Salute This Man

[canadaump6]

[QUOTE=bob jenkins][QUOTE=canadaump6]This story has to be a joke.

What leads you to say that? The Chicago Tribune isn't exactly The Onion.

I don't mean to criticize or insult, but from looking at the pictures it is hard to believe this man could be taken seriously:

*No umpire's uniform
*Wearing shorts
*Chest protector and shin guards on the outside
*Leans against the backstop to make his calls

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

This story has to be a joke.

I don't mean to criticize or insult, but from looking at the pictures it is hard to believe this man could be taken seriously:

*No umpire's uniform
*Wearing shorts
*Chest protector and shin guards on the outside
*Leans against the backstop to make his calls

Probably never got paid a nickel for all his hard work either.

[bob jenkins]

[QUOTE=canadaump6][QUOTE=bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

This story has to be a joke.

I don't mean to criticize or insult, but from looking at the pictures it is hard to believe this man could be taken seriously:

*No umpire's uniform
*Wearing shorts
*Chest protector and shin guards on the outside
*Leans against the backstop to make his calls

The uniform is reasonably typical of many "youth league" umpires throughout the country -- especially in one of the poorest areas. (I didn't see any pictures of him leaning against the backstop to make calls, but maybe I misinterpreted the picture.)

Then again, the article wasn't about "how to umpire".

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

This story has to be a joke.

I don't mean to criticize or insult, but from looking at the pictures it is hard to believe this man could be taken seriously:

*No umpire's uniform
*Wearing shorts
*Chest protector and shin guards on the outside
*Leans against the backstop to make his calls

Well, he wasn't a paid umpire. He didn't belong to any "association." He did what he did out of love for the kids, which is a very noble thing. He umpired for a league that couldn't get umpires of your caliber. They were lucky that they had this guy to do their games all those years. I'm sure he wasn't out there trying to impress the umpire scouts or to put on a fashion show. He went without a jersey probably because it was much cooler. Lots of youth ball volunteers wear their shin guards outside their pants.

It appears to me that this guy gave these kids a chance to play ball, where they might not have had one if he weren't there to umpire their games all these years. He may not have been what your idea of what an umpire should be, but it looks like you are in a minority when it comes to how seriously he should be taken.

[canadaump6]

Fair enough. Taking the level of ball and budget into consideration, I too can tip my cap to this man for his contributions to the game.

[gordon30307]

[QUOTE=canadaump6][QUOTE=bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

This story has to be a joke.

I don't mean to criticize or insult, but from looking at the pictures it is hard to believe this man could be taken seriously:

*No umpire's uniform
*Wearing shorts
*Chest protector and shin guards on the outside
*Leans against the backstop to make his calls

Talk about not getting it. He obviously did it for the love of the game and to give something back to the community. Who cares "how he looked."

[ozzy6900]

[quote=gordon30307][quote=canadaump6]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Talk about not getting it. He obviously did it for the love of the game and to give something back to the community. Who cares "how he looked."

Don't blame Canada, we drummed "the correct look" into him over the last year. The gentleman may have done everything out of love, and for that he should be admired.

But you can't help looking at the pictures of him and thinking..... Smitty!

[TussAgee11]

[QUOTE=canadaump6][QUOTE=bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

This story has to be a joke.

I don't mean to criticize or insult, but from looking at the pictures it is hard to believe this man could be taken seriously:

*No umpire's uniform
*Wearing shorts
*Chest protector and shin guards on the outside
*Leans against the backstop to make his calls

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.

[JJ]

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).

JJ

[L.A. Umpire Guy]

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.

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by L.A. Umpire Guy

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

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by L.A. Umpire Guy

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.

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.

[L.A. Umpire Guy]

Originally Posted by waltjp

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.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by L.A. Umpire Guy

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.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

*Leans against the backstop to make his calls

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.