ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

I realize that people that would like to umpire have to start somewhere, but what I wittnessed last night in one of our 14/15 yr old Babe Ruth baseball games was so rediculous, it was actually pathetic. A plate official that never squats or bends over to call balls and strikes. Needless to say, the only way you could see his stike zone, was to find it on the side of a milk carton. These guys are getting paid $55 per game for 2 hours. People wonder why parents yell at the umpires? Being an official myself, I try not to say anything to umpires about balls, strikes, safes, or outs; but when it is so bad that neither team knew what was going to be called a strike or ball, something needs to be done. What is it going to take for everyone that has a kid playing in these leagues to ban together and demand some sort of training. This is a disservice to our young people that are really trying to play the sport and learn what it takes to succeed. Not only was his abitlity as an official missing, his uniform looked like it had been slept in, and he spent more time talking to the fans than concentrating on his work. PLEASE!!!! Directors of these officials and leagues, DO SOMETHING!! If you would, I promise there would be a lot less controversy on the fields. I will even donate my time to give a clinic that would improve these guys, somewhat the same clinics I put on for the collegiate officials.

 

How much training did you have when you started calling Little League baseball? As an official, you should know there is a severe shortage of officials in all sports,(at least at HS & youth level, of course since you had to point out your college experience you probably haven't worked this level in years) also alot of veterans do not do Little league and other such youth sports, so what you saw is what you get. Since you are so critical, whay not volunteer to umpire and train on the field. I have no idea where you live, so certainly do not know who this guy is you are referring to.

 

OK, rather than complaining, can we do something about it?

How about getting more young men involved in umpiring? Certainly there are many 17-19 year olds who could be trained to correctly umpire youth ball. Many are playing high school ball themselves, love the game, but may not be able to take it to the next level. But they do want to stay involved, and make some money.

This would seem to be a great summer job for kids in this age range.

How do they get involved? Where can they get trained? What restrictions (age, etc) are there? What costs are involved?

Let's get some energetic, young blood into the mix.

 

Guys......

 

Training

First, let me address the first response. I started to umpire when I was 13 yrs old. And I did have training from some very experienced officials. And also, back then, we did it because we loved the sport and only made $6.50 to umpire a little league baseball game. Also, this particular official in question is not a new official, but one that is there strictly there for the money and knows that no matter what happens, he will make $110 for 4 hrs work. And yes I do volunteer my time to teach and train new officials. I do believe in giving back to a sport that has been good to me; this is well documented. So even though there might be a shortage of officials, doesn't mean that the ones who do decide to doit, shouldn't take it serious and work to learn their craft. Ignorance is no excuse.

As for getting young H/S and College age guys and girls involved and teach them the proper way, I post all the time for recruiting new officials. My daughter is 19 and started umpirirng this season and she will tell you that I expect her to know the rules, look the part, hustle and be professional, even at the level she is doing, which is 8U girls coach pitch.

If anyone has young people interested in officiating, i'll say it again, send me a private message here, or an email to my personal account
[email protected]

This is the only way to change things.

 

I like this idea. It would be tough for a 17 yo to deal with some of these older, intense youth league coaches, but their hustle and enthusiasm of wanting to do a good job outweighs those issues.

Honestly, I would much rather call a HS game then a LL game simply because you are dealing with a more knowledgeable coach....and fans.

I also agree there should be some type of accountability with youth umpires. The booking agent should dust off some of his money and hire a supervisor/trainer.

Edit By the way, I remember as a teenager umpiring youth games for $3.00. Man that was great because each day they would pay you and I would head over to McDonalds. Hardee's was a little more expensive, but I loved their Deluxe burger. It came with a special sauce and was wrapped in clear plastic...dang, I wish they still made those.

 

agents do train

My son started umpiring a couple of years ago and Ron Sebastion, who is booking agent in the Raleigh area, has had winter clinics available. Ron has also been very good at working him around his high school and summer schedules. It has been interesting some of the conversations he has while catching in a game with some the umpires he has been working with. Ron also was great about giving him contact information in the Greenville area so hopefully he can work a few games while going to school.

Imagine if you contact booking agents in the area, you will find that they also provide some training over the winter months.

If you son likes baseball, it is a great way to earn some spending money.

 

The fact of the matter is your always going to have the bad umps, bad coaches, and bad fans. Yea some folk hear about $55 in 2 hours, and their mouth waters, yet they have no idea whatsoever what they're getting into, and in some cases maybe never played the game themselves. Bad umps (just like coaches) who are in it for the $$$ simply won't last, they will fade away.

As for training umps, I certainly believe thats necessary,,,,,, but you ask about a 14/15 yo rec league, most rec leagues take what umps they can get.

Certainly cant let a bad ump upset you,,,, my advice, laugh about it, laugh AT him, spit on a tree whatever ,,,, just keep in mind its only a game.

 

Bad Umps!

Bad umps are everywhere! Major League, college, little league, etc. Did anyone see the blown call in the College World Series where a ball was hit in the air down the 3rd base line, & the left-fielder missed the catch & the ball was called foul by the 3rd base ump? Ball was fair by about 2 feet! Happens everywhere.

 

Good job Ron Sebastian!!!!!