I wrote the following as a reply to the DH results for this past Sunday but I haven't had a response, so I'm starting a new topic with the hope that someone will provide an answer...
For most of us, playing baseball remains a passion - that was evidenced by all the dads out there yesterday playing their hearts out... however, it was disconcerting that no umpires showed up at Voorhesville High School for either game of the doubleheader. There is a notice on the main page of the web site that the games were moved to the high school but did someone forget to tell the umps? Insomuch as no umps showed for either game, I'm hoping this isn't something bigger than just a lack of communication between individulas. Not sure how many other games this year have not had umpires, but this does not fair well for the league. Can someone please tell me what happened and what has to be done to insure it doesn't happen again?
I will address everyone's concerns further, and apologize for any inconveniences caused in missed assignments, by in large, a small percentage out of over 350+ games scheduled for CD-MSBL (2006) which is probably on the low side at 350, and over 2800 games total, By way of illustration, here is an example of how thinsg go upside down: Sat. 6/23, I show a double header at Knick for 9:00 and 11:30. After assigning a crew to work it as a pair of games, I now have just been advised, by one of the Managers involved, that the 11:30 game is now at the Voorheesville Satellite field. I have not received confirmation of this change from anyone, but if so, must now split out a crew, expecting to work (2), to two single games. (3) total for the 47's as singles on Saturday, (which my understanding that this Division was and historically has been a Sun./Mon. league, but now plays Su, Mo. Thurs and Sat. depleting manpower), in addition to a single 38s game, and a regular 28 schedule. At 26 hours prior to game time, this changes the complte scheduling/assignments for Saturday (after they were set), with no assurances that the umpires (most work multiple organizations) will be available to take a single game, and even sacrifice a double header (where they are paid on field). Not complaining here, and will endeavor to get all covered, but this is just a brief example of how things get miscommunicated, and games lost in the shuffle to band-aid changes ( as happned last weekend). I will be meeting with the board in the near future to discuss solutions, and implement checks and balances to assure we have 100% coverage with quality officiating. Jim Dalton
Jim, thanks for the response. All of us appreciate the efforts that the umpires make - we may argue balls and strikes and outs, but in the long run, it isn't a job very many of us would activley look for. With that being said, I hope that the lines of communication are open between the related parties that do the scheduling... with rainouts and cancelations for any one of a number of reasons, we make every effort to play every game that we're at. So for last weekeend, we played both games and had the catcher call balls and strikes - not a very good situation but it was the only alternative available. If there can be some manner of having some checks and balances that would be great... thanks...
I'm always wary of over-expansion. This is part of the unpleasant fallout.
Seven years ago, the Pirates became the 7th team in the 38s. Now there are 14 teams. Plus an entire, nine-team 47 division playing an increasingly ambitious schedule. We're seeing a lot of overlap with players, which is fine, but also a real complication (as illustrated in Jim Dalton's note above).
Looking at just the 38s and 47s, in seven years we've gone from 7 teams to 23!
On one hand, that's a great sign for this league and a tribute to everyone involved. Consider for a moment what John Reel has done for men's baseball in our community; it's staggering. He's done for baseball what Starbucks has done for coffee. If John's wizened visage wasn't so damn frightening, I'd say that we should erect a statue for the guy.
But a key part of our success is the QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE, from the game on the field, to the fields themselves, the umpires, the level of competition, the dedication of the players, the sanity of the schedule, and so on.
Bigger isn't always better. Again, I just want to sound the note of extreme caution -- with a firm eye toward the value of stability and overall competitiveness.
I don't mean to offend anybody. Many wonderful new teams -- filled with good men -- have entered the CDMSBL and enriched the experience for everybody. It's a pure numbers issue. As we grow, we have to be sure that we have the infrastructure to serve all the members/teams who are already in the league.
About umpires: Let me add, finally, that Jim Dalton does an outstanding, conscientious job. We are fortunate to have him. But no, Jim, with that face you ain't getting a statue either.
