The Jim Evans' Florida Classic 2001
January 1-7, 2001
My Thoughts
by
Lawrence Dorsey
Brent McLaren and Steve Pelham have both written good synopses of the 2000 Florida Classic. Instead of breaking down this year’s Classic by days, I’d like to break the Classic using categories.
Accommodations
This year the Florida Classic attendees stayed at the Best Western Kissimmee. I was a little nervous at first about the appearance of the hotel, but soon realized the important stuff occurred at the Osceola County Sports Complex. The Hotel was adequate and we didn’t experience any problems with our room. The breakfast served by the hotel was fairly good and I ate dinner at the restaurant on several nights (The Academy students got a discount on the nightly buffet, $8.50 for food and drink, gratuity included). Most people were tired after a long day of instruction and didn’t partake in the local night life.Jim has a local caterer serve lunch each day at the Complex. I was impressed with the amount and quality of the food each day. I didn’t hear any complaints from the students about lunch.
The Osceola County Sports Complex is the spring training home of the Houston Astros and home to the A-League Kissimmee Cobras. I was impressed with the classroom, fields, and batting cages. While we were in Kissimmee, a new bond was approved that will allocate 18 million dollars towards improvements at the Complex. If it looks good now, I’d like to see it after they make improvements.
Instructors
This years’ instructors included Scott Higgins, Adam Dowdy, Adonis Hill, Travis Reininger, Noel Harthcock, John Woods, Darren Hyman, and Jason Klein. I cannot say enough about their dedication to instruction and communication with the students. Although each instructor had a different personality, they were professional and informative at all times. Since most of us had no intention of ever becoming a professional umpire, the instructors pushed us to learn without the intensity associated with the 5-week program. The instructors were always willing to talk about any umpiring or baseball questions whether that was during the scheduled instruction times or back at the hotel.
Jim Evans did not arrive until the second day. He has a standing deal with his wife and daughter to never leave for Florida until after January 1st each year. I don’t think anyone doubts Jim’s convictions and family is certainly important to everyone. Although the instructors worked us hard in Jim’s absence, we had no idea that more learning was headed our way once Jim arrived. Jim lectured each day for at least 3-4 hours. I was really impressed with not only his knowledge of umpiring, but his effective communication techniques.
Jim mixed in some appropriate situations from his days in the American League to illustrate that the situations he was discussing do occur in real baseball games. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Jim teach rules and mechanics. As he said several times, “Don’t believe it because Jim Evans said so, you have to believe it for yourself”. However, I don’t think anyone doubted the validity of any of Jim’s rules interpretations or mechanics lessons.
Students
We had a really diverse group at this year’s Classic. We had about 13 ladies and gentleman from Ontario as well as people from both coasts and other places in between for a total of 37 people. The common denominator was everyone’s desire to learn and work hard. I think everyone realized early on that to get something out of the clinic we would have to put something in.The class was divided into cage groups and each group had about 5-6 students. I really enjoyed my cage group and I know we all worked hard and made improvements during the week. We had one member of our group who had never called a game before. I really think he made tremendous strides during the week and it was fun to watch a rookie learn the basics from pros.
Plate Mechanics Instruction
All I can really say about this is WOW! I had no idea I was doing some of the things wrong that the videotape picked up on. Of course, the instructors saw it and let us know that we needed to fix certain problems. The videotape was an excellent way of seeing first hand what we were doing right and what we were doing wrong (in my case a lot).Be prepared to concentrate every time you go into the cage. It is often difficult to block out the instructors and the students in the other cages while you are umpiring. I know because I felt distracted many times, but I learned towards the end how to block it out. The instructors want to see improvement on every pitch and they let you know (constructively) when you’ve made mistakes.
Base Mechanics Instruction
Again, the JEAPU instructors do a great job of teaching base mechanics. We worked on taking routine and trouble plays at 1st as well as the routine plays at 2nd and 3rd base. I never knew what intricate footwork it took to develop the proper angle for calls. Once you experience the angles Jim teaches, you realize how much easier calling plays on the bases will be. It was really amazing to watch guys like Adam Dowdy, Travis Reininger, and Scott Higgins run plays during the demonstration. Jim and the instructors always knew when to throw a wrinkle in the drills that kept you on your toes and humble about your abilities.We also ran plays as plate umpires during our field sessions. Again, developing the proper angle and distance was stressed at every turn. Before our trip to the JEAPU Florida Classic, I’ll bet most of had no idea about how a library could exist on the field. We also worked on recognizing obstruction and interference and making the proper signals and mechanics.
Rules Instruction
Jim Evans is one of the best teachers of the OBR I’ve seen. He covered the basic definitions as well as balls out of play, interference, obstruction, and pitching regulations. Jim constantly stressed that the 5-week program broke each rule down word for word and he did a good job of condensing specifics in a short time period. Jim also showed us his instructional video on pitching rules. It is excellent and really does a good job of showing balks and legal moves on the mound. Again, like the other areas of the Classic, I was impressed with the instruction of Jim and his staff.
Situations Instruction
We spent the last day covering situations. Jim discussed felonies and misdemeanors and the instructors showed us the proper way of handling arguments and rules questions. I learned a lot in the brief time we spent on this topic and I can say I’ll be more aware of the allowable and unallowable incidents that occur on the field.
Overall Impressions
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Florida Classic. I can’t say enough about Jim Evans and his staff. I learned a tremendous amount about umpiring and the dedication and focus needed for those 5 percent plays Jim talked about. I would recommend it to anyone seeking the best instruction short of a 5-week professional program. If you decide to attend a Classic, go prepared to work hard( physically and mentally) and with an open mind.
The only complaint I had centered around some of the administrative items. I didn’t get a letter from the Academy letting me know I had been accepted until mid to late December. However, Ray Leuty did answer all of my emails and assured me everything was OK. I still think it would work better if they sent everyone a confirmation letter as the registrations came in and then a follow-up letter with specific instructions early in December. I also had a foul-up in my pickup at the airport and had to take a cab to the hotel ($27.50). I am not sure if Ray and Jerri didn’t get my arrival info via email, if they forgot about me, or some other mix-up occurred. My advice would be to confirm with Ray that he has your arrival written correctly. Again, I’m not laying blame; instead I’m pointing out some potential pitfalls. However, these two items in no way detract from my experience at the Florida Classic.
As Brent McLaren said, "Forget Charlie and go!
Lawrence G. Dorsey
.... added January 14, 2001
Photo Credits
(1) The Osceola Sports Complex, courtesy of the Academy of Professional Umpiring
(2) Jim Evans at the White Board, courtesy of the Academy of Professional Umpiring
(3) Lawrence Dorsey working at the mirrors, courtesy of Lawrence Dorsey
(4) Lawrence Dorsey with instructor John Woods, courtesy of Lawrence Dorsey
Editor's Note: I spoke with Ray Leuty, the Executive Director of the Academy, and asked him about Lawrence's transportation problem. Those who remember the travel conditions around New Year's Eve 2001 will also recall that the northeastern US and Canada were in the midst of a major snow storm. As a result many of the participants for the Classic arrived on flights that were hours late sending the transportation arrangements into overload. Ray actually welcomed the new year in waiting at the airport for a student whose long delayed flight landed just before midnight.
It is a mammoth job to coordinate the arrival of the instructors, the participants in the Classic, and soon the changeover to the pro school, all the while juggling the hotel setup and other details. The Academy provided transportation to and from the airport and bus terminals for over 100 students and instructors this year. Only one was ultimately and unfortunately missed, and it is something everyone regrets.
If you should happen to arrive late, or if you cannot find the waiting transportation, then a phone call to the Academy office from the airport is essential. Ray, Jerri, the instructors, and Jim, will always go the extra distance for each and every student.
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