[MajorDave]

I am, however, the son of a Marine DI. Dad taught me how to shine and spit shine when I was about 8. I tried to join "the Corps" before I graduated high school but both of my parents said Nooo! I then came up with a deal to join the Army, with guaranteed college and future commission as an Officer. They bought that one. From PVT to Major in 16 years with two degrees. They liked it just fine. Retired in 2002 at age 41. As my dad and all of my mentors in military and umpiring have said: "You only get one chance to make a good first impression." As a corollary, you will meet someone new every day. So, how do you want to be remembered? Sort of a code for me. Apparently, some want to be negative about this amount of effort for just a pair of shoes that will get dirty again anyway. To each his own. I find that looking like you mean business makes a big difference in life, but especially in umpiring. We get paid to "work" games. I like to stay employed. So far, so good.