ASA Nationals....Worth it????

[scottk_61]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You are in Alabama and are being told about umpires being treated like crap? Alabama is one of the premier places an umpire can work a national. I was treated like a king in Mobile. G. Pat always made sure the umpires at 'Bama NCs were treated great. However, 3-4 games a day may not include your night games.

But I agree with the others. If you are placing convenience and money ahead of working a NC, opt out and give someone else an opportunity.

I was wondering about this too,
You being in Alabama is the top that you can get.
I don't know who you have been talking to but they cannot be more misinformed.
The reason for someone to tell you that stuff is one of two things;
1. They want you to pass so that they can take your spot.
2. They suck as an umpire and have been passed over time and time again.

I have worked many Nats in AL and I can honestly say that in the country, I was never treated better than in Alabama.
I have been to Dothan, Birmingham, Gadsden, Cullman, Pell City, Anniston, Mobile, Auburn, Opelika and a few others that I cannot remember right now but I am telling you, never did anyone get treated so well as we umpires did in Alabama.

If somebody is telling you what you say you have been told, you need to check their motivations and their reputation as an umpire.

If your concern is money, stay home.
I have worked Nats where I only did two games a day, but that was the format and the Armed Forces Nat was one of the best that I have ever been at.
I have worked games from 7:30am to well after midnight at others, they were great too.

A national is a place as an umpire that you have been recognized as being skilled and dedicated enough to handle championship play.
If you were promised one, then somebody somewhere thought you deserved it.
I know many umpires that would give their left N** to just get one game at a national.
Go socialize, get to know others and have a blast.

But again, if you are concerned about money, don't go.
Your attitude will be a drag on the other umpires and your head won't be in the game.