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I'm fity, 31 years of BB, Three reasons drove me to call it a day.
1. Health, I've a blood disorder that has my platelets going through the sh///er. Foul balls that get any meat leave me looking like I went through a grinder with bruising. Doc, my bride and nurse daughter convinced me begrudgingly, it wasn't worth the risk/s, severe bruising is bleeding, if it occurs at the wrong time or place I could be in trouble. I'm not the guy that'll just work the bases, selfish yes, but the way it is. I've worked a lot of softball over the past few years (8) as a side gig, enjoy the heck out of it, but it just doesn't fill the BB needs, so I hung that up too.
2. Pete nailed it, and it pushed my second foot out the door;
"I do not know about you but one of these years I want a full and relaxing summer"
I truley enjoyed a full summer (meaning spring, summer and fall) of goofing off, camping with the grand studs, hiking, swimming and sunning, ah, it was wonnerful. I still pay my dues (just in case) attend a training session or two, offer advice to those that wish it, even offered up and did a few evals. I think I'll be okay with it, but the itch is still there, I miss the best seat in the house.
3. These umpire training guru's got to me too and those that drink the kool-ade, which I've shared somewhat in a few past heated posts. Tag a guy for a third out, then appeal to 1B cause the BR didn't touch it..Mr DD is rolling in his grave..on deck batters allowed to wonder willy nilly on the field of play knocking balls outta play, for extra base awards, there are more for sure.
These guys put out some great stuff don't get me wrong, some great tools to learn the craft, but they do use some fodder to fill pages IMHO. Do bring these topics up at your training/meetings, and do as your association dictates...
We'll see where the future takes me, Grand studs time's of ball are coming up. Coaching is my first passion, 17 years worth, BB, hoops and soccer, hint, hint, oh son-in-law. Already been approached to wear the zebra outfit (white cane and sunglasses) and considering this here soccer stuff too, though not sure I'd like being out in those type elements, first time I rained a soccer game out, I'm sure I'd be taking some heat :')
I'm still playing hoops, just staying outta the paint (as much as possible, no more diving, or knocking heads, and only a few charges taken this year (flops) and been know to linger in the outfield for some softball, can't hurt me out there, the only threat is running the bases (wild throws), which they have the coolest (courtesy runner) rule, run down some fly balls, slash a single then let the non-hitting young-n's run for me, or pull out the stops with a long ball from time to time..dabbling in billiards (BCA) they even have certified officials, and cribbage (ACC) they have officials too, darts, maybe some shuffleboard, you know those less contact sports.
So in closing, yes, there is life without umpiring, ya just gotta work at it a bit harder.
Call em as you see em. Happy Holidays.
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SLAS
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