Social Events

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SRW

I'm wondering what your associations do during the summer months to promote fellowship and socializing among your umpire crews. I'm not talking about cooking dogs at a ballpark during a tournament, or anything related to a game per-se... I'm talking about a separate gathering of umpires that has nothing to do with showing up to call ball. Do you have a bowling event? Meet at the pizza joint for dinner and a beer? Anything?

Looking for some ideas to promote the fun and fellowship of why we gather...

We are lucky to get 20 people to attend a regularly scheduled meeting and that include the E-board.

Toward the end of the season, there is a social at the local minor league ball park (KC Royal's "A" team, Blue Rocks) which includes ticket for a seat in the picnic area down the 1B line, early entry, discount to the "pro/gift shop", beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, beer, chicken, chips, beer, soda, cookies, ice cream and beer. Evening ends up with a fireworks display.

Umpire doesn't pay and may purchase up to four additional heavily discounted tickets.

And, believe it or not, cannot get half of our group to show up for that! Some people just want to grab the big bucks and run and that is a damn shame.