[UmpJM]

Roland and Tim,

Thanks for your kind remarks.

Despite my best efforts, I really don't believe my articles do justice to the quality of the experience I had at the Desert Classic. If any of you ever have the opportunity, you really ought to go.

Just as when I met Tim C. last year, Tim H. could not have been a more gracious and generous host when I had the opportunity to meet him last November.

While I certainly feel that the education I received in Arizona was invaluable in helping me not be a complete doofus while umpiring, I also feel that I have learned a significant amount about the art of umpiring from those who post on this (and other) boards to help people like me learn about the rules and all of the other things that umpiring is really about.

So, to all of you who do, thanks for bothering.

Sincerely,

John