and the condition the field was in, I'd say this man should be remembered as a mentor and positive role model for kids. Same thing as if he were there coach for 40 years, or if he mowed the lawn for 40 years, etc. etc. etc.

So, I applaud him for what he has helped contribute to those kids lives.

I started playing the game back in the early 60's, and for the life of me I can't remember what the umpires wore...but ask me which ones were nice guys and which ones were jerks, THAT I can remember (however faintly). :D

JJ

I salute the guy, I really do, but as a guy who creases his caps and shines his belt and starches creases in his slacks, I had a hard time looking at him. Christ, I would have equipped him myself if I had known about him.

My thought too. Equipping him that is. For the area he was umping in, that would have made him a "pro" to those kids. Guys from my LL are in the Navy and get sent to other areas. They aren't the greatest umpires, but because they show up in uniform AND have basic mechanics, they are already considered superior to what the people are used to.

Rita

I'm sure there are plenty of other inner city programs that would love to take you up on your offer. I suspect you find it easier to criticize than contribute time or money.

You "suspect"? You sound like you have a lot of prejudice in your suspect thinking. I give way more to this game and to young players than you can imagine.

And I have done plenty of sponsoring of young people that needed help playing this game. You need to consider keeping your own petty insults and shallow judgements to yourself, rather than be so rude and accusatory to people who are undeserving of such insult.

No, I think the insult was rather well placed. You come on here and besmirch the reputation of Mr. Jones because of how he's dressed while propping yourself up as a paragon of what an umpire should look like. It's very likely that you and Mr. Jones are from entirely different economic backgrounds. Regardless, he did what he did for love of the game and the children in his community.

I believe your comments were rude and insulting to Mr. Jones. I simply pointed out that there are many others who are similar straights as Mr. Jones and offered a way for you to put your money where your mouth is.

And I simply pointed out that you are prejudiced and judgmental, which you are.

I SALUTED him. Do you comprehend standard English? I truly have respect and compassion and appreciation for the guy and commented that I would have decked him out if the circumstances were conducive to it. And I meant it and I've done it before, despite what prejudiced, judgemental guys like you think and say.

I merely quipped that after going through all of the paces we go through it's a tough sight to see someone geared like that. Where do you get off?

Do you know what Walt? You need to go out and help more underprivileged people play this game before you pop off at others with your shallow judgements.

My, oh my. Seems I hit a nerve. What charities I support is not really the issue here. You made the "if I had known" comment. I know, sucks to be called out by your own words. Try your local Little League and see if they need anything. Or the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, etc. You'll feel better when you make the call.

In the photo in which he is leaning against the backstop he is not making a call. He appears to giving some sort of aid or instruction to the catcher.