ARE YOU KIDDING ME????

("I know that this is the softball forum, but I posted the same thread in the baseball forum. This is a problem in ALL youth sports.") 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.

 

Not at the Battle of the Border!!!

I fervently hope this did not occur at the Battle of the Border. If so, this means the softball players will get the same umps??? This is a shame for the hard work the players put in.