A LONG time ago I made the leap from kiddie ball to the hs level. AT my first assignment this old crusty guy from the association was sent to watch. I spotted him around the 3rd inning and i proceeded to show him my chops.
I had a great game...smooth pivot onto the infield...lots of hustle..etc.
After the game my partner introduces him to me, and I can hardly wait to ask......"did you see anything I need to work on? Got any advise?'
" I'm glad you asked"...." best advise I can give you is have a garage sale and sell your gear". " Nice to meet ya" and walks away.
Now I don't know whether to smile...or kick his old ***. So I go home thinking wtf is this? What makes this guy think he is so good? I'm younger...quicker... and a lot better looking for sure...wtf?
I have done tons of games before this...again wtf? So I go see him work..and the little, intangible thing start to rise and I see I've got a long way to go. So I watch, I listen, I ask questions...and get smart *** answers..but I don't get butt-sore...I listen.I don't say" well I was taught to do".......I knew I was being taught....
If you check my past posts you will see I don't list my "credentials" as to say look at me, I've done...blah-blah. But this time I will say...fastforward.3-4 yrs........This old guy picks me to work ( my first) NCS 3aFinal at the Oakland Coliseum. I am so stoked.......so I ask him..."why did you bust my balls way back when?'
He says," I just wanted to see if you got your feelings hurt and to see if you could learn" " I don't suffer fools and you might have been one!" That was almost 13 yrs ago. I work NCS every year,been out of state a couple times...big deal.The point is I love my work. I want to be one of the best..so I learn.
As stated in another thread, I would jump at the chance to work with Tee..JRutledge..Pete Booth..because...I know I could learn SOMETHING...we all can learn something. These men don't suffer fools. They will teach..but you must learn. These are no nonsense umpires, who make the right call, whether it's popular or not.As it should be.
There are alot of posts along the line of " I got in trouble because I called...insert sitch...and they didn't like it" So what? If your working with me and you don't call it...first time not a big problem at all....second time we have a big problem.There will be no third time because I won't work with a guy who won't work at his craft. One who decides he wants everyone on the yard to like him.
On my yard I get along with most people...but I have only one friend out there.My partner. He might not be my best friend...but my friend he is.
While I'm on the topic of friends. I like to think that RPatrino is my friend. We haven't worked together in a long time, but I would in a heartbeat.
Now Bob...tell the truth...remember the first time we worked together and you asked.." Got any tips"..and I said " Yes I do..have a garage sale and....."
griff