First Game Experience

[Dave Hensley]

Originally Posted by Tim C

"I was 11 years old when I called my first game on the bases. It was a 9-10 year old game and I knew every single player and coach."

. . . and therein lies the "internet" problem with umpires:

At 11 years old you were not umpiring. It doesn't count on your resume and, in my personal opinion, shouldn't even be considered as "umpiring."

We get guys all the time that say they have "14 years experience" and we find that they are 21 years old. Something doesn't fly.

This is one of the reasons that I "hold in contempt" small diamond umpires.

Regards,

I don't hold small diamond umpires in contempt because some guys count their experiences at 11 as meaningful umpire experiences, but otherwise I'm with you. I hold those who tout their "20 years of experience" when they're 31 years old in contempt.

[DG]

I was a League President hanging around the concession stand when it became apparent that the umpires were not going to show up. The equipment (mask, balloon, shin guards) were in the equipment room so I went out to do a game with a fan/parent on the bases.

In retrospect, the strike zone was not big enough for these 11-12 year olds, and the game lasted too long because of it.

So my first game was behind a balloon, with whatever clothes I had on at the time.

After that I started doing more games, sort of part time. We had an umpire that everybody complained about named Bob. So everytime anyone wanted to start an argument I would say "this could be Bob behind the plate" and the discussion would end immediately. Yes, I was throwing Bob under the bus, but that's where he belonged.