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I'm not sure I fit in one of your boxes, Pete.
I have a family, and don't like to travel, but will. I'll spend a weekend away from the family at a clinic learning to get better or helping others get better before I'll spend a weekend away to call ballgames --- but I WILL do the latter on occasion.
I enjoy the big games (H.S. Playoffs) just as much as the little ones (2 8U 0-5 teams going at it). I've learned over time that I'm good at this, and that I'm good at imparting my knowledge to others.
My motivation? Not the paycheck (I upgrade my equipment, pay for my kids to play whatever their activity is during that particular season, and then give much of the rest back to my local league). Not prestige. My motivation to continue doing this is the kids (all levels). I want to give the kids a fair game. I want the kids to enjoy themselves and learn, and improve. I want to help the umpires that work for me do the same.
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"Many baseball fans look upon an umpire as a sort of necessary evil to the luxury of baseball, like the odor that follows an automobile." - Hall of Fame Pitcher Christy Mathewson
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