I've lost the passion...

[3appleshigh]

If you have lost the passion go and read the thread about the Everyone one was excited. That should help you remember what the game is about

[aceholleran]

You are not alone, Tuss.

Sometimes games, even ones that pass quickly, have no rhythm to them--they are lifeless. This adds to an umpire's ennui.

What used to dishearten me was doing local games, with coaches whom I had known for years, who would periodically play the rat and just bust balls without any serious arguments or EJs.

Do whatever you feel you need to put things right. One thing I do is pretend that the game I am doing is being televised, and I make every effort to buff up minutiae about my work. Stuff like keeping my hat on when I remove my mask, not lifting an idicator up to eye level, etc.

This will be my last season, BTW. 30 is a nice round number.

You're a very good official, and there's no reason why you can't become a great one. It's a wonderful game, and I'm betting that the passion will come back.

ace

[canadaump6]

This is my sixth year as an umpire, and while I'm not as gung ho about doing games, I still really enjoy having the priviledge of umpiring. I never find myself getting bored doing plate games, as it is a position of responsibility and I am always in the action. It's those base games where they take forever between innings and the game moves really slowly that can get kind of boring.

I still don't think there's anything wrong with umpiring just for the money, and not for the sake of enjoyment, so long as you do your best anyways and remember you are still responsible for calling the best game possible. Maybe it would be good to try doing fewer games. I do about 4 a week right now, which is about the right number to keep me entertained.

[waltjp]

Tuss, maybe it's time to raise the bar a bit and find more competitive leagues.