What did I do to deserve this???

[James Walker]

I worked a 12u game last night with the absolute worst partner ever.

He shows up 5 minutes before game time. Wearing black pants. With a brown belt. No hat. At least he had a Navy : shirt ( though it looked as if the nasty thing had been crumpled in the trunk and used to pick up dog poo). This not being the first time we have worked together, I asked him (as I did a month ago) why he hasn't purchased grey slacks yet. His excuse was they allow the youth umpires to do it, why is he any different? I told him yes, to start out, but they all have the proper uniform now ( we give youth umpires a pass to start out). He gives me a big sigh and I left it alone.

Then the fun started. His version of "A" was right behind F3. With runners on, he set up right behind the pitcher. Yes, even with a runner on second . I asked him, between innings, to please set in the right spot as the coach complained that they couldn't pick to second because he was in the way. His response was, I'll duck if they throw.

He flat out failed to make three calls. Not missed. Flat didn't make a call. Just waited for the play to end, walked towards the base the play happened at, looked for a second and then just walked away. Didn't look my way as if he needed help or had a brain fart. I had no idea what to do.

After the game, he left as soon as he could. No post game, no see you later. Nothing just poof... Disappeared. I went to the assigner ( using the term loosely) and requested to not be partnered with him. Ever. She said she would try her best, but I might have to go solo. I replied with I might as well being by myself tonight... And went into detail about what happened. She already had written complaints from parents to back up my story. When I finished, she said Well, it looks as though we found ourselves a new T-ball ump. And that was the end of it.

[JaxRolo]

I worked a 12u game last night with the absolute worst partner ever.

He shows up 5 minutes before game time. Wearing black pants. With a brown belt. No hat. At least he had a Navy : shirt ( though it looked as if the nasty thing had been crumpled in the trunk and used to pick up dog poo). This not being the first time we have worked together, I asked him (as I did a month ago) why he hasn't purchased grey slacks yet. His excuse was they allow the youth umpires to do it, why is he any different? I told him yes, to start out, but they all have the proper uniform now ( we give youth umpires a pass to start out). He gives me a big sigh and I left it alone.

Then the fun started. His version of "A" was right behind F3. With runners on, he set up right behind the pitcher. Yes, even with a runner on second . I asked him, between innings, to please set in the right spot as the coach complained that they couldn't pick to second because he was in the way. His response was, I'll duck if they throw.

He flat out failed to make three calls. Not missed. Flat didn't make a call. Just waited for the play to end, walked towards the base the play happened at, looked for a second and then just walked away. Didn't look my way as if he needed help or had a brain fart. I had no idea what to do.

After the game, he left as soon as he could. No post game, no see you later. Nothing just poof... Disappeared. I went to the assigner ( using the term loosely) and requested to not be partnered with him. Ever. She said she would try her best, but I might have to go solo. I replied with I might as well being by myself tonight... And went into detail about what happened. She already had written complaints from parents to back up my story. When I finished, she said Well, it looks as though we found ourselves a new T-ball ump. And that was the end of it.

I'll do better next time!

[grayhawk]

Is he being paid?

[maven]

I'll do better next time!

Now see, you crossed me up, Jax. I was confident your post would mention @Jocko....

[James Walker]

@greyhawk Yes, and fairly decent.

[JaxRolo]

 

I'll do better next time!

Now see, you crossed me up, Jax. I was confident your post would mention @Jocko....

 

We all know I'm the 2nd worst Umpire next to @Jocko !

[Jocko]

@JaxRolo - at least I'm the best at something!

That's a thing, right? The best worst umpire?

[Lala]

I'm not sure this guy can handle t-ball....

[Jocko]

@Lala - if @JaxRolo can call it.......... :P

[James Walker]

They have a thing called K-ball... It 3/4 year olds. No score, no outs. I don't think he could handle that.

[JaxRolo]

They have a thing called K-ball... It 3/4 year olds. No score, no outs. I don't think he could handle that.

They still wearing diapers?

[grayhawk]

@greyhawk Yes, and fairly decent.

That's a shame. Not sure why an assignor would keep a guy like that on since it sounds like he has no training, and is not willing to learn.

[BalkHawk]

"What did I do to deserve this?"

You didn't give him your oldest pair of smitty combo pants and a copy of "Maximizing the 2-man system." You let him get away with no post-game, twice in one month.

Those things would have qualified as going above and beyond but you are the one who has to be on the field with him.

With all due respect, since you went on the Internet and blasted this guy, with your picture and home town for all to see, I'd say you deserve more.

[James Walker]

I didn't let him get away... He just disappears. He has been to training, both Dixie clinics and training I have done. He has packets that explain where to be when and why. Besides that, I have offered to help him ( as I would do with anyone) and he refuses. I've offered to buy him proper pants. I've let him borrow a gently used hat, then offered it to him. All which have been refused. I'd say that I have went above and beyond. This guy just simply refuses to put in half the work I do.

All I wanted to do was let off a little steam and vent. As far as him seeing this post... Worst case, he never sees it and things won't change. Best case, he sees it and he decides to change.

Yeah, that's my picture and location. And guess what, that's my real name too. I choose not to post anonomously. I find that it keeps me out of trouble, as anyone who knows my name can easily find any post I make on this board, so I tend not to post things that may get me in trouble.

[Pete Peterson Sr]

"What did I do to deserve this?"

You didn't give him your oldest pair of smitty combo pants and a copy of "Maximizing the 2-man system." You let him get away with no post-game, twice in one month.

Those things would have qualified as going above and beyond but you are the one who has to be on the field with him.

With all due respect, since you went on the Internet and blasted this guy, with your picture and home town for all to see, I'd say you deserve more.

 

 I would say that since he posted what he did, with his name, picture, and hometown there for all to see, that he isn't really concerned if this partner sees it. Obviously, it can't be offensive to the partner, because it must all be true. Why would he come here and exaggerate the situation ? And if the partner truly doesn't care about getting any better, he sure as hell won't be here reading Mr Walker's posts.

[Dash Riprock]

It 3/4 year olds.

Must be gifted athletes.  Most kids can't even walk until they're around one.

[Trakes2]

I believe that this "umpire"must travel... He has to be a nomad who just gets assignments across the country to keep us on our toes...Hell he might work for the government or even be a KGB officer! I'm telling you this man has made appearances in Michigan, and I know I've played in tourneys in multiple states where he was on the field too!