[Alameda]

Brand new umpire here. 36 years old with a wonderful wife and a 3yr old son. I've gone back to school part time to finish my teaching degree, and watch my son 4 days a week while my wife runs here own business. Yes, I know, I'm very lucky on many levels.

Well, I was finally talked into trying this stuff by a long time family friend who has been Umping for 6 years now. She's really helped me along, and when we took the test together, did not spoon feed me the answers, but rather, made me give her the answer and then help me find in the book where I went wrong.

So far, from what I've seen of the NCUA the Umps are very professional, curtious and knowledgable. I pray I don't run into any of the above described 'veterans'.

My only point is, not all of us Rooks are old or young OOOs (whatever that is hehe).

I love this stuff. I've emmersed myself in it. Heck, last night after working just my 4th, 5th and 6th games of my career, I was up 'till 6am thumbing threw the rulebook and searching websites, making sure I got my calls right, etc. That's when I stumbled onto this forum as a matter of fact.

Keep the faith Blue, we Rooks need vets like you.

The game needs you even more.