New Umpire School...O.U.T.S.

[Thatballzlow]

I've worked at Cocoa in the past...met a bunch of the PBUC guys...I know that PBUC has a deal with the Coastal Plain(s)? League this year to provide umpires...so probably won't be as many guys this year after their camp...

I attended umpire school and I liked the camp games...you can control the situation for the umpires...I agree, sometimes the games at Cocoa weren't the greatest...LOL...but actual, unscripted games would be a different idea...I'll give the school a ring tonight...let you know what I find out.

Call 'em strikes!

[Bob Bainter]

Hey, thatballzlow! Thanks for the question on this forum. I didn't even know this existed. Interesting website. Someone e-mailed me and told me that our school was on this site, so I thought I'd sign up and respond!

Mr. Umpire, I am with you on the camp games idea. I remember when I went to Harry's school we had all those set up plays where they'd whisper in your ear "Hey, balk during this at-bat"...Trust me, that was the only time I've ever pitched. I didn't hit any of my fellow students, so I guess we all made it through ok. The idea of umpiring the actual games was just to give this a little bit of a twist. You can read all the manuals you want and hear all the "war" stories but it can never substitute for the real thing. And, believe me, I know some of the games aren't exactly going to be Florida State/Miami, but it's still a great chance to give some real feedback to umpires who want a chance to learn.

As for Cocoa getting free umpiring, I figured somebody would make a crack about that eventually. Jeff Biddle and the people at the Expo have been very good to me over the past 15 years, and when we came up with this idea, they were the first (and only) place I considered. If there is no real incentive for them to do this, than what would the point of having it there be, looking at it from their standpoint. That's why I'm putting my name on this post, because I won't hide behind any fake screennames. I stand by my staff and my ideas, and there will be always be doubters.

I know there has been a lot of animosity between former professional umpires and college umpires. Some ex-pros, even guys I know personally, think they're better than college umpires because they worked "in the game"...and I can't blame the college umpires who have run across these people over the years. Mr. Umpire, I can promise you this, no matter what people may think of me personally, I admire any umpire, from T-Ball to MLB, because anyone who has the guts to put the mask on is a friend of mine.

I appreciate the chance to post, and if you want to join, feel free, if you don't, feel just as free. We will succeed and hopefully bridge the gap in attitude that has happened in the past few years.

Thanks for reading,

Bob Bainter
Oceanside Umpire Training School
Oceanside Umpire Training School - Home

[Thatballzlow]

Hey, I appreciate the info and the honesty. I just might sign up!

Ballzlow

[Umpmazza]

Sounds like a good camp..but what about for guys that live way far from FL?

[Bob Bainter]

Originally Posted by Umpmazza

Sounds like a good camp..but what about for guys that live way far from FL?

I know the economy is bad, and trying to get across country on top of tuition might be difficult, but if someone wants to come, I would definitely check out Orlando Intl on AirTran Airways. They are offering up until the 15th flights around $89 bucks one-way, and for anyone flying in, of course, we will come get them at the airport, it's less than an hour away. I have some guys driving down from the NY area, and I know that when I went to Wendlestedt's, some guys carpooled, to save money...If you want anymore info, just give me a ring or drop me an e-mail, I'm sure I can figure out something.

And another thing, with the economy as bad as it is, I'm not opposed to a discount

[Umpmazza]

Originally Posted by Bob Bainter

I know the economy is bad, and trying to get across country on top of tuition might be difficult, but if someone wants to come, I would definitely check out Orlando Intl on AirTran Airways. They are offering up until the 15th flights around $89 bucks one-way, and for anyone flying in, of course, we will come get them at the airport, it's less than an hour away. I have some guys driving down from the NY area, and I know that when I went to Wendlestedt's, some guys carpooled, to save money...If you want anymore info, just give me a ring or drop me an e-mail, I'm sure I can figure out something.

And another thing, with the economy as bad as it is, I'm not opposed to a discount

The economy wasn't the issue as Plan tickets we not that expensive...LOL I was wondering about possibilities out side of FL?

[Bob Bainter]

Originally Posted by Umpmazza

The economy wasn't the issue as Plan tickets we not that expensive...LOL I was wondering about possibilities out side of FL?

Oops...my mistake

There is a distinct possibility of taking this on the road to the west coast, but I am still in negotiation with a few places and have yet to reach an agreement...but hoping for a fall date...I will post on here when I have more info

[w_sohl]

w underscore sohl at hotmail dot com