why Bruce aint on the crew

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Hell, I'd pay to go to Bruce's retirement dinner if it were accessible. He's had a hell of a career. He just, in my opinion, like many athletes, didn't know when to quit.

Are you going to "know when to quit?" It's hard to let go, believe me.

If I could still in any way physically umpire, I would be back out there in a heartbeat. I toughed it out for years with multiple health problems, but can no longer do it. I know many umpires who should have hung their protectors up years ago who are still going at it. Umpiring is something special to most of us, and the thought of giving it up never crosses our minds until it's past the time to stop.

As far as Froemming, they would have had to pry the indicator out of his stubby little fingers to get him to quit any sooner than he did.

[UMP25]

Perhaps Johnny Carson explained it best when he was asked why he retired when he did, considering many believed he was still funny, relevant, and good.

He said it is better for a person to retire and have people comment, "Why did you retire? You still had years left in you," than to have people say, "You should have retired years ago. You no longer have it."

[Publius]

Originally Posted by UMP25

He said it is better for a person to retire and have people comment, "Why did you retire? You still had years left in you," than to have people say, "You should have retired years ago. You no longer have it."

I used that a few years ago when I decided to retire from another sport. I couldn't keep up with the 20-year-olds in a fast sport. And sure enough, people said that to me, adding,"You're as good as all those other guys out there your age still doing it."

While that was true, it's they who had made the wrong choice, not me. I miss it, sure, but if someone's on the edge, they should do what I did: Watch yourself on video doing an entire game. While I was "as good as all those other guys my age" I was embarrassed compared to what I used to be.

[Richard_Siegel]

I have an adult son who is a top notch umpire and I work with him often. I wouldn't want to embarass him by going out on the field and putting him in the position (someday) of having to cover for my mistakes. I have told him that when he thinks I have reached the point where he thinks I'm not up to the job anymore he should not be concerned about upsetting me, and he must tell me and I will quit. Otherwise, I am sure that I would be one of those guys who will try and hang on too long.

[Interested Ump]

Originally Posted by Richard_Siegel

I have an adult son who is a top notch umpire and I work with him often. I wouldn't want to embarass him by going out on the field and putting him in the position (someday) of having to cover for my mistakes. I have told him that when he thinks I have reached the point where he thinks I'm not up to the job anymore he should not be concerned about upsetting me, and he must tell me and I will quit. Otherwise, I am sure that I would be one of those guys who will try and hang on too long.

I have two sons, same circumstances. If they come to me, objectively, and tell me that it is time to hang them up. I will walk tall away from the game.

Fire one, disown the other.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Are you going to "know when to quit?"

I think so. I have had several examples of umpires who stayed too long in the past couple years, locally. That's one reason I am treating my recent injury seriously. If I don't have the mobility to do my job at the level I desire, I will retire.

That's also the reason that even after reaching 50 I attend clinics and camps, work with pro's on mechanics and exercise. I know I'm at the age when many umires take their experience for granted and their skills begin to deteriorate. I take nothing for granted. I think umpires can always continue to improve.

[Interested Ump]

Originally Posted by GarthB

I think so. I have had several examples of umpires who stayed too long in the past couple years, locally. That's one reason I am treating my recent injury seriously. If I don't have the mobility to do my job at the level I desire, I will retire.

I have background in sports injuries, if I can be of help, please let me know.

[Interested Ump]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Are you going to "know when to quit?" It's hard to let go, believe me.

If I could still in any way physically umpire, I would be back out there in a heartbeat. I toughed it out for years with multiple health problems, but can no longer do it. I know many umpires who should have hung their protectors up years ago who are still going at it. Umpiring is something special to most of us, and the thought of giving it up never crosses our minds until it's past the time to stop.

Steve, I remember when you first announced in 2004 4Q that you were packing it in. Tim Haag (did I spell that right?) and I talked about it right before we opened Officials Unlimited's forum. Gordon represented you well, he thought it would be excellent therapy, you and I and Deej spoke about your health issues over the phone if I recall.

It must have been, you were back on the field in less than a month.

Kidding aside, I thought it was very gutsy of you. Hope you and yours are well, fires and health, life can be such a rough climb.

WJR

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE=SanDiegoSteve]Are you going to "know when to quit?" It's hard to let go, believe me.

MLB umpires make a good living so perhaps umpires at that level "hang on" because of the money and prestige.

At Bruce's age where is going to go to earn the kind of money he is getting from MLB. Obviously I do not know Bruce's financial issues, but it could be one of the reasons he "hung around' for all these years.

As for me I am looking forward to the day when I can call it quits. Right now with kids still to support the money comes in mighty handy, however, one's life is basically umpiring especially in summer ball where I am umpiring 6/7 days a week with a minimum of a double dip every Friday night/ Sat / Sunday

Each person will have to answer that question at some point in their life and the reasons vary.

Pete Booth

[UMP25]

MLB Umpires' severance package and pension income is quite generous, Pete, so Bruce would have to be in one big financial bind to have wanted to hang on for $$$ reasons. Plus, he was making over $300K/year anyway due to his seniority and longevity.