If you could ask a major league umpire just one question, what would you ask?

I would ask; what could you get away with and still be successful: poor mechanics, or low knowledge of the rules (i.e., you have great mechanics to get into position and make all the correct easy calls, but can't remember when to call infield fly; or you can't move your butt out from behind the plate, but you know the rule book front and back)?

Why do you guy's always enter the field with an ATITUDE!

I also answered this in another forum, Rog, but I'd ask:

"Wanna trade places for a while?"

Fact is that I don't believe there is a whole lot of difference between the average accomplished Minor League umpire and the average guy who makes it all the way to the "show". What separates them is likely to be opportunity, serendipity or some other factor not equated with rule knowledge, mechanics, hustle or control.

Cheers.

I would ask, "How do you get past it when you're doing your absolute best, working hard and still blow a call that you know has an effect on the outcome of the game". I don't think I'll ever understand how a real professional can shed the "hair shirt" and concentrate on the next play.

Vern