Believe It or Not

[scottk_61]

Originally Posted by SC Ump

When I first got into ASA, I heard of stories coming back from the nationals in Southern Alabama, where, "we got treated like kings. They rinsed and dried our shirts in between games and would clean our shoes for us."

I also heard stories of a national in Orlando with a new beautiful field, but the building wasn't completed. It was near 100º and the "umpire locker room" was the equipment shed.

With the risk of getting the latter, I have stated that I am not interested in a national whenever folks discuss them with me.

I haver been to Alabama many times, and so far I have never heard of another state that treats the umpires so well.

The Orlando site is another one that I have been to many many times, the umpire room is STILL a metal storage shed though it does have a small amount of air conditioning.

If you get a chance, go to a National and carry water, you learn and get to socialize.
Nothing is ever perfect at a National and remember, we umpires are a NECESSARY EVIL to the coaches and players as well as the TDs. Live with it.
I have been to too many National Council meeting where the opinions are voiced that umpires should be done away with.
Players and coaches don't understand the rules nor do they learn them, ie the rules are unimportant and so must the umpires be.

If you want to work games, learn to blow off the bad stuff and enjoy the good.

This is being said by a world class b***ching machine, so I think I am qualified to comment.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by scottk_61

Nothing is ever perfect at a National and remember, we umpires are a NECESSARY EVIL to the coaches and players as well as the TDs. Live with it.

Of course, that is "NECESSARY EVIL"

[scottk_61]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Of course, that is "NECESSARY EVIL"

Ok, ok, I knew that one was coming.

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by scottk_61

If you get a chance, go to a National and carry water, you learn and get to socialize.
Nothing is ever perfect at a National and remember, we umpires are a NECESSARY EVIL to the coaches and players as well as the TDs. Live with it.

I just got back in ASA after several years out. This past week-end, my new local ASA UIC talked to me about my interest in a fast-pitch national next year. I just can't get into it.

"Live with it" implies I don't have a choice. My choice is live without it. I choose not to deal with this lack of respect and appreciation. I'll use my trunk as a dressing room for a double header. You need me for six-plus games a day... I'm not using a milk crate chair and drinking out of a sprinkler hose. I'm sure there are others that consider it worth it.