A Stroke of luck

[rth54]

Went to the Gerry Davis clinic in Stockton Ca. Jan. 15-17. On the last day there was a raffle to benefit UMPS Care and I won the big prize... A brand new Wilson WV Platinum! Unfortunately, it is the smaller sized model (it is marked 1075, but measures close to 12). To my surprise, it seems to fit quite well. In an even more surprising note, it looks less bulky under an umpire shirt than my WV gold. Of course the gold is a L/xl. The platinum is just a bit shorter than the gold.

Funny how these things work.... go figure.

[widac]

Went to the Gerry Davis clinic in Stockton Ca. Jan. 15-17. On the last day there was a raffle to benefit UMPS Care and I won the big prize... A brand new Wilson WV Platinum! Unfortunately, it is the smaller sized model (it is marked 1075, but measures close to 12). To my surprise, it seems to fit quite well. In an even more surprising note, it looks less bulky under an umpire shirt than my WV gold. Of course the gold is a L/xl. The platinum is just a bit shorter than the gold.

Funny how these things work.... go figure.

Good for you. You gonna tell us about the clinic?

[Umpire in Chief]

Good for you. You gonna tell us about the clinic?

+1

Congratz on the New CP. We'd all love to get your feedback on the clinic.

[rth54]

I just got back from the Gerry Davis Clinic in Stockton. While Gerry Davis was not present, Chief instructor Scott Higgins, Joe Burleson and Billy Speck, did a great job. They were all quite good, but Burleson in particular was outstanding.

The clinic focused primarily on mechanics and situations, with little to no time spent on rules. Frankly this was probably a good thing given the brief time frame. The classroom instruction on the 2 man system on the opening night was filled with good info, but, it was probably too much to try to cram in to a couple of hours. In addition, they tried to use the MLB Virtual Umpire CD to guide the classroom session, but, while it is a very useful tool for self -study, it is not ideally suited to public presentation without the help of more sophisticated technology than was available at the facility. Additional discussions on Sunday helped to bolster the instruction, but, in such a brief time, it was a tall order.

I do not have anything to compare it with, but I thought the field instruction on the 2-man system was great. Of course, one could always hope for the opportunity for more reps, but, with weather making a second day on the field impossible, it was not to be. Everybody got an opportunity to work on plate mechanics in the cages and receive some brief feedback and critique. Again more would have been nice, but it was a good first taste for me.

One of the highlights for me was getting to meet a bunch of new people and to get a real sense of Umpiring as a fraternity. This became more evident when, being forced inside on Sunday, we spent most of the time in open Q&A covering various topics concerning mechanics and situations. I particularly appreciated Joe Burleson's insights and encouragement to the group on the subject of being " an Umpire's Umpire." The social event on Saturday evening at a local eatery, while poorly attended, was a great opportunity to get to know the instructors, pick up a few pearls, and of course hear some great stories.

Overall, The clinic was a good deal for me, especially when you consider the affordable price of only 100.00. Of course, winning the brand new Wilson Platinum CP was nice too! The 2 1/2 days were fun and there was a lot for a rookie to learn. While I wish it were a bit longer (2 1/2 days it is not really enough, especially when you lose one day of field work to weather), I would do it again in a heartbeat.

[semper_fi_72]

Sounds like it was a great time.

I just wish Wendelstedt would announce the March dates for the San Bernardino weekend clinic.

[BT_Blue]

Dude, what is up with this? I move to Portland and all the MLB guys are holding clinics in SoCal? So not fair!

(especially when you add to it that I missed the Jim Evans clinic that took place last here up here... major burn!)

[rth54]

BT Blue...

I think the BBUC camp in Sacramento looks like a promising opportunity as well. Admittedly it is considerably more costly, but from the looks of the faculty list, looks to be a good camp. Hopefully that can come together for you... for me too.

[BT_Blue]

BT Blue...

I think the BBUC camp in Sacramento looks like a promising opportunity as well. Admittedly it is considerably more costly, but from the looks of the faculty list, looks to be a good camp. Hopefully that can come together for you... for me too.

Im with you Nu. I really hope I can make it... first things first, I need to find a job.

[tommy]

there is another gerry davis clinic being held in freson, ca february 5th 6th & 7th. cost is $ 90.00. clinic is open to anyone who would like to attend. you can email me for details.

tommy

thillumpire@aol.com

[semper_fi_72]

there is another gerry davis clinic being held in freson, ca february 5th 6th & 7th. cost is $ 90.00. clinic is open to anyone who would like to attend. you can email me for details.

tommy

thillumpire@aol.com

Tommy

Sent you a email for the info.

Think I can make the 4 hour drive for that.

[rth54]

90.00 is a great deal.... dates are no good for me.... I think my next clinic I am looking for something a little longer. I would like to have more reps and more cage time.

[semper_fi_72]

Tommy

Thanks for the info.

Asked a few questions on location for hotel and I am working on getting the dates cleared.

[BT_Blue]

See, not fair! Stockton, Fresno, think there was something in Orange County either just pasted or is coming up soon... I better be able to go to the BBUC clinic in Sacto or I am going to scream!

[semper_fi_72]

See, not fair! Stockton, Fresno, think there was something in Orange County either just pasted or is coming up soon... I better be able to go to the BBUC clinic in Sacto or I am going to scream!

Orange County was in Nov.

Was suppose to go till assigner called and beg me to work games that weekend. I shouldn't have answered the phone. :GL:

[BT_Blue]

Orange County was in Nov.

Was suppose to go till assigner called and beg me to work games that weekend. I shouldn't have answered the phone.

See what I mean! ARGH!!!;)

[rth54]

what is in orange county?

[rth54]

BT.... start putting some money in a sock for sacto!

[tommy]

just found out that gerry davis himself will be in fresno as the head instructor. we have only a few spots left, come on, $ 90.00 to work with a mlb guy for 3 days.

[rth54]

Gotta say..90.00 is a good deal!

[BT_Blue]

Agreed, $90 is a good deal and the short time I actually got to talk to Gerry almost 15 years ago (the Giants were still playing at Candlestick) he seemed like a pretty nice guy. Even said he would have invited me down to the locker room to meet the guys but couldnt cause they either had to leave right after the game or they had some kind of meeting with the league.