[aceholleran]

You are not alone, Tuss.

Sometimes games, even ones that pass quickly, have no rhythm to them--they are lifeless. This adds to an umpire's ennui.

What used to dishearten me was doing local games, with coaches whom I had known for years, who would periodically play the rat and just bust balls without any serious arguments or EJs.

Do whatever you feel you need to put things right. One thing I do is pretend that the game I am doing is being televised, and I make every effort to buff up minutiae about my work. Stuff like keeping my hat on when I remove my mask, not lifting an idicator up to eye level, etc.

This will be my last season, BTW. 30 is a nice round number.

You're a very good official, and there's no reason why you can't become a great one. It's a wonderful game, and I'm betting that the passion will come back.

ace