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Originally Posted by Tim C
Pete what a timely post.
Around the Portland (OR) area "big boy ball" has been diluted so much that there are few great games.
The "select teams" here are mostly umpired by our college association leaving the remainder for the "common folk" umpires. Add to that the American Legion teams here "mostly" don't allow graduated seniors on the teams as they use this time of year for developing their high school squads.
I selected three years ago to simply skip the summer season (that hurts this year as we are hosting a week long "big boy ball" tourney in August that is a National Championship quality of play) and I found new excitement in working spring ball.
I have just committed to our new local association that I will work through the 2010 season. This is self-serving as it means that I will have worked as a "certified umpire" in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's and 10's.
But 2010 will be it for me on the field. 42 years will make me proud but glad to leave it all behind.
Regards,
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Tim,
Did the same two years ago. I cut back on regular season to around 75 games total (Includes play offs & two travel tournaments). I do no summer games (May do a college wood bat tourn'y or two) but rather spend the time evaluating and training our newer umpires.
Result: No burn out, significant improvement and retention of new umpires (two others in our Assoc are doing the same thing).
Since I do not do other sports (My knees won't take it) I have to go to the gym three days a week to keep the weight down. IMO a small price to pay.