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I work basketball and just got back into baseball this year. I walked away from both sports in the past. I worked baseball for about five years, three of those years in the middle doing HS games and gave it up about six years ago for two reasons; I had kids playing and no longer really had the time, and I wasn't having much fun anymore. I also walked away from basketball two years ago strictly because I got burned out on the travel and again, I felt like I was having more nights where I wasn't enjoying it than those where I was. I stayed out of basketball for one season and found that I missed it a lot, particularly the cameraderie of my fellow officials and the feeling of doing something well that most people are afraid to do. I got back into basketball this past season and enjoyed it again and really have a different attitude about working games. I appreciate the opportunity more.
It remains to be seen how baseball will pan out. I have a son who is a senior this year and I am working in games around his schedule. I've only worked two doubleheaders so far and have another on Friday. So far so good, although I always liked working basketball better than baseball even though baseball is my favorite sport. I intend on working a full schedule in baseball next year.
I hope that if I don't realize when my skills have eroded to the point I can no longer call a decent game someone I know will tell me. I don't want to hang around too long because I have seen and worked with some of those guys and it is kind of a sad spectacle. I don't want to embarrass myself out there or have people pity me. On the other hand, based on my personal experience I would encourage everyone to stay at it as long as they can still call a good game and are enjoying it. I really missed officiating once I left it; it really does get into your blood.
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