Yikes!!

[mjr_2013]

I get emails from the local little league I occasionally work. I've worked for them less and less as time's gone by. It's just not a high level and some partners you run into are.... yeah.

In the last email, it says the following message...

 

 

"X Little League is seeking adults & youth (ages 14 and up) to umpire games at all levels this season.

X Little League is committed to providing well trained and professional umpires
for all of our games. We provide all of our umpires the opportunity to attend
umpire clinics, training materials, and access to resources only available from
Little League International. We welcome those with little or no umpire
experience as well as experienced umpires.

 

A competitive rate will be paid for each game you officiate. "

 All is good enough so far, right? Well here is the picture placed next to this...

 

 

 

 

 

I mean, COME ON!!! REALLY?!?!?

 

[SnareDrum]

They should have added a caption: "Experienced umpires! Only YOU can prevent Smitty's! Unless you want to see more of this, come work for us!"

 

More captions to follow, I'm sure... 

[tldavis19]

Yo dude, I totally was just riding by on my board, bro, when this dude was all like "you wanna umpire baseball? We'll put your picture on the flyer!" I was like whoa! Picture? Flyer? Heck yeah dude!.... What's baseball???

[mjr_2013]

Yo dude, I totally was just riding by on my board, bro, when this dude was all like "you wanna umpire baseball? We'll put your picture on the flyer!" I was like whoa! Picture? Flyer? Heck yeah dude!.... What's baseball???

LOL Sounds about right with some of the umps.

[Jocko]

"At Upward, everyone's a winner"

[JaxRolo]

Jocko when was this picture of you taken?

[th3]

whats the problem? should a 14 year old have to spend a lot of money on equipment and uniforms? Is the issue with the kids stance? Is it just that his equipment is outside? I dont get the criticism of this one

[Thunderheads]

whats the problem? should a 14 year old have to spend a lot of money on equipment and uniforms? Is the issue with the kids stance? Is it just that his equipment is outside? I dont get the criticism of this one

not when LL doesn't pay them

[th3]

but even if the kids ARE getting paid -  they are kids. As long as they take it seriously and commit to learning and respect what they are doing, i would not expect them to be in uniform and following all the dress-code rules that the rest of us follow...just MO

[mjr_2013]

But should this be the model on an email sent to ALL in the league for a "well trained and professional umpire"? There should be higher expectations than this, especially when I don't think this was taken from an actual league game.

 

And even if he can't afford more than that, I'd appreciate the gear going on the inside and the shirt tucked in at the least. This league pays that level ball in the picture about $30/game. It wouldn't take long for him to be able to get gear, but he should do his best to look the part until then.

[SnareDrum]

To me, the humor and irony lies in what the local LL is "seeking", and the photo that they selected to encourage it. I think that taken in context, it's funny. The pic definitely brought a smile to my face and I REALLY hope that the little guy sticks with it...

[James Walker]

but even if the kids ARE getting paid -  they are kids. As long as they take it seriously and commit to learning and respect what they are doing, i would not expect them to be in uniform and following all the dress-code rules that the rest of us follow...just MO

I get what your saying. But these kids already face an uphill battle because of their age.

[Jocko]

Jocko when was this picture of you taken?

Yesterday

[BRUMP]

Guys lets face it these umpires fill a need plain and simple. If it wasn't for them no one would be umpiring those games. So while none of us would be caught dead looking like that let's lay of this kid.

[Jocko]

Gents, this is a recruiting tool. Looking like that, they're looking to recruit tools :rollinglaugh:

[th3]

trout they are recruiting kids who are making a few extra bucks for the summer and spending it at the snack bar

[Jocko]

:sarcasm:

Come on, man. That was funny.

[Dannytheman]

Count me as guilty. Our Jr Umps get an Umpire T shirt and hat. IF they commit to 10 games. The T shirt is worn OVER the chest protector, BUT, they can wear shorts and sneakers. These 14, to 18 year old guys work Minor B games only. 8-9 YOs. We are lucky that I have retained 4 that are now in college and the league donates a Honigs shirt and pants to them. 100 dollar investment.

All adult umps are supposed  to wear all the correct gear, but had a few show up late and work in work clothes.

[NFUA_44]

Count me as guilty. Our Jr Umps get an Umpire T shirt and hat. IF they commit to 10 games. The T shirt is worn OVER the chest protector, BUT, they can wear shorts and sneakers. These 14, to 18 year old guys work Minor B games only. 8-9 YOs. We are lucky that I have retained 4 that are now in college and the league donates a Honigs shirt and pants to them. 100 dollar investment.

All adult umps are supposed to wear all the correct gear, but had a few show up late and work in work clothes.

^^this is the real world for many name brand LL programs, especially those with a volunteer force. I can see mrj's point that the league could have found a better marketing pic, but take it easy on the young guys especially, we all started somewhere. If 2 out of 10 turn into "solid" umpires that's a good thing IMHO