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.