Editor’s Message
Bob Nasser, Paul Porto, and Collin Agee are all out this month. We look forward to them returning in May with continuing education for you on mechanics, rules, and umpire interest stories.
You should be receiving Bob’s team’s weekly quizzes via email, with the last edition on April 13th also being quiz #13. As a reminder, if you are not receiving these quizzes or other association communication, please make sure your email address in Arbiter is correct, and please send an email to association webmaster Jim Clayton, [email protected], with your correct email, and don’t forget to check your spam settings and add [email protected] to your email address book to help ensure you are receiving all association email communications.
Calendar
Association Meetings
Sunday, May 3
Zoom Meeting @ 7:00 pm
Sunday, Sept 27
Zoom Meeting @ 7:00 pm
Association Banquet
Saturday, November 21
The President’s Roundtable
For a little over 12 months now, our team here at The Blue Crew News has endeavored to, as Rod Serling might have said, …go beyond what is known and unknown to enhance the umpire experience. In this month’s edition, it is my sincere pleasure to introduce you to what I think will become a very popular feature of the association’s newsletter, “The President’s Roundtable”.
Spotlight
We are pleased to launch the first in a series of spotlights on Hall of Fame umpires. Like many of the good ideas here at Blue Crew News, these Hall of Fame umpire features were the brainchild of newsletter co-editor Mike Chmar. 10 men… since Major League Baseball began in 1876, 150 years ago, just 10 men have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, as umpires. This month’s Hall of Fame spotlight shines a light on Al Barlick.
Umpire Profile
Blue Crew Blues
Blues, chances are, most of us regard umpiring baseball games as often fun and fulfilling. However, it’s probably not life-saving. Even Duane Cordrey may not take it to that ultimate pinnacle.
But this relatively new member of our ranks does credit “being on the field with players and partners….as very therapeutic for me.” And, brothers, that therapy and that drive to keep moving contributed mightily to Duane prevailing in a persistent battle with prostate cancer. More on that to come, but suffice to say, Cordrey’s character and dedication to “keep moving” go way back and are lifelong.
Share Your Photos
We are always searching for action photos and videos of our umpires on the field. We can use them in an upcoming issue of BCN or display them at the year-end banquet.