[L.A. Umpire Guy]

I truly gain much of the joy from playing, coaching and umpiring simply from acquiring, collecting and caring for my gear. I even invent stuff to make coaching or umpiring better. And I also love giving the gear I rotate out to others who can use it.

But when there's something in a mask or some shoes that is magnificent, cost just doesn't get in the way. I put those New Balance plate shoes on and I didn't care how much they were. Same with the titanium and Shock FX.

It is most like a hobby than anything. And it is a wonderful one. Good Lord, I just went to Malibu High on Sunday and called a twin-bill with a view of Zuma Beach and the Pacific beyond right field. It was 70 degrees and breezy, and I got to watch two ballgames from the best seat in the house. And when I get there, they pay for my gas and Sunday dinner for the family. Between innings on the bases, I stroll out to right field and just take in the ocean view.

What the hell else did I have going on? And what other hobby or avocation is more physically and mentally stimulating?