ASA National Assignments

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Well gosh steve.. guess you'll have to settle for what? only 20 majors?

I have had a better than fair number of ASA Nationals. It is a combination of living in a hotbed of ASA softball where a lot of ASA Nationals are hosted, being qualified to call at that level, and having always made my availability a priority (have been assigned as late as at the umpire picture prior to opening ceremonies, because I was there, qualified, had uniforms and equipment, and had voluntarily sat thru the umpire clinic to help the umpire coordinator). Last minute, I have jumped in my car and driven 5 hours that day!! So yes, a lot, but because I can and will.

At the same time, I have been passed over for other opportunities that I believed I have earned and been promised. Can't tell you how many times I have been told that I have already been there, so let someone else have it. The number of tournaments where less qualified umpires have worked on Sunday, because "you have been there". I have made a career of helping train, evaluate, and promote others (anyone from Georgia can honestly tell you that); so I just don't and won't apologize for also wanting to call the very best.

Any player that doesn't want to play when the team makes the championship isn't worth having on the team. My competitive spirit still drives me. At my age (56), this is likely my last, I don't feel even a moment's regret that I got this pick.

CelticNHBlue (Wade Ireland, not the Wade from DJV), I look forward to it. Have worked with Glenn several times over the years, and know he is one of your chief supporters; you have also, I believe, worked with several of my top people in the past (Rob Lannom and Jeff Schneider).

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

I have had a better than fair number of ASA Nationals. It is a combination of living in a hotbed of ASA softball where a lot of ASA Nationals are hosted, being qualified to call at that level, and having always made my availability a priority (have been assigned as late as at the umpire picture prior to opening ceremonies, because I was there, qualified, had uniforms and equipment, and had voluntarily sat thru the umpire clinic to help the umpire coordinator). Last minute, I have jumped in my car and driven 5 hours that day!! So yes, a lot, but because I can and will.

At the same time, I have been passed over for other opportunities that I believed I have earned and been promised. Can't tell you how many times I have been told that I have already been there, so let someone else have it. The number of tournaments where less qualified umpires have worked on Sunday, because "you have been there". I have made a career of helping train, evaluate, and promote others (anyone from Georgia can honestly tell you that); so I just don't and won't apologize for also wanting to call the very best.

I feel you bro! Its politics baby, all politics!

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

I feel you bro! Its politics baby, all politics!

That kind of politics would be fine.
Here is Pa's district 4, nobody does nationals.

[wadeintothem]

Well then your UIC is not doing their job and is hurting the people in his area and should be relieved from his position for incompetence.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Well then your UIC is not doing their job and is hurting the people in his area and should be relieved from his position for incompetence.

You're right - except the district uic thinks his job is just doing everything the district commissioner tells him. And since that's what the district commissioner also wants, nothing is likely to change.

[wadeintothem]

Wow, That sucks! You'd think someone at the upper levels would address that.

[CelticNHBlue]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

I look forward to it. Have worked with Glenn several times over the years, and know he is one of your chief supporters; you have also, I believe, worked with several of my top people in the past (Rob Lannom and Jeff Schneider).

Yes, Glenn has known me for as long as I can remember and has been one of the reasons I have been as fortunate as I have by providing opportunities to work with and learn from some of best locally and nationally in both ASA and NCAA. Also, you have a great memory to bring up both Rob and Jeff. I met Rob at the 10 Man and the three of us worked together the following year at the 9 Man. If it is even possible, we may have had too much fun in Lakeland. Both were/are great umpires and anyone involved in grooming them should be very proud. Their performance also says alot about those mentors.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CelticNHBlue

Also, you have a great memory to bring up both Rob and Jeff. I met Rob at the 10 Man and the three of us worked together the following year at the 9 Man. If it is even possible, we may have had too much fun in Lakeland. Both were/are great umpires and anyone involved in grooming them should be very proud. Their performance also says alot about those mentors.

Modified in Lakeland?

[scottk_61]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Modified in Lakeland?

Yeah, there was a National there, actually it was Auburndale but the Umps stayed in Lakeland.
I had the priveledge of driving them around as well as having a good time.
That tourney was delayed (I forget why) and many of us who were local dropped so that the traveling guys could get to work the tourney instead of us host guys

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by scottk_61

Yeah, there was a National there, actually it was Auburndale but the Umps stayed in Lakeland.
I had the priveledge of driving them around as well as having a good time.
That tourney was delayed (I forget why) and many of us who were local dropped so that the traveling guys could get to work the tourney instead of us host guys

Y'all had one of those hurricane things you are fond of having!!

Would the "too much fun" refer to the car damage from Starsky Lannom trying to leap across a rental car like he wasn't 300+ lbs? At. least, that's how they told it later!!

[Rachel]

I get to go to the 16 A's in Sioux Falls,SD. From what I understand they are opening a band new 8 field complex. I have done this tournament before and they will take good care of us. Sioux Falls has figured out the economic impact of 130 teams, their parents and the college coaches. Good Times Good Times.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by Rachel

I get to go to the 16 A's in Sioux Falls,SD. From what I understand they are opening a band new 8 field complex. I have done this tournament before and they will take good care of us. Sioux Falls has figured out the economic impact of 130 teams, their parents and the college coaches. Good Times Good Times.

Me too Rachel. Just got the call tonight. We should have a great time!

[softballaddict]

First timer. Going to Coed C in Cumming, GA.

[scottk_61]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Y'all had one of those hurricane things you are fond of having!!

Would the "too much fun" refer to the car damage from Starsky Lannom trying to leap across a rental car like he wasn't 300+ lbs? At. least, that's how they told it later!!

I was sworn to secrecy about him damaging a car while trying to recreate that famous move across the hood.
BUT since you brought it up,
yup that would be part of that famously fun weekend