Quality of Umpires

[swag]

In the last few days, another quality umpire from the ABL has resigned. Since there has been a change of leadership in the Umpire Director appointed by Baseball Victoria, the umpiring has went down hill. Since Goodo has left there has been a noticeable separation from the umpire group. There are the ones that backed the new umpire director that get everything they want and then those that didn't that are resigning slowly. You as players, coaches, clubs need to do something about it. It has been bought to the Umpire director how people feel and what needs changing, but nothing is getting done.
You all complain about the umpires, and how bad they are, but your only going to get worse if you don't stand up and have your say to the right people. If enough people complain, then they will have to do something. Love them or hate them, you need the quality of umpires that are out there, but your losing them because of the Umpire Director. MAKE YOUR STAND

[oldmanriver]

I am not sure how it works, but I think the BUAV is a seperate body that virtually rins themselves with little input from the BV. Like I said, I could be wrong, but I feel that the umpires need to sort the problem out themselves in an effort to bring the best quality umpiring to the plate. Or BV stays out of the BUAV and let them appoint or recommend to BV who should be Umpire Director. Perhaps, they could take a leaf out of other major sporting associations and allow the umpires to be their own club but must be a member club of the association. Just thinking out loud. I don't think that the Clubs, players and coaches can do a lot in this situation as it is not a position that is voted on by the clubs, but an appointed position whether it be right or wrong. I just feel that the umpires resigning or drifting away should be the ones taking a stand.

[parentofone]

Who quit??

[parentofone]

I hope it wasn't Richard Mason.....he has been the best ump all year

[swag]

No it is not Richard Mason.

[oldburger19]

Maybe im missing something.... But besides Goodo, who else has hung up the mask??

[oldmanriver]

That can't be a bad thing helping players get off at the tribunal. The main point could be taken is that he is helping to keep the integrity of the reporting umpire by making sure that the truth is told and not as in the majority of the cases where the use of the umpires report cheat sheet being used to create a total fantasy. I say well done to Richard Mason.

[parentofone]

Jan 9, 2013 10:25:20 GMT 10 swag said:

No it is not Richard Mason.

okay....I'll play the game....was it Stuart Howe ?

[pirates]

Actually I have been impressed by the umpires this season and as far as Maca goes its great to see him attend league games and reporting on the umps. he's been at lots of Aces games as well as league games. I think he's actually making a difference, not that the past chief did not do a good job, I think the umpires are improving every season. Maca seems to be attending more game from my point of view.

[swag]

Yes Macca is attending more games, but if you hear how he talks to the umpires, i am sure they wish he didn't bother. There is a thing called respect and it goes both ways. He doesn't have any.
The umpire in question is David Milton, he has been in the game for a very long time, and i think has earnt a lot of respect. It's a shame to see these quality umpires go.

[parentofone]

Jan 9, 2013 13:04:47 GMT 10 swag said:

Yes Macca is attending more games, but if you hear how he talks to the umpires, i am sure they wish he didn't bother. There is a thing called r :sad2: espect and it goes both ways. He doesn't have any.
The umpire in question is David Milton, he has been in the game for a very long time, and i think has earnt a lot of respect. It's a shame to see these quality umpires go.

Yeah, that is too bad. But as a friend of mine once told me "Babe Ruth retired and baseball survived" Now David will be able to go and do something he enjoys with his spare time. Like :fishing: :champ: But not everyone will shed :sad2:

[pirates]

Jan 9, 2013 13:04:47 GMT 10 swag said:

Yes Macca is attending more games, but if you hear how he talks to the umpires, i am sure they wish he didn't bother. There is a thing called respect and it goes both ways. He doesn't have any.
The umpire in question is David Milton, he has been in the game for a very long time, and i think has earnt a lot of respect. It's a shame to see these quality umpires go.

well I have been around when the umpires have been together after games and have not heard this type of conversation you seem to be highlighting. Maybe he is not enjoy the game anymore maybe he wanted the job, who knows. Players ,administrator and umpires come and go from active roles and sometimes come back. Not sure of the point being made by you except you don't seem to like the new broom. All clubs want better umpires and maybe there's been a higher standard set by the chief. I think in this season there has been better umpiring and better relations between umps and players, at least that's our experience. They seem more approachable IMO.

[oldmanriver]

If it is Dave Milton gone, I for one won't be shedding a tear but celebrate by cracking a bottle of Dom.

[thequietthinker]

I have know Dave for 20+ years. Even played with him in the early days. Always found him to be a top bloke. I am sure he has his reasons and an umpire and person of his standing will be missed.

[Marshy]

Lord knows I have been on the receiving end of some terrible calls on game day and even worse decisions at the tribunal as a result of "evidence", but we seem to be forgetting that these guys effectively volunteer their time (yes I am aware that they get a nominal payment) and do it for the love of the game.

Naming umpires on here, for any reason other than to praise them is disrespectful and poor form. Imagine if every week, your coach got on here and said "Player X booted the worst ground ball ever on Sunday" or "Geez, for a guy with so much training, and who should know better, I can't believe player y struck out with runners in scoring position".

In my opinion, the quality of our league in general is deteriorating. Good people, that includes players, officials and support staff are leaving in droves. I personally have been responsible for making one of our club's long time support staff leaving the sport due to my direct criticism of his efforts.

I understand that most people don't intend to upset/insult anyone, but given we are not blessed with a plethora of quality people in all areas, we need to look after those who are there, even if they don't quite meet our expectations. For me, this means not naming people on a public forum.

I think the power of this forum is often under estimated and needs to be considered when making a post.

Now, back on topic of umpires specifically, my team has been blessed with two official umpires every game and I have been delighted with every performance and enjoyed the relationship I have shared with them without exception.

[matjaz27]

Dave Miltons a good guy and in recent times appears to have been frustrated with it all. Maybe instead of canning the guy we as a baseball community should support him and get him back involved. As for OMR's comments, they can only be described as ordinary at best.
I have to say reading this forum in recent times, negativity is at the top of the list. Here's a challenge to all you negative baseball people, next time you want to spend 15 minutes dumping crap on a person or BV, consider spending that time working out ways that our game can be improved. Believe me the game will be better for it ( if you're up to it)

[oldmanriver]

Good post Marshy, but the only question I would ask would be, how many would still umpire for no money? Anybody who accepts money is not a volunteer, but a paid servant regardless of the stipend.

[Marshy]

OMR I'd like to think that they umpire voluntarily, but are reimbursed their travel costs.

I am sure there would be a few (but not all) who would do it without payment.

Regardless of their remuneration, I do not believe their position description says anything about being paid to publicly named and to tolerate/stand for/accept public criticism, particularly by individuals who may, or more likely may NOT, be aware of all related facts.

[matjaz27]

Maybe we should ask how many payed players would continue to play if they didnt get payed.
The way some of them go from club to club chasing money, my guess would be not many.
Sure at times the umpiring is questionable but at the end of the day, I havent seen an umpire influence the fianl result of a game yet.

[swag]

Well said Marshy. It is sad to see it all unfold. But unless people start making a stand, nothing is going to change.
As for people not shedding a tear about Milton, i understand that, but my question to is "would you rather have an umpire that knows the game inside and out or someone that has 1/2 an idea"? I know what i would rather.
OLM, i really don't care what you have to say, you never have anything nice to say about anyone. I would pick Dave Milton over you any day!
I'm sure the money does help the umpires but with the abuse they have to put up with, i don't think they are paid enough. But i think you find most would still do it anyway!

[oldmanriver]

I am in agreeance with the naming part, it shouldn't happen. I am sorry to matjaz and swag, but I to have known Dave for a very long time and I am sure Dave would have the same thoughts about me as I have of him. It is a sorry state that he has chosen to resign/retire from the umpires as compentent umpires are greatly needed at this point of the season.
P.S. matjaz and swag, I never did say anything bad about David's ability to umpire. I do rate Dave in the top three umpires in the state.

[gj]

The original post here was not about Dave Milton, but about bagging the umpiring director and calling for his demise.
Good post from Marshy that applies equally to Macca as well.