Has anyone been to Pro School?

[Jboval]

I was curious if anyone has been to either of the pro schools in Florida, and if you have any feedback. I looked in the schools section, but no one has posted anything about them. Just curious, thinking about going this winter.

[Umpire in Chief]

I have not been but if you can go, then go. It is an experience you won't forget.

There are quite a few guys here who have attended one of the schools.

[jim knight]

Yup... went several years ago.

Both schools are outstanding...

[Jboval]

Which school did you go to ? Which one is more highly regarded? Like I said.. would really appreciate any feedback about them.

[umpirecordova]

I have, I went to Jimmy's in Jan of 2010. As an umpire I loved it, it was the greatest experience of my young life so far (im only 20) . The thing you learn there about umpiring, the game, and everything surrounding it will open your eyes. Your level as an umpire will go up tremendously as long you are willing to change and listen to the instructors. If you are serious about it would start to prepare now, what I did was invest in the two man system book that Jim has on his website and study that so when you get there you understand the language they are speaking, such as library; pause, read, react; and other lingo they use at the camp.

Along with umpiring there are a lot of other added bonuses you get to met a bunch of great people. Also it opens up a vast opportunities to umpiring that you didn't know that were there, independent ball, summer wood bat leagues, and other high level baseball.

If you have anymore questions please ask, you can ask on here or you can email me @ bigecordova@yahoo.com

[mstaylor]

Both schools are excellent, however they use different teaching styles. Jim uses mostly minor league guys, Harry uses more MLB guys. Jim uses no live ball, it's all simulated by students and instructors. Harry uses both simulated games and live games. Match your learning style to the teaching style. You can't go wrong either way.

[mazzamouth]

Both schools are excellent, however they use different teaching styles. Jim uses mostly minor league guys, Harry uses more MLB guys. Jim uses no live ball, it's all simulated by students and instructors. Harry uses both simulated games and live games. Match your learning style to the teaching style. You can't go wrong either way.

Im a fan of the simulated games.. as I was once told.. at the other school, you can have a 1-2-3 inning and look really good.. What is gonna help you more.. going over these situations about 20 times, or maybe once?..I have been to Jimmy Weekend clinic, and Im going to the 5 week school this year.. I like his way of teaching.. and the Minor league guys teaching you.. they are qualified, hell they work in the minor so who not better to learn from.. a MLB guy who has been in the bigs for 10 years has different habits. we see it all the time...

[mstaylor]

I agree, the minor guys still use two man or have only recently gone to three man. I wasn't recommending either school, simply noting the differences according to many grads I know from both schools. You will be able to work no matter which shcool you attend.

[mfd110]

I have been to Harry's School, its a great school and you learn alot but I have to agree with mazzamouth statement. At Harry's you work with the MLB guys 85% of the time and the Minor League Umpires the rest of the time. I have friends who have been to both and I have friends from both schools in the Minors working. From talking to them and talking about how both schools are conducted you seem to get more from Jim's school because you have more Minor League guys working with ya! Just my two cents...

[mazzamouth]

I agree, the minor guys still use two man or have only recently gone to three man. .

Once your in AA you go to 3 man..

[mstaylor]

That would be the recently part. Obviously if they are AAA it has been longer but most are A and AA I believe.