The Jim Evans' Florida Classic 2000
January 2-8, 2000
My Experiences
by
Steve Pelham
Maryland/MBUA
The time frames are approximate and represent how I remember most events. I may
have mixed up some of the days and morning/afternoon events, but this is
representative of what we did during our week of training. Most days, our routine
would start at 8:00 a.m. in the classroom for 1-2 hrs, then field drills and/or cage work,
lunch, classroom discussions/lectures, field drills and/or cage work, play situations,
concentration drills and end around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Everyone meet at the Osceola County Sports Complex training room, where Jim
introduced himself and his staff. He promised everyone that that they would learn
better umpiring skills, not only better plate mechanics and first base mechanics, but
the entire spectrum of umpiring. One week is not enough to cover everything, but he
would work to cover as much material as possible. The only question he wouldn't
answer were those that weren't asked. There were several handouts on Jim's teaching
philosophies, professional principles of umpires, teamwork, and Jim's biography. Jim
discussed various topics dealing with making calls, mechanics, and the every
important plate criteria.Each instructor introduced himself and told us a little bit about their experiences in the minor leagues. Our instructors included: Adam Dowdy, Mike Fitcher, Scott Higgins, Adonis Hill, Steve Mattingly, and John Woods. The class was divided into five groups of 5 or 6 people. The meeting lasted almost 3 hours.
Monday, January 3, 2000
We started in the classroom at 9:00 a.m. instead of the normal 8:00 a.m. due to problems at the hotel with breakfast. Classroom discussion continued with refining the 13 elements of plate criteria, plate umpire responsibilities, and basic 'A' position responsibilities and positioning.After lunch (ham or roast beef sandwich), we went onto the field and the instructors demonstrated some basic play positioning mechanics. We also practiced the proper method of putting the facemask on and taking it off. For the next hour plus, we practiced plate and base positioning while the instructors hit the ball around the field. During this time most groups spent a turn in the batting cages and had the opportunity to work on basic plate stance and call mechanics while being taped. We spent the last forty-five minutes or so, as a group, going over safe/out calls, indicator drills, and concentration drills. We finished around 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 4
We started at 8:00 a.m. continuing our discussion of 'A' position mechanics and responsibilities. Then, it was back onto the field for more demonstrations and practical work. Individual groups, again, working in the cages.After lunch (grilled chicken), we took a test covering the information we should have previously learned. This marked the first of two written tests we took during the course of the camp. Then it was back out to the field to do more 'A' position drills. We again spent the last 45 minutes or so doing concentration drills and running.
Wednesday, January 5
We shifted gears and spent the entire morning rotating through the four batting cages.
This also gave everyone an opportunity to recover from sore muscles from the previous
2 days workouts. Lunch was turkey or salami sandwiches.We spent the afternoon finishing up discussions of 'A' position questions and started special plays (run downs & pick offs) and 'B' position. Also, we spent time asking questions about minor league umpiring and what it was like. We finished the afternoon doing more positioning drills from 'A' and 'B' and working the pick off and run down mechanics. The instructors took pity on us and forwent the evening concentration drills.
Thursday, January 6
The morning session found us back in the classroom, covering 'B' responsibilities with R1, and proper voice calls on coverage. Larry Barnett dropped by for a few minutes and talked with us. We then went onto the field and practiced what we learned. Everyone had an opportunity to go through the cages again.After lunch (meat ball sandwich), we had another rap session and then spent the remainder of the day on the field going over everything we had learned so far. Jim then directed the inter-group competition, where each individual in the group was given a play and they were graded on how accurately they executed their mechanics. Each group had 10 plays of simple ground balls or outfield fly's from the 'A' position and then the instructors graded each person. Performed correctly, the group received one point. After each group had completed the drill, only 3 points were awarded. We then finished up the evening doing concentration drills.
Friday, January 7
The morning session found us taking a quiz on balks. Afterwards we watched Jim's new tape on balks and pitching regulations and retook the quiz. The video is a MUST HAVE for anyone serious about umpiring. It covers pregame mound preparation, the 2 set positions, legal moves, illegal moves, pro, college and high school rules and a 25 question quiz with explanation. Running time is just over 60 minutes. This will set the new standard in baseball training videotapes. [IMHO, if you thought the referee magazine tape on balks was ok and the Gerry Davis series better than the referee one, then this is OUTSTANDING.] After that, we learned about the 'C' position and cleared up any questions from previous days. We also had the opportunity to go through the cages again. Lunch was burgers or cheeseburgers.The afternoon session was the start of putting everything together on the field. We started in the 'C' position and had to watch the pitcher (balk, pick off, pitch), the runner (R2, steal/no steal, run on hit/stay put on hit) and the batter (swing, no swing) and make the proper call(s). We again finished the evening with concentration drills.
Saturday, January 8
The morning session in the classroom covered argument situations and interactions.
There was discussion of 'felony' situations and 'misdemeanor' situations. We
discussed many different topics, rules interpretations, and whatever else came up.After lunch (cheese, ham and chicken sandwiches), we went one last time through the cages and then held our final graded competition before ending the training before the graduation banquet.
At the banquet (grilled chicken or prime rib), each graduate received a diploma, autographed picture of Jim, and a poem about umpires signed by all the instructors. Jim presented the winning group with a special picture, which he individually autographed. He then used the prize wheel to award several prizes and souvenirs that included game jerseys, special commemorative baseballs, personalized caps, and several other souvenirs. Dick Nelson came by and said a few words before dinner. Dick wrote the UDP Manual for the Two-Umpire System and was a former minor league supervisor for over 25 years.
It was the best training I have ever received
All in all, it was the best training I have ever received, not only because of the length of time of the classic and dedication of the instructors, but also because it brought out those hidden factors that other clinics don't cover. If you ever get the chance to attend one of Jim's one-week classics or the five-week academy, GO FOR IT! You will be a better umpire and a better person because of it.
Additional notes about Jim Evans' Florida Classic 2000:
- What equipment and uniforms to bring?
- The daily uniform is the base umpire uniform
(without game shirt/jersey) consisting of base pants, base shoes, black socks, black
belt, blue classic t-shirt, and classic issue cap. This will be your daily uniform so bring
at least 2 pairs of pants and possibly several blue t-shirts. You will be issued one classic
t-shirt and one adjustable classic combo cap, additional shirts can be purchased at the
academy store for a reasonable cost. You will also need to bring most, but not all, of
your plate gear, including shin guards, chest protector, mask, brush, and indicator for
cage work. You will not need your plate pants, plate shoes, normal game shirt/jersey,
nor ball bag.
Optional equipment includes your protective cup, a uniform jacket, and 'long johns' or similar plate protective underclothing. Some people wore a blue sweatshirt in the mornings, which was acceptable, as was the blue mock turtleneck short sleeve shirt (with or without logos). If you do not have plate gear, the academy will let you borrow theirs. Don't bring red t-shirts, nor your normal/association caps as you will wear your academy cap most of the time. Also, you might consider bringing along shorter black socks (or a white sweat sock and black sock combination) as I found that wearing my normal 'Gerry Davis' socks all day made my ankles swell (10 hours is a long time to wear that type of sock).
- Other items to bring?
- a spiral notebook or composition book or similar note taking material and pen or pencil. One regular size, blank, VHS videotape for your cage work. You will need these items every day. Aspirin, Ben Gay, Mineral Ice, or other muscle/pain relievers are a good idea even if you are in shape, along with any other medications you may need. Sunglasses may be useful, but I found them more trouble than they're worth on the field, but useful if driving or during lunch. Sunscreen is also useful.
- After-hours clothes?
- Appropriate for the weather. January in Orlando is generally in the 70-80 degrees F range during the day, but some mornings can be cool enough for a light jacket or sweatshirt. T-shirts or collared short sleeve shirts and shorts or jeans are normal after-hours attire with sneakers or sandals. The idea is to dress comfortably after being in your umpire's uniform for 10+ hours each day.
- Transportation
- To and from the airport is provided by the academy/classic if you provide them with your flight arrival information. However, be prepared to pay for your own transportation to the hotel in case of a miss communication or other problems. The academy/classic or others who came by car can provide transportation to and from the hotel and ballpark each day. It is not necessary to rent a car unless you desire to spend your evenings partaking of the area's entertainment. I personally found that the normal activities of the day and getting together with my group at night took care of my free time each evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast and lunch are provided by the academy/clinic and are included in your training fee. You will not go hungry and are given ample time to eat. Our lunches consisted of sandwich(s), chips, fruit, drink, cookies, and salad. Evening meals are your responsibility, except the graduation banquet. If you have guests for the banquet, they cost about $25 each.
- Hotel
- This year, the academy used the Kissimmee Howard Johnson hotel near the
Osceola County Sports Complex (ballpark). You can either room alone or share. The
cost was reasonable at less than $25 per person per night double occupancy or about
$50 per night single. The hotel had a restaurant on site for breakfast (included in
training fee) and dinner (on your own), a swimming pool, game room, gift shop,
lounge, and washing machines and dryers.
- Academy Store
- The store was open most evenings once it was set up. You could purchase the new Jim Evans' Pitching and Balk rules training videotape, blank VHS videotapes, extra Classic t-shirts, other academy clothing, Pro rules index, Diamond Challenge book, academy paper and envelopes, pens, pencils, and some umpire gear and other related umpire books. They accepted cash, check or plastic.
Specific thoughts about the Florida Classic 2000
First, it was worth every penny I spent and then some! Six and a half days of top quality
instruction for $550 (early registration discount) is a true bargain. My costs included
$550 for the clinic, $151.50 room, $30 taxi to hotel because I missed the provided
transportation, $50-$70 for evening meals, $180 in video tapes, books, extra shirts, and
souvenirs (me & family), and $125 air fare for seven days.The Classic, unlike the 5-week academy, is tailored to fit the needs and abilities of the amateurs. This means that you can talk high school problems, college situations, little league plays and get answers (based primarily on pro rules). Because of the 'Y2K' scare, we probably lucked out by having a relatively small class (around 30) with 6 minor league umpires plus Jim. We worked hard every day and learned something new each class.
I am 44, many pounds overweight, and have just finished one year of high school and rec. league umpiring. Even though I was sore each night, I pushed myself to keep up with the younger guys. I brought more equipment than I needed. I made a lot of new friends, both students and instructors. We had the first mother/son umpiring team, a significant number of Canadian umpires, including Mr. AmateurUmpire.Com and son (Brent & Nathan McLaren), plus several returnees from previous Dessert Classics and 5-week academies, and several who were getting warmed up for the 5-week academy. Ages ranged from 14 years old to 50's and there were also three women.
Unlike the 5-week academy, the Classics really are geared to accommodate the needs of the amateur umpire. Jim and the other instructors will discuss almost any situation with you, to the limit of their knowledge and experience. The academy is geared to train professional umpires, but during the Classic amateur umpire concerns are addressed and time is spent discussing high school, college, little league, etc. rules and situations.
Jim brings a unique perspective to any class he teaches. He successfully combines his 31+ years of umpiring, teaching abilities, and rules understanding to help each and every student understand how to properly interpret the rule or situation. He truly makes learning fun and memorable. The training facilities are top notch, and he has spared no expense in ensuring that you get your money's worth. For example, most clinics provide you with a sticky backed nametag. Classic nametags are plastic laminated with a pin back so they last the entire week. Lunch, if included, at other clinics is usually just half a sub or hot dog and water. Jim provides a complete catered lunch and drink (kool-aide) and you can eat as much as you want.
During lunch, before the start of each day's classes or each evening, you can talk with any instructor about just about anything. They are all approachable and willing to spend time with you. We had one or two instructors come by our group meetings each night to critique our mechanics and then 'rap' about life on the road, 'war' stories, pay, etc.
Regardless of your umpiring experience (new or 20 years), you will learn something new each and every day, but most importantly, you will improve and enjoy it.
Steven Pelham
Maryland/MBUA
SSP@cdrh.fda.gov
.... added February 20, 2000
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