[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Tim C


But umpiring, like going to the office every day, is WORK. I enjoy working.

Tee I agree with many things you say but I differ with the aforementioned statement. I make a heck of a lot more money working than umpiring.

I consider umpiring more of a hobby than a job, meaning umpiring is not first and foremost in my life. Also, why umpiring is not like working out in a gym it is exercise.

I enjoy the commodary with my fellow umpires, the GLM's on the fields and many other things. While umpiring is not like being on the beach IMO it should be fun. At least from my viewpoint the day I view umpiring as strictly a job is the day it's time to take up golf or something.

Unless you officiate many sports where officiating is a Form of income, for the most part the money one gets from umpiring is extra money. It pays for a nice vacation for the family, upgrade in equipment and maybe some left over so I can go to the casino with my buddies.

The dancing is more of the SHOW part of umpiring. Also, it's not unique to the LLWS. As I mentioned in another thread, MINOR league umpires are encouraged to be part of the OVERALL show and it doesn't take away from their authority or dignity on the field. The coaches and the players KNOW what's going on as the players and the Coaches are ALSO part of the show.

Also, I think you make a very VALID point about the Power issue and this is where some umpires think their you know what doesn't stink when they are on the field. Too many umpires take this Power issue to the hilt and are unapproachabe, etc.

I agree with many points you make, but at least for me I do not view umpiring as a job but more of a hobby.

Pete Booth