Umpire Camps

[Mike Walsh]

Where do you live, Mike? No offense, but at 50 you don't have a lot of time to "eventually" work college games. You need to get started on that now. You're past the age some conferences will even look at an entry level college umpire.
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GB
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No offense taken, Garth. 50 is much better than the alternative. I live in South Jersey. There are a lot of small college opportunities in the area, and a number of medium and large ones, too. I know of a few associations that have college contracts. One will welcome just about anyone, the other requires tryouts and accepts only the best qualified. The latter is the one I'm interested in. I've already done a few college games for pre-season tournaments and fall ball. I realize my age is against me in many ways, but I have a lot of availability and flexibility with my real job. My ideal retirement would be to go out early while I'm still healthy and devote all my time to being an umpire. That's a long shot and not a goal so much as a dream. The goal is to be good enough to do it whether or not the opportunity arises. I'd be fine with honing my skills to the highest degree possible even if I don't get a shot at a higher level. So the question comes down to how to get as good as possible. Thanks.