Well it is almost two years down the track from when I commenced this blog, cannot believe the time has gone so quick. During that time, i have had many messages from people on social networks etc stating that they had read this blog and had even enjoyed reading it. So why am I on here again, well I thought this is as good as anywhere to make some notes of the last two years, and give those that read this an update as to where I am at with Baseball and my umpiring, and maybe other stuff as well.
I am please to say that in 3 weeks I will be off to umpire at the Australian National Youth Championships for Under 16's & Under 18's, this is to be held in Lismore, NSW. This will be my 4th national championships, having done the past 3 womens nationals and Under 23's in 2009. I was selected and landed near Lismore for the Under 14's in 2008, only to be washed out due to floods in the region.
For most Australian umpires to be able to achieve a national selection is an honor and acknowledgement of both your skills, work and dedication. Some have and will achieve higher appointments with Australia having its own Semi-pro league now. Some have and will also be fortune enough to umpire on the international stage. Maybe one day I can put that against my name....
But in reality baseball umpiring for the majority in Oz is club ball, and in Victoria this can be undertaken all year round. Summer season (which is the main season for most) starts in October and finishes in March, Winter is April to September - yes there is generally only a couple of weeks between seasons. And yes I have umpired in both seasons for the past 5 years. Throw into that a couple of administrative roles I have undertaken within baseball, makes for an eventful life
Well now that I am back into this blog thing, I will over the next period of time share some of my umpiring and baseball stories with you. But also share with you my adventure to the Youth Nationals in Jan 2011. Til next time - hit a home run!!!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, February 9, 2009
Its over!!
Well it a case of been there done that! Yes I have finished the 5 week Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring.
The five weeks of hard work was celebrated by all last night at the graduation dinner. Many students brought along family and friends to celebrate their achievements. Special guest for the evening was Joe West (MLB Umpire) and Jim's daughter Lindsay.
The celebrations may have been last night, but the real tension for many was this morning when evaluation were undertaken, and those told that are being given the opportunity to go to Coco Beach for the PBUC evaluation process and the chance at a professional career.
I am not aware of all the people that have been given this opportunity, but have heard of about 10 so far. A big congratulations to all, especially my Spanish speaking friends - Ramon, Robert and Carlos!
To those that have not made it, many of you are young and believe they have what it takes, ensure that you take the lessons learned during the past 5 weeks, go and get some experience and give it another shot. But also remember that so long as you can look yourself in the mirror and know that you have done your best, this is all that matters.
For me I was please with my evaluation, I did well with theory tests, I built on my field work over the duration of the course - which is what my expectations where before I came here. It was never going to be about getting a job in Professional baseball for me, but to make myself a better umpire and obtain the information I need to be able to assist to promote and train umpires at home.
One comment on my evaluation was that I need to be less tolerant with irate managers and toss people a little quicker. I explained that it is totally different at home, bad behaviour by players and managers is just not tolerated in Oz, but at the same time it is about respect on the field and building repor with our managers.
By the way I am pleased to say that my cage group got the award for Test scores - well done team - Dustin, Matt, David and Norm!
Sorry I forgot to post this one, now in LA on my way home. Will do some summary posts over the next week.
My thoughts are with all my fellow Victorians as they battle with horrific bushfire's across the state, which has claimed the lives of so many Innocent people.
The five weeks of hard work was celebrated by all last night at the graduation dinner. Many students brought along family and friends to celebrate their achievements. Special guest for the evening was Joe West (MLB Umpire) and Jim's daughter Lindsay.
The celebrations may have been last night, but the real tension for many was this morning when evaluation were undertaken, and those told that are being given the opportunity to go to Coco Beach for the PBUC evaluation process and the chance at a professional career.
I am not aware of all the people that have been given this opportunity, but have heard of about 10 so far. A big congratulations to all, especially my Spanish speaking friends - Ramon, Robert and Carlos!
To those that have not made it, many of you are young and believe they have what it takes, ensure that you take the lessons learned during the past 5 weeks, go and get some experience and give it another shot. But also remember that so long as you can look yourself in the mirror and know that you have done your best, this is all that matters.
For me I was please with my evaluation, I did well with theory tests, I built on my field work over the duration of the course - which is what my expectations where before I came here. It was never going to be about getting a job in Professional baseball for me, but to make myself a better umpire and obtain the information I need to be able to assist to promote and train umpires at home.
One comment on my evaluation was that I need to be less tolerant with irate managers and toss people a little quicker. I explained that it is totally different at home, bad behaviour by players and managers is just not tolerated in Oz, but at the same time it is about respect on the field and building repor with our managers.
By the way I am pleased to say that my cage group got the award for Test scores - well done team - Dustin, Matt, David and Norm!
Sorry I forgot to post this one, now in LA on my way home. Will do some summary posts over the next week.
My thoughts are with all my fellow Victorians as they battle with horrific bushfire's across the state, which has claimed the lives of so many Innocent people.
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