[Jim Porter]

Great post Papa C.

I once worked the plate in a game with a partner who was rather new to the profession. Having been his clinic instructor and evaluator, I was quite intimidating to the poor chap. I tried to ease his tension, but it was natural. There wasn't much I could do.

There was a pitch that came in a little tight on the batter, and he didn't really react like he was hit. The coach yelled from the dugout, "Hey Jim, didn't that hit him?"

"Nope. I watched the ball all the way in. It missed him by a few inches," I said quickly.

Suddenly remembering my clinic instruction to him, my young partner said, "Time!"

"Oh no!" I thought.

He walked up sheepishly and said, "That hit him."

We had a long talk over a soda after that one!

Speak up right away fellas.

Don't wait!