[aceholleran]

If nothing else, my 30 years doing this give me a right to evaluate a fellow umpire.

Tuss happens to work in my nape of the woods (neck of the way), and I did my first game with him the other day. 3-man; I was U1; he, U3.

He did a better base job than 95% of the umps I have ever worked with, and yes, this includes HS as well as a college/ex-college/ex-pro summer league in these parts.

* Nigh-perfect positioning on calls.
* Consummate hustle
* Impeccable timing
* Knowing when to "dress one up" on bang-bangers

If any of you other salty dogs had been there, methinks you'd agree.

Before his head gets swole, I haven't seen him on the dish, plus he shines his shoes with a cinder block.

But for a second-year arbiter: exemplary job.

Have you made your reservations for Brinkman's school yet?

Ace