So where to begin, where to begin . . .

n mid-March I was contacted by three Pacific Coast League teams and asked if I would work AAA professional league games if the Minor League Umpires went out on strike.

After much thought (well, "much" might be a stretch as I answered immediately) I said I would consider the subject and when we got closer to the start date I would make a final decision.

Now, being eternally arrogant, I dropped a note onto a private listserv umpire group where I am a member, noting that I had been asked to be a Crew Chief to cover games, at least in Portland and perhaps other sites as well. Of course, my bragging got me in deep trouble within five hours.

One of my "private" umpire friends immediately notified a minor league umpire friend of his, telling him my choice. The stuff hit the fan.

I want to make one point.  The point is important and I will never waiver from it:

Crossing a picket line of a strike is neither a moral or an ethical decision. It is nothing more than a business decision.

Continued...