before we start (an equal opportunity post...)

[MajorDave]

Originally Posted by Tim C

I umpire for the game.

If you see the quote in my signature block, I think it says where my allegiances lie. I am in Tee's corner on this one. The GAME is the only reason I show up. Hell, the money is just a plus so the wife lets me go out and play.

[Emperor Ump]

Originally Posted by MajorDave

...the wife lets me go out and play.

Your wife lets you keep the money

I pretty much get mugged as soon as I walk in the door. Now that my wife has figured out how to use Arbiter she sees how much I'll be making and makes plans for that cash as soon as the game is assigned.

But seriously, I too do it for my love of the game and my passion for umpiring. I wouldn't do it for free, god bless those who do, but I'd never get in a situation where I found myself depending on my umpiring income. Once you depend on it for the money it becomes a job, I already have one of those; this is my hobby. I think of it like fishing or any other hobby while there's some work involved the intrinsic reward is so much greater.

[MajorDave]

Originally Posted by Emperor Ump

Your wife lets you keep the money?

I get to buy gear and gas and she gets the rest. I am okay with that. I have an all female household now that my son has moved out.

[SethPDX]

Well, I make enough to buy new gear and uniforms when I need them with a little left over, so that's enough for me.

But mainly I do it because I'm pretty good at it (I think), I want to get better, and I have a lot of fun.

[Rcichon]

I got into it because I couldn't stand idly by while 'daddy umps' (untaught, unskilled, biased, mal-equipped spectators coerced into officiating because no one else will do it) butchered the game.

I remain in it because 'the game' has given me a view otherwise unavailable, the mad money which pays for petrol, gear and other tools of the trade, power ( I have a voice in decision making now) and additional credibility my training and experience level affords me.

Take away the mad money and I would probably do much fewer games.

FWIW