WSH - CWS Estabrook reversed...

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Some of what you post is slightly different from what I hear from AA an AAA MiLB umpires. Part of this can be explained by the practice in which different PBUC evaluators, from whom MiLB umpires get much of their guidance and changes, cover different leagues/levels.

What level is your colleague currently working?

"A" ball if my memory serves me correctly.

Originally Posted by Tim C

At least mechanic changes appear to be to help define a "better umpire environment" where as the constant changes in uniform appears to be just either vanity or a predescribed plan to get all the "wanna be" umpires to change uniforms every-other-year.

No, that's Dick Honig trying to find new ways to make money. Just convince MLB to change uniforms to something that he alone makes/carries.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by UMP25

"A" ball if my memory serves me correctly.



No, that's Dick Honig trying to find new ways to make money. Just convince MLB to change uniforms to something that he alone makes/carries.

He's already trying to monopolize football by talking state associations into mandating his pants -- he's kicking money back to the state associations for each pair sold and he's putting a required state logo on the pants that only he has access to.

Once this started to go down, I moved most of my business to other suppliers, especially Ump Attire.

[UMP25]

He'll most likely get away with it, too. After all, if state associations require the use of such pants, and the only way to get them is from Honig's, what's a guy to do?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by UMP25

He'll most likely get away with it, too. After all, if state associations require the use of such pants, and the only way to get them is from Honig's, what's a guy to do?

I'm sure. Fortunately my state hasn't gone down this path. Till it does, I'll buy from places that don't have these monopolistic deals. That said, I did need to buy some Honig's pants for a tournament I'm working in August.

[MikeStrybel]

So, in the end, it looks like Estabrook was doing exactly what he should. It wasn't a bad angle, considering that no position will be perfect and this allows for a few potential plays at first. Evolution in mechanics on display.

[UMP25]

I wouldn't call that evolution; I'd call that having a poor angle to see the swipe tag.

[MikeStrybel]

Right...you can either be in a terrific position to see a swipe tag but miss a pulled foot or dropped ball or...just accept that the best umpires in the world are doing something that gives them more advantages than not. You don't have to call it evolution, even though it is a change for the better at such a competitive level.