[GarthB]

First, in defense of our young Canadian friend...

In the past, posters would wack him upside the head whenever he would post about his game day appearance. His admitted unprofessional sartorial practices garnered him the disdain of many and lectures of the importance of a proper uniform from others.

Now that he has taken steps to correct one of his "problems", posters either ignore the improvement of give it such short shrift that it appears near meaningless. No wonder the kid is confused.

Canada....congratulations on your new uniform. It will indeed help to look the part and, as you said, it represents one less thing you have to deal with in your journey to better games.

But, and you knew there was a "but", it represents only one less thing on that journey.

For your next step, do not call your assignor and say, as you basically said here, "Hey, I got me a new uniform, now give me some good games."

Let your assignor and peers discover your new "look". And let that discovery be based on the improvements you have made in how you umpire in your new uniform. The shiny belt and shiny shoes will look so much better when you are in the proper position to make a call. The well fitted pants will fit even better when you demonstrate good judgement in dealing with coaches. The new cap (God, I really can't believe you've been wearing an adjustable cap) will look better when it sits on a head that knows the rules and proper interpretations.

And the whole package will be seen in a better light here on the internet when its owner begins to accept the experience and help offered by trained umpires rather than arguing every time he is corrected and blaming his failures on others and whining about his age. As I've pointed out so many times, many umpires begin their professional careers at your age. Instead of complaining, they get training.

Brutally brief, Canada: Let this new umpire uniform be the beginning of a new umpire, and not slapping lipstick on a pig.


Good luck.