Monday, March 7, 2005

John Ervin takes home Eshelman Award

 
Jack Miller presents John Ervin with the Eschelman Award

by Rich Connors
Treasurer

John Ervin, a 20-year NBUA Member, looked shocked and pleased when he received a standing ovation as the 2005 winner of the George Eshelman award. John thanked everyone, including all his many partners over the years who helped make earning this prestigious award so much fun.

The Eschelman Award used to be called the Umpire of the Year Award. It is presented annually to the Member whose contributions to the Association over the course of many years is recognized by the Awards Committee. Jack Miller won the award in 2004. The award is named after the late George Eshelman, a long time NBUA Board Member and umpire.

In other highlights:

 

  • Danny Oliver accepted his award as Rookie of the Year via cell phone and later addressed the membership in person. Danny also received a scholarship in the amount of $150 for attending the Jim Evans 5-week Umpire School this past winter. Kim Stover also received a $150 scholarship for attending the 1-week Desert Classic this past fall.

  • Mike Brancheau was presented with the Distinguished Service award for his many contributions to the association.
  • Rich Connors announced that the NBUA finances are in great shape. Anyone who would like to view the latest Balance Sheet or Profit and Loss statement may do that in the Members only area at www.nbua.com .
  • The new incentive program was discussed.  If umpires do the same number of games as they did last year, the average withholding will be reduced to under 6.3% from the 11% withheld last year.

  • One of the highlights of the morning was when Scott Johnson, our Recruiting/Retention Chairman, introduced the Rookie Class of 2005.   Almost as impressive as the number of new Members was more than half attended every minute of training. The future of NBUA is indeed bright.
  • Leslie Fitzpatrick announced that more changes to our assigning program are in the works. By the time the season starts on March 18 th , she promised that filling out availabilities will be even easier.