[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by BuggBob

Al my last National (which will be my last national) I got four brand new pants, two base, two plate, the zipper broke on one, the clasp broke on two. I got new caps, a cap carrier, new shirts, and a new ball bag. Shoes were only a year old and in great condition. I drove 1200 miles to get there at my own expense. The hotel for the weeks stay cost me twice what I made in the tournament. I wore my goggles, UIC didn't like the goggles, so I didn't work Sunday, UIC never told me this (I did not get a review) but he did tell my Regional UIC, who told the State AUIC, who told my Zone UIC, who finally told me. So while I had good time, the frustration of the costs, the second hand info from the UIC six months later, three pairs of brand new pants not lasting two games, bursitis, arthritis, and a summer of men's slow pitch have combined for me to suffer extreme burn out. I don't care if I do another National tournament or even a regular game ever again. The joy is gone.

Bugg

Like Ray Charles said..

Make it do what it do, baby.

Hope to see you on the field again, googles and all. You are a damn good umpire. Its a choice to do a national again. You are NIF now, so maybe some motivation is gone.. but IMO, you are due for and have paid your dues for a high level USA HE national.

Dont pay for stuff anymore.