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Pete Peterson Sr

By Pete Peterson Sr
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Pete Peterson Sr

Pete Peterson Sr

Posted
Posted

I have been approached by a local youth park (literally two minutes from my home) and asked to place a bid to run their umpire association.I was even told what the current UIC is making. The park wants to part ways with him, because he really does nothing to train his umpires. The best guy he has working for him calls me fairly regularly to ask about rules, mechanics, situations, etc. He wants to get better.

 The problem is, the current UIC is a man that I consider a friend, but it has become apparent that he is only involved with it for the money. I am torn between providing my community with much better umpiring, and feeling like I am back-stabbing my friend. Any comments, advice, opinions ?

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noumpere
noumpere

Why not approach your friend to "joint bid" on the work for next year.  You share the job, each for 1/2 pay or so, and then he bows out the following year (or spread it over multiple years if desired)

SJA
SJA

You have nothing to lose by being honest with your friend and letting him know what the park is thinking. He may even take a "look in the mirror" and see where he is lacking in his UIC duties. Heck, h

Jocko
Jocko

If this were me, what would you do? I know that if I were approached to replace you (stop laughing, fkr. I'm making a point), I would HAVE to have the conversation with you before I did anything else.

SJA

SJA

Posted
Posted

You have nothing to lose by being honest with your friend and letting him know what the park is thinking. He may even take a "look in the mirror" and see where he is lacking in his UIC duties. Heck, he may just say he wants to give it up, let you have it, or may ask your help in improving his or the park's agenda. If he is a friend, he shouldn't mind the honesty.

SJA :-)

  • Like 2
SteveJ

SteveJ

Posted
Posted

Screw him! Do it! Who needs friends when you can have money!

 

Seriously, I would let my friend know what is going on.  If it were a friend of mine I would not consider the job unless he knew what was going on.  I wouldn't sit back and let a friend be blindsided.

  • Like 1
bam

bam

Posted
Posted

Paid to be a UIC?? That'd be nice.

 

How much do local park UICs tend to make?

 

 In this particular case, 4 figures.

If it's that much, it's a lot (a LOT) of work.

If it's that much work, you're probably not making enough to make it worthwhile, PLUS your f&$?;g your friend in the a$$.

Just my opinion. For which you asked.

  • Like 1
Jocko

Jocko

Posted
Posted

If this were me, what would you do? I know that if I were approached to replace you (stop laughing, fkr. I'm making a point), I would HAVE to have the conversation with you before I did anything else.

Maybe tell the guy that approached you of your conundrum. Or ask him if he's discussed his displeasure with your friend. If he hasn't, he needs to give the guy a chance to make necessary changes.

One thing non-umpires dont understand is that we truly are a brotherhood. And it's a small community. How many of us know each other? Most of us know almost all of our local guys. He's asking you to not only cross a line that could potentially (maybe not for you, but for some) have repercussions in other areas of umpiring.

Good luck, Pete. Hope you aren't tearing yourself up over this.

  • Like 2
Majordave

Majordave

Posted
Posted

You've gotten some great advice already. One thing I am pretty sure of is that your "friend" who is only UIC for the money is NOT a real umpire as he is not giving back nor is he trying to better himself or those who work under his tutelage.

AND, you can bet he doesn't read, browse, lurk or post here on this great umpire website.

Go with your gut. Good luck and thanks for sharing.

  • Like 2
Pete Peterson Sr

Pete Peterson Sr

Posted
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Posted

Most of you confirmed my initial gut instinct, and spoke with him today. I told him I was approached, and he said "Hell, they ask somebody every year". That was pretty much the extent of our discussion on the subject. I also found out that he is not in very good health, which is another reason for concern.     It was never a case of "should I stab him in the back by going behind his back", because that would NEVER happen. My question was should I go ahead and bid on the position, in the best interest of the game. It's a tough call, because I know my friend will be upset. I guess I will just have to think on this some more. Thank you all for your input, and feel free to continue, if anything else comes to mind.

SJA

SJA

Posted
Posted

. . . spoke with him today. I told him I was approached, and he said "Hell, they ask somebody every year". That was pretty much the extent of our discussion on the subject. I also found out that he is not in very good health, which is another reason for concern.

IMHO, your friend, knowing he is in "bad health" (if true and not an excuse), and not acknowledging, nor accepting the necessary duties as UIC to the parks is certainly not showing any "admirable" nor credible traits to himself. Replace him for the best interests of those concerned and don't look back if you feel so inclined.

SJA

sdix00

sdix00

Posted
Posted

I think you just need to go forward in time one year.  

 

Did your friend poison the well or was he happy to see you get involved and support you?

What regrets do you have?

Have you made a positive impact?

How about all those umpires who use to work for Charlie? How are they responding to your new standards and training requirements?

Did you ask anyone to cover their tattoos or take out their earrings?   

Do you have anyone on your staff who knows everything already and has nothing new to learn?

How many turnbacks?

Will a real friend will see what you are trying to accomplish and respect you for it?

 

 

Do you wish you could go back in time and do things differently?   Good news.  You can!

 

 

I know that is more than the original scope of taking business from a friend, but it helps to consider other factors as they balance against the friend issue. 

  • Like 1
conbo61

conbo61

Posted
Posted

If you friend is in ill health, how much longer does he intend to serve as UIC?  Can you offer to help and make it a transition from him to you?  It may be a "volunteer" position for a season or two, but it is an option that may be worth considering.

SJA

SJA

Posted
Posted

I think you just need to go forward in time one year.  

 

Did your friend poison the well or was he happy to see you get involved and support you?

What regrets do you have?

Have you made a positive impact?

How about all those umpires who use to work for Charlie? How are they responding to your new standards and training requirements?

Did you ask anyone to cover their tattoos or take out their earrings?   

Do you have anyone on your staff who knows everything already and has nothing new to learn?

How many turnbacks?

 

 

 

Do you wish you could go back in time and do things differently?   Good news.  You can!

Did I miss something??? . . . WDTCF?????

noumpere

noumpere

Posted
Posted

Why not approach your friend to "joint bid" on the work for next year.  You share the job, each for 1/2 pay or so, and then he bows out the following year (or spread it over multiple years if desired).  You get to learn on the job, the league gets a trained replacement, and no feelings are hurt.

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