Bad Luck at the Ball Park

[txtrooper]

I had a good weekend working a League hosted tournament this past weekend, I worked with some good umpires and we worked some good 16U games. My wife’s team played in the 10U division and took first; we believed all was well until we got home. Once at the house, my wife realized her purse was stolen from the truck console and I discovered that my truck had been broken into, what a bummer. I wanted to post this as a reminder to other umpires that we are at risk at all times, on and off the field. I do not want you guys to be victims and saw no reason why my truck was targeted. The reason may have been that it is Ford and the locks are very easy to defeat. Have you guys had any bad luck with your vehicles or other theft at the ball park? Do your areas provide security in the parking lots?

[greymule]

I'm sure it happens, but I never had a problem in all these years. Nothing. Never heard of another umpire suffering a theft or vandalism, either. Not even in Trenton.

[NCASAUmp]

I've been very fortunate in that I call ball in some very good areas of town. The likelihood of a vehicle break-in is very slim.

Though if you know Ol' Bill S from my area, I did move his truck on him once.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by greymule

I'm sure it happens, but I never had a problem in all these years. Nothing. Never heard of another umpire suffering a theft or vandalism, either. Not even in Trenton.

Had an umpire have all of his equipment stolen at the end of a 16U National. Based on where he was parked and the timing it occurred, had to be one of the teams. Sure they thought it was funny, but replacing everything is not cheap.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Had an umpire have all of his equipment stolen at the end of a 16U National. Based on where he was parked and the timing it occurred, had to be one of the teams. Sure they thought it was funny, but replacing everything is not cheap.

I remember that - many of us were stunned that it happened.

I know another umpire who's car windows were smashed and stuff stolen in a hotel lot. He had to use borrowed equipment from his partners in order to continue working that weekend.

Another couple of umpires I know had their car broken into and stuff stolen while several hundred miles from home. One of the equipment suppliers I make sure I purchase from loaded his own vehicle with new gear and met these umpires on the road to resupply them.

It happens, even in good areas and even when you do all that you should. It sucks, but it does happen.

[greymule]

In 1968, the night before my college team played Duke University, all our equipment was stolen from our coach's station wagon.

[Welpe]

txtrooper....which part of town was this? Sorry to hear about it, that stinks.

[BuggBob]

I had my car broke into and my gear bag stolen, several other cars on the block were also targeted. Reported it to the police, about an hour later the police brought back my gear bag with all my gear. The only thing missing was an emergency $20 and a pair of Binoculars (from the car), also include where some CDs and a bag of trash (not mine). The police said the thief probably used my bag to haul his loot and dumped, as it had no value. Who can say what a thief values, but a dirty jock and shin guards are apparently not on the list.

[txtrooper]

Well, it is the times we live in I am sure. It happened up in Spring.

[Gulf Coast Blue]

A few years back....I was calling a morning tournament in Dickinson and then was scheduled in Texas City later that afternoon......traveling in between....I stopped to catch part of our HS Baseball team playoff game......after leaving the HS field and getting to the TC softball fields....I realized that someone had lifted my mask and chest protector from the back seat. Luckily....I had an extra mask and CP in my trunk.......it does suck.....Spring is not a real high crime rate area either.....but it just goes to show....you are not safe anywhere when it comes to theft.

Joel