Quote:
Originally posted by Dakota
Elaine,
Just like there are no ex-Marines, there are no ex-umpires. You're just not on active duty (at the moment!) 
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Whoa! Define "umpire"?
I know of plenty of ex-umpires and I prefer they remain that way. You all know who I'm talking about and probably deal with them on a regular basis.
These are the folks who think the job is simple. Stand behind the plate, call ball, strike, fair, foul, safe and out, collect the money and go home.
They go to the clinics, and maybe a school. Purchase the minimal uniform to get by, but take very little care of it. What they do buy is second-rate equipment that was hanging on a display at the end of the aisle at a Dick's Sporting Goods store that will barely make it through the season. They only show up at meeting to get money or a schedule and the only time they see the inside of the rule book is when someone embarrasses them on the field.
After a year or two, if that long, the association cracks down and gives them a "get in line or get along" ultimatim that usually results in the retirement from the corps of blue.
Then you see them with teams as a coach or player, espousing the simplicity of it and telling teammates how they know the rules and the umpire working their game was too stupid to be there, etc. And when asked why they gave it up, there are a million and one excuses. I even heard one exclaim that it lacked challenge and something that boring wasn't worth the money.
Trust me, there are "ex-umpires" and many of whom I am damn glad to see in that category.