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Originally Posted by TussAgee11
Hey ya'll. As some of you know, I'm a 20 year old college student that calls ball during the summer, and a bit while at school on weekends. I also work for the intramural program at school as an official. I've been calling ball for 7 years, 3 as a member of our local association.
I got home two days ago, and called my second game tonight. Yesterday was better, I was on the bases. Today I had the plate. It was only 1:45 minutes, but it seemed like forever. A couple of times I forgot to reset my indicator, forgot to brush off the plate before an inning. My mechanics were soft as well, and I didn't feel not confident or confident. I just felt that I was there and nothing more.
I'm not sure what is really causing this, my thoughts lately have been clouded during the day and I feel my brain isn't really firing on all cylinders. The baseball diamond has always been a sort of shelter for me in my world. Now I don't really feel that way anymore.
I'm not looking forward to my game tomorrow. And I've never thought that. But what am I going to do? I am a college student who doesn't have a job this summer, and has no interest in working in retail or waiting tables. I need money, and have no other way to get enough of it. So taking a couple weeks off isn't really an option.
Even if you don't have a response, thanks for letting me vent and express my feelings.
Does anyone think this is normal, or have suggestions? Been through this before?
Thanks.
Tuss.
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I here you
Do not know about your area but in my area the lack of quality baseball has simply gone down hill the last 5 - 6 years. The metal bat has ruined the game. yes every now and then you will still get a gem of a game when each team has their ace pitching. Generally speaking games last longer when the participants use metal as opposed to wood.
Also, it seems there is a "mess" to clean up every night and that gets taxing. We all have jobs or in your case go to school and the last thing we need is to go straight from our jobs (classroom) onto the playing field and deal with idiots. The coaches think they are Joe Torre or Lou Pinella and we are playing game 7 of the World series. People need to chill out.
Finally, I could retire if i received a dime every time the coach said "Check with your partner" which has become a "spring board' today with the overhyped get the call right which is another thread all by it's lonesome.
Here's my suggestion:
You said you need the money and there is nothing wrong in umpiring because you need money. Therefore, simply change your mind set. In a way I sometimes evny the 'Smitty's " of the world. This type of umpire doesn't have a care in the world. They couldn't giive a rat's a** about ratings etc. They simply show up, do a game, get paid and go home. If the particpants didn't like the performace too bad. They will still get work.
Also, we do not have to take the bul***t that major league baseball umpires do, meaning it's time to put an end to the nonsense. Once coaches know that you are not going to take it, your games will become a little better.
The other thing you can do (as long as you even it up down the road) is simply take base assignments while your mind is in the state it is. Once it passes then you can back on the dish and "even things" out.
My ultimate recommendation would be to work in construction (which I did when I went to school) if there is any work around.
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