The Baseball Observer - Jan/ Feb 2016
Break. So on average we work three to four weeks without a day off and then we’ll have one day off.”
Brian De Brawler, a second member of Lampe’s crew, relates that being away from his family for so long is the worst part of his job. When asked about his worst moment as an umpire De Brauwere did not relate an on field incident but was quick to respond, “Just any random night on the road when you wish you were home and you’re laying in a hotel.” Lampe added, “Especially when you have something going on at home and you have no control or you can’t get there.”
Roberto Ortiz, the third member of the crew, echoed the feelings of his crew mates that he also misses his family especially because they’re so far away and can’t easily travel to see him. Roberto is from Puerto Rico.
Just as minor league players pursue a dream knowing the changes of reaching the MLB level are small, minor league umpires, whose chances are even smaller, continue to give their best knowing it might always be in the minor leagues. Shaun Lampe: “Just because an umpire has put in the time and done a great job doesn’t necessarily mean he will reach his goal of a big league gig.”
In the California League Derek Eaton is pursuing a similar dream. Eaton, who is single, is willing to live on the road every summer, spending his days in strange hotels and nights in minor league ballparks, all in the name of chasing that dream. “We work every day trying to get better and move forward,” Eaton said. “Once we’re told that there’s no spot for us at the next level, then so be it. Until then I’ll keep trying to work my way up.”
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