Southern Umpire Camp & PONY tournaments

[Big Red]

Well, in the midst of all the recent umpire hoopla, was nice to get some good news on 2 fronts yesterday I'd like to share...

Found out I was selected to umpire 2 Sectional, a Regional and the National softball tournaments for PONY South Zone.

Also got confirmation that I've got a slot in the Southern Umpire's Camp coming up next February (10th-13th) in Atlanta.

I know a couple other fellas here, like Jax, mentioned trying to go. Hope to see some other UE junkies there. Anybody else planning on going?

[Umpire in Chief]

Congratz on the assignment!

You will love the camp good choice.

[rth54]

Well done!... I hear the Southern camp is a outstanding camp.

Love to go myself sometime.

[Big Red]

Thanks fellas...I'm pretty geeked about the camp.

Warren,

Know of anyone else looking at going?

[maninblack69]

Nice.. Congrats and good luck with the camp!

[Big Red]

Nice.. Congrats and good luck with the camp!

Many thanks Dan! Stay safe.

[maninblack69]

Many thanks Dan! Stay safe.

You're welcome and will do. I'm almost out of here. Can't wait :)

[Big Red]

You're welcome and will do. I'm almost out of here. Can't wait

Good to hear. Nothing like that feeling going wheels up on the C-17 out of country, or touching down in the good ol' US of A in Baltimore on the freedom bird. Godspeed and safe travels!

[maninblack69]

Good to hear. Nothing like that feeling going wheels up on the C-17 out of country, or touching down in the good ol' US of A in Baltimore on the freedom bird. Godspeed and safe travels!

No doubt.. Thanks.. Appreciate it!

[mstaylor]

Dan, are you from Baltimore or is that just the way you are coming in?

[maninblack69]

Not from Baltimore, that's just where most of the rotator planes for the military fly in and out of for troops getting sent or coming back from overseas. I'm actually going to Ramstein, Germany first since that's where I'm stationed, and then probably through Baltimore to get back to Wisconsin.

[Big Red]

Mike,

Yeah, unless it's unit travel, outbound personnel leave out of Norfolk, VA and people returning to CONUS (forgot Dan is at Ramstein) usually come back through Baltimore (sometimes Dallas or Atlanta).

On a side note, if any vets are ever flying through Baltimore and have a little time, you should stop in and say hi to the USO folks there....some of the best I've seen and talk about volunteering w/o pay...99% of the workers are non-paid volunteers!

For example, when I returned from Afghanistan last year, our plane was delayed several hours, so we arrived Baltimore at 0100. USO usually closes at 2200 (10 p.m.), but when they heard our plane was coming in late, they stayed open all night to accomodate everybody. Even arranged to have some of the local hotels pick us up and use a room for a short time for free to shower up, which is greatly appreciated when you've been on a plane for 2+ days! They were incredible and had to make a plug for them. :D

[rth54]

Well, in the midst of all the recent umpire hoopla, was nice to get some good news on 2 fronts yesterday I'd like to share...

Found out I was selected to umpire 2 Sectional, a Regional and the National softball tournaments for PONY South Zone.

Also got confirmation that I've got a slot in the Southern Umpire's Camp coming up next February (10th-13th) in Atlanta.

I know a couple other fellas here, like Jax, mentioned trying to go. Hope to see some other UE junkies there. Anybody else planning on going?

I just wrote to them this morning with a few practical questions and then I will see about going. I have heard so much good stuff about this camp that i am willing to take the plunge if it proves to be workable.

[Umpire in Chief]

I just wrote to them this morning with a few practical questions and then I will see about going. I have heard so much good stuff about this camp that i am willing to take the plunge if it proves to be workable.

Having been to both the Southern & International camps I'll be glad to try and answer any questions you may have to the best of my ability.

[rth54]

Warren,

This is the list of questions i sent them....I read your summaries but I wanted to fill in some blanks. I have heard that the staff is great ,especially Nauert. Rapuano, Crawford and Gibson too.

Also, Do they cover an H.S. applicable stuff (FED etc) and is the schedule on Fri/Sat really 9am-9pm? If so then the camp offers as much instructional time as Evans in a smaller package. This would work better for me as I would only have to take one day off from work. To do Evans I would have to take a whole week which is much harder for me to do these days.

1) Is the instructional staff for 2011 the same as you have listed on the site (i.e. Crawford, Nauert, etc)?

2) Is it possible to come in a day early if necessary?

3) I would be coming from California. Do you typically have students from the West Coast?

4) Your site says that you regularly sell out the camp. Generally speaking, how far in advance do you typically fill the spots?

5) Could you offer a bit more detail as to the daily schedule? How many cage sessions are available, etc.?

[Umpire in Chief]

Warren,

This is the list of questions i sent them....I read your summaries but I wanted to fill in some blanks. I have heard that the staff is great ,especially Nauert. Rapuano, Crawford and Gibson too.

Also, Do they cover an H.S. applicable stuff (FED etc) and is the schedule on Fri/Sat really 9am-9pm? If so then the camp offers as much instructional time as Evans in a smaller package. This would work better for me as I would only have to take one day off from work. To do Evans I would have to take a whole week which is much harder for me to do these days.

1) Is the instructional staff for 2011 the same as you have listed on the site (i.e. Crawford, Nauert, etc)?

2) Is it possible to come in a day early if necessary?

3) I would be coming from California. Do you typically have students from the West Coast?

4) Your site says that you regularly sell out the camp. Generally speaking, how far in advance do you typically fill the spots?

5) Could you offer a bit more detail as to the daily schedule? How many cage sessions are available, etc.?

They do cover HS applicable stuff, but if you ask a question specifically dedicated to FED they may defer an answer because they don't have the answer off the top of their heads, but will get you an answer. But the mechanics and rulings are definately transferrable.

It does run from 9-9 but the evening time is Q&A, Videos, charity auctions and such.

I can give my unofficial answer to some of those questions you asked.

1. They will have MLB instructors. I had Paul Nauert in both camps (he lives in the area). Crawford was at the International Camp in October and Rapuano was in the Southern Camp in Feb. They also have a great relationship with a number of other MLB guys. Dan Iassagna made a cameo apperance and has also been an instructor. With Reliford & Crawfords pending retirements I don't know if they will be involved, but rest assured they will be top notch.

2. There were a number of people who arrived early. Tony Thompson and his staff will work with you on that and getting the hotel for an extra day at an additional cost of course.

3. I don't believe in either of my classes we had anybody from California, but we did have guys from pretty far away, Ohio, Texas, Missouri, Illinois. We actually were scheduled to have 3 students from Ivory Coast in the International Camp when I went, but they never arrived.

4. I can't answer that. I won My first trip from Umps Care, then won a raffle in October to come back in Feb, Then won the raffle again to come back in October. For better or worse I declined the prize the second time (I'm kicking myself now, but thought I'd end up divorced if I accepted again) But Id recommend getting in sooner than later.

5. Here's my experience the first two days at the Southern Camp. (Thurs & Fri)

Day 3 at the Southern Camp (Sat)

Day 4 at the Southern Camp (Sun)

Southern Camp Summary

IMO Your making a very wise choice to attend the Southern Camp. I believe it will be very much worth every dollar including the extra for air fare and an extra night hotel.

[rth54]

Thanks for all of your input here Warren....really appreciate it. If I am counting correctly you had 6 sessions in the cage.... very nice. I can see the added value of a couple of those being focussed on check swings etc.

Did video come with it? or is that extra? Either way if, it is available I will of course go for it.

Two other questions... one, how long did it take you to get from the airport to the hotel when you came in? (i am trying to figure out if i can come in the same day)... two, just curious...What adjustments did Nauert make to your hand positioning in your plate stance?

[rth54]

BTW.. I was notified this morning that I have been selected to work the District PONY Tourney over 4th of July Weekend. I am pretty amazed at the opportunities i have gotten in my first year....They may just be suffering from a severe shortage, but. either way, It's very cool.

Edited June 22, 2010 by NuBlue

[Big Red]

NuBlue,

Congrats on the PONY tourney selection.

As far as the airport question for the Southern Umpire Camp, I'm driving in for the camp a day early and would be glad to pick you up at Hartsfield to save you a cab fare, which I'd estimate to be at least $50, depending on time of day. Hartsfield is on the south side of Atlanta, camp/hotel is on the north side. Traffic through downtown Atlanta can get real bad early morning and afternoon, so I've seen fares over $80 during those times!

If you end up going and as the camp gets closer, lemme know and I'll be glad to help out to save you the cab expense.

Same for anyone else that will attend and are flying in.

[rth54]

NuBlue,

Congrats on the PONY tourney selection.

As far as the airport question for the Southern Umpire Camp, I'm driving in for the camp a day early and would be glad to pick you up at Hartsfield to save you a cab fare, which I'd estimate to be at least $50, depending on time of day. Hartsfield is on the south side of Atlanta, camp/hotel is on the north side. Traffic through downtown Atlanta can get real bad early morning and afternoon, so I've seen fares over $80 during those times!

If you end up going and as the camp gets closer, lemme know and I'll be glad to help out to save you the cab expense.

Same for anyone else that will attend and are flying in.

Red... Thank you so much! That is a very kind offer, and, assuming this all works out, I will gladly take you up on it. I will let you know as soon as am set.

BTW... Can you tell me how far away the airport is time wise? There is a flight I can take that would arrive at 1:30 pm and i want to know if that is enough time to get there on thursday, or, if i need to either come in a day early, or red-ey it and arrive about 7am on thurs.

[Big Red]

Red... Thank you so much! That is a very kind offer, and, assuming this all works out, I will gladly take you up on it. I will let you know as soon as am set.

BTW... Can you tell me how far away the airport is time wise? There is a flight I can take that would arrive at 1:30 pm and i want to know if that is enough time to get there on thursday, or, if i need to either come in a day early, or red-ey it and arrive about 7am on thurs.

No problem.

The distance is about 21 mi, and as the crow flies, which isn't possible in Atlanta, would take about a half hour. So, counting the time getting your luggage, etc, that would be cutting it close if you arrive @ 1:30. Noon'ish would be perfect.

7 a.m.?!? Did I mention I'm a night-owl who never misses an opportunity to sleep in?!?

Just kidding. Given we'll have a long first day, I'd try to avoid the red-eye if at all possible and maybe shoot for the day before, but I can work with you on whatever day/time you arrive.

[Umpire in Chief]

I drove from Moyock, NC to Atlanta in one fell swoop it was about 9 hours. Some people were late because a Zebra escaped from the Circus and clogged up traffic.

We had people who took cabs, MARTA, ride shared, so it is doable, but Big red is probably better with the specifics.

The video is extra. I believe it was $40. You can also buy the pictures and what not. You will need /want to bring extra pocket cash for pictures and video. You also need to buy your lunch I think it was $21 or $25 for the 3 days. You can't leave to get your lunch elsewhere. You may also want to have cash for the raffle and the charity auction. Plus you will be on your own for dinner, beer, etc. The video night is great I needed a 12 pack for that night

Yes I believe there were 6 total cage sessions. The video is good my only complaint is the resolution and lighting aren't the best. I was told in the video to go back and watch my eyes, to see where I had given up on a ball early. I couldn't see it from my video even blown up on my computer in HD. But I could feel what I was doing so it didn't bother me too much. I still recommend the video.

I'll have to look at my video to recall what he asked me to do with my hands. I have changed my stance a bit since then and feel really locked in, but my adjustments were based on the feedback from the instructors and what I felt comfortable doing. But just as with any eval listen and adjust accordingly. In the international camp I had Jerry Crawford telling me one thing, and Paul Nauert & Brian Reilly telling me another. My second cage setting with Jerry crawford I failed to make his adjustments and he remembered and was on me like stink on S:censored:t. I was suprised that he remembered, not due to age, but do to the number of people he saw. This really impressed me. They work with you individually and got to know who you were quickly.

[JaxRolo]

I will be driving up from Jacksonville on Thursday, Its about a 7 hour drive. So I will be up early.

I am glad to see there will be 3-4 of us from here going to the camp. Very cool.

If anyone needs a roommate let me know. I am a Non-smoker.

On a side note: I have a stupid question. What is a fungo drills?

[Umpire in Chief]

On a side note: I have a stupid question. What is a fungo drills?

Paul Nauert will bat the ball putting it in play to set up scenarios.

[yawetag]

I'm probably going to try and go in 2012. This year is Midamerican, and trying to get the wife to let me go to Southern as well will be difficult.