Umpires’ Asso. Set for Second Season

UMPIRES’ ASSO. SET FOR SECOND SEASON Organization Has Proved a Real Success; Members Are Uniformed Alike By ABE COROTIS The South Jersey Umpires’ Association is ready to embark on its second baseball voyage. This organization, the only one of its kind in the history of South Jersey sports, is the “brain-child” of Frank Ryan, renowned as the organizer of countless baseball and basketball leagues. The formation of this arbitrators’ union is not the least of his achievements. Organizations of this kind rarely succeed. Usually there is a group or an individual or two who convince themselves that the officers are running things; that they are “being left out in the cold” when the choice assignments are being given out. Fully realizing this fact, Ryan called his baseball umpires together early in the 1927 season. He suggested an organization; pointed out the numerous advantages which could be derived from one. Also, he pointed out the dangers. He saw the remedy for one evil which led to the downfall of so many similar groups. Take the assigning of games out of the hands of an active umpire and give it to an outsider, who, while close in touch with the various leagues and schools, wanted no work for himself. This was done, and so the complaint of favoritism and preference was eliminated right at the start. Judd An Ideal President Then the “umps” made a good move—they elected William J. Judd to the presidency. Bill Judd is recognized as one of the most capable officials in this section, a man who is respected alike by players, fans and his fellow-arbiters. Under Judd’s guidance, and with Ryan’s co-operation, the new association went through its nascent season without a murmur of dissatisfaction. Now, on the eve of its second campaign, the membership has just about doubled. The working staff comprises 24 experienced officials. The complete membership is as follows: George Adams, David Aron, Emil Aron, Neil Deighan, Elton Ellis, Lindsay Box, Joseph Heitzman, Allen Hubbs, Kenneth Hughes, William Judd, Roy Knaub, Raymond LeNoir, Frank Luker, Isaac Mathis, Leon Metelits, Lee Michael, Roy Nichols, Howard Perkins, Howard Phillips, Thomas Saylor, William Sedgley, Robert Smith, Oscar Stewart and James Tracy. Last year the association supplied the umpires for the following leagues: Camden County, Camden County Industrial, Camden-Suburban, Reesman Twilight. In addition, members worked in the Burlington County and Gloucester County loops, beside officiating in scholastic games. School League Falls In Line The newly-formed Camden Suburban High School League will employ association members exclusively. There is also a strong possibility that the Burlington and Gloucester County circuits will join the Camden County and the others in using association men. The umpires meet weekly during the active season, and bi-weekly during the winter months. These off-season sessions are held at the homes of various members, thereby adding a social atmosphere to the business activities. This brings the members closer together and strengthens the organization. The last “social meeting” will be held tomorrow night, and election of officers will take place. The nominating was done two weeks ago. Judd, Luker and Stewart were named for the offices of president, vice president and secretary, respectively, unopposed. Stewart and Dave Aron were both nominated for treasurer. The association has held various functions during the winter and raised sufficient funds to outfit every member in a regulation uniform. So when the season opens an association umpire will be known by the suit he wears.