Plate shoes

[kylejt]

Yikes!

Somebody wants to get some better protection for himself, so he can volunteer his services at the local youth sports organization, and some self anointed gas bag has the nerve to say it's going to ruin his love life.

I'm sure glad my Dad doesn't take the same advice in his volunteer work. "Hey Pop, Pete says it's irresponsible to spend money for your top of the line gear. So take back that Glock, and get a BB gun".

Everybody comes to umpiring from different angles. My 16 year old son likes the 45 bones a game. It beats flippin' burgers, and mopping floors. A friend loves it so much he sponsors a youth umpire organization. Many dollars out his pocket to further the cause. To some it's a just a gig. It pays some bills, keeps them outta bars, and the extra dough keeps the little lady from walkin'. To each his own.

Me, I'm lucky enough to work my 40, pull six figures, keep my wife happy AND volunteer my skills to the community. And yes, I can afford to gear up properly, and fully fund my 401K. When I do work paid games, I either donate it back to another organization, pay green fees or "donate" it to my wife's favorite jewelry store by the beach.

Wow, HHH thanks for showing me the error of my ways. I've been doing it wrong all these years.