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I also officiate spring HS baseball, plus early summer ball, then switch to SP due to warm temperatures, before football/ basketball seasons.
Having played SP for 25 yrs, and umping same for 6, what I see is the big difference is several things: the BIG #1)adult players easily bruised ego's combined with 2)the areas leagues here, that use 1 official per game. Add to that 3)the usual older age of umps which means they dont move as well as they did before= players complaints about lack of hustle on base calls, and 4) the occasional ump who takes abuse and doesnt nip it right away- lets players think they can do that and get away with it.
I cant tell you the # of times I showed for my 3-4 games (we are assigned to a certain diamond, then show up to see if its coed (oh no!) or mens) and was gladly asked to take the mens games due to the other umps problems with certain teams..
So, with the mentality of knowing the rules, believing that I've played more ball then 99% of them, loving what I do, plus getting paid to exercise---I anticipate throws/plays, hustle, make calls with authority, smile and have fun, and dont take any crap beyond the usual minor comments, and eject without 2nd thoughts.
What does that mean to me?- less complaints, no serious problems due to the "reputation", and I actually enjoy the games. Have I had those games that blow up?..yes, a couple, but then I've dealt with HS BB coaches that were irate also..goes with the profession territory, no?....
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