Looking Young

[ChucktownBlue]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

I do mention some of these things to one of my umpiring friends, and sometimes my assignor and I discuss other umpires, but I would have to believe that just about everyone else in my association does the same thing.

I can hear the conversation from here....

"You know Jim, CanadaUmp thinks you move your head while you're calling pitches. And Stu, accordingly to the kid, you should be hustling a little more, unless you're just too old to be out there. Bill, he really thinks you blew that interference award last week. Roger, he has told me he has to fight to keep from laughing on your punch-out mechanic."

Why would you believe everyone else does the same? What I picture when I read these comments is an arrogant, snot-nosed kid. "I do it so everyone else must be." If you're the "new kid" on the block," you can bet what you say to one of the older guys, makes it around to the others. I can't see any problems here....

Originally Posted by canadaump6

I pay my dues every time I do a game by coming prepared, focusing on the play or pitch and studying my rulebook and interpretations. Of course, if paying my dues means standing around on a ball diamond for another 25+ years without putting forth a full effort, then I guess I have a long way to go.

Paying your dues means calling lower levels games, going to the dingiest fields and dealing with the worst managers. And doing it professionally and without complaint or whine. That's how you earn higher level games.

"No one who is truly great at something has ever had to convince others that they are." One of the greatest lines I've ever read some years ago. Unfortunately I can't give credit where due. Take a couple extra moments and consider what it means.

[archangel]

I certainly agree with the others well meant advice, but playing devils advocate, lets look at it this way.
OK, lets say what you feel is actually correct--your assignor is basically discriminating against you, a very good umpire who is 19. Well then welcome to the real world. Hardworking people are not always rewarded. Sometimes things just dont go your way. Others make mistakes that can effect you. Deal with it. If having an assignor not giving you what you want is the biggest problem you have, maybe things arent so bad after all.
So you look very young? Perception is reality. Trust me, if looking too young is the case, you may regret it now, but will enjoy it later in life. This is from one who knows--being "carded" at bars till I was over 35......