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Ozzy, in retrospect, I probably would have been a bit more aggressive in handling the coach. A number of fellow umpires were there and wondered why I let him behave like a child in the dugout. When I admitted the kicked call a few veterans nodded knowingly. One of them went so far as to say that the coach wasn't halting the game by destroying his gear so he would have played on and ignored the nonsense. I wasn't at that point of bliss just yet.
Ever had a kicked call gnaw at you? A short memory is important but I used that experience as a valuable lesson. Since then I work hard to give each pitch, play and game the attention it deserves. Yeah, I still miss some but it is not from a lack of effort. I try to treat each game as if it is Game 7. That is the advice I was given a long time ago. I'm still working at it. Take care.
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