Umpiring as a Career

[SC Ump]

Originally posted by brian43
john, what level of ball are you working that lead you to choose umpiring as your career? just wondering

I can't speak for John, but I personally don't believe level of ball matters. One of our local guys, at 48, retired early from his previous career and now has a second career of umpiring. He umpires high school and college baseball and softball mostly, but also does various rec-ball leagues. Throwing in a little basketball and volleyball, officiating is what he considers his passion and now his full-time "job".

His house is not in the sleekest suburb, his car is a little older and perhaps needs a paint job, but he is happy with his life. He loves his chosen career, in spite of the fact that it brings in very little money.

I wish I had the courage to step out of the rat race. For me, officiating is "just" an avocation.