[JRutledge]

Appearance has a lot to do with how we are perceived. If you look like you can barely shave, that is going to indirectly affect how coaches rate you and if other umpires want to work with you. Having said all of that it could be a front for other problems. If you feel you are better than most umpires and you have told a lot of people that, the word might be getting around on you. Sometimes there is more to the picture than just on patch of paint. So you might want to consider other possibilities. Now if you are young you have a lot of time to get those big games. Not everyone gets a big game early. Usually you have to prove you are worthy and that is just simply doing well at the games you currently work. One thing a supervisor said to a group of officials this summer which had me thinking. "If you are not the top official at the current level you work, how are you going to move up to the next level?" Not to say that does not apply to you, but often younger officials do not evaluate themselves realistically. You might be better than some of the 30 year old guys, but it is not like those are the only umpires you are in competition against. Also everyone that is 30 might not look that young.

Peace