Tim C

Congratulations.

My year is going well. I'm trying to be more fit and active and prolong my career and life a bit longer. I had let myself go far too much -- today I'm 77 pounds lighter than I was two years ago and I have another 20 to go to get under 200 for the first time in 17 years.

I hope your retirement goes well. I'm sure it will -- you always were so much more than an umpire. I hope I get the chance to come out and see you sooner rather than later.

Just wanted to send you a private "congratulations." I hope my passion for umpiring lasts half as long as yours has. From meeting you on forums such as this, I know that you will lead other umpires to excellence after you put up your mask. It took me awhile to adjust to your "style" on these boards. Now that I understand, I know that you have nothing but the best interest of the umpires at hand, even if it requires calling BS when you see it. If, for some odd reason, I am ever in Oregon from Nebraska, I will try to look you up. Again, congratulations.

Troy Solsaa
Waverly, NE

Go ahead and laugh. If you watched that Randy Johnson video you would know a fastball can rise- it just takes extreme power and lots of spin to do it. Not an easy thing to do, that's why people believe it doesn't exist.

Tim,
Ive just been notified my membership has expired. Before I sign back up, I am wondering if you are going to be doing any more writing for the site. It does make a difference to me.

I've been following "Strikes and Outs" for a long time....if you are continuing then so will I.

Stan