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Pete,
I too have pondered the question of retirement from time to time. I have several reasons for considering it, but so far haven't made the break yet. I've even mentioned my thoughts to other veteran umpires including Tim C. in an effort to gauge where I'm at.
Here's some of my thoughts/considerations.
1) I started umpiring in 1991. Back then, I was a college student and had no family or responsibility. Flash forward to today when I have a wife, 2 young girls, and a full time job. During HS season, I work 2 maybe 3 nights a week. I work about 3-4 nights a week during summer ball. In 1991, those seemed like short weeks. Now it is about all I can do to give baseball what it deserves and not take away from other responsibilities.
2) I have started enjoying HS baseball more and more each year. The weather here is cool in the early part of the season and only gets warm about playoff time. Most of the coaches here are respectful of umpires and the jobs we do. But here's why I like HS the best. If a player or coach, get ejected and it's for one of the NCHSAA's list of deadly sins, they are looking at a penalty from the state office. They could also face sanctions from the school system. In other words, there are few if any incidents in HS ball because the system is in place to punish both from a sport and a school level.
3) The competition in summer leagues other than American Legion has deteriorated to the point that our local league can be downright painful at times to umpire. A lot of kids are playing "travel ball" and not staying in there local area. Also, many feel that summer ball is the place to show an attitude because there is no way to penalize other than keep them out of a game or two.
4) Legion ball still has a fairly high level of play. Several teams have players that still had eligibility after their first season in college baseball. I had a couple just last night. BUT, situations do happen and you have to be up to the challenge. I have been able to escape most of mine so far, but I know that my day is coming. I like the level of play in American Legion and I really like the caliber of umpires I work with. Most are varsity level HS umpires and some also work college baseball. I really learn a lot working these umpires.
What do all these thoughts mean? Well, for now I plan to stick with umpiring. I plan to keep working HS baseball and more than likely stick with Legion baseball. Rec league ball is another story. I may give it one more shot next year, but I am going to be looking for the exit if things don't improve. All of this is contigent on my family situation. I lost my dad when I was 9 and I refuse to sacrifice seeing my girls grow up for baseball. There are compromises that will allow both and I am always trying to balance baseball and family time. However, if I ever have to give up one or the other, you can bet it will be baseball.
Incidentally, we are doing OK on HS umpires. We seem to have plenty of umpires to cover American Legion games. We are desparately in need of new umpires at the rec league level. I am working with some others to recruit an and train new officials but we have only started to formulate a plan.
Lawrence
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