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I also am mostly umpire #2. My preference is to umpire varsity HS games, and Legion in the summer. Travel is the main reason I have not taken the college test.
The "smitty" mentality has crept into my mind to a certain level. In the past few years I have opted for lower level games (SRLL, SR Babe Ruth, etc) closer to home, rather than travel for the "elite" games, which may or may not pay more. However, this has not impacted the way I umpire a game. I have too much respect and love of the game (and self-respect) to slack. I strive to be as excellent as I can be each time I walk onto a ballfield. If I know I have done my best to call a good game and I am satisfied with my effort, it matters not what the players, coaches, and/or fans thought of my work.
One of my favorite things these days is working with brand new umpires who want to learn proper mechanics and ask that I point things out to them that need to improve. It is difficult breaking some bad habits which they have picked up from the "smittys" who don't care about such things.
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