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I've been at it on the major college level for 15 years now, and in my opinion the umpires are better prepared now than ever before because of education provided at all levels of clinics nationwide. When new umpires can see mechanics demonstrated correctly they can almost immediately apply them to games they work. That lends confidence to their umpiring, and gives them less to think about while they work the game. Yes, there are a lot of opportunities to work, but those opportunities have been there in my neck of the woods for 20 years. I used to say to new guys, "When coaches call they'll ask you if you're available and if you're any good - if you say yes, you're available they won't care what you say to the other question." I've been saying that for 20 years - baseball is a great sport to get into for rapid advancement. You'll get more chances faster, and if you apply yourself and have any skill at all you'll advance. And it's true, the more you work the better you get...
GBA
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