When is it Time

[IowaMike]

Originally Posted by DG

This is first year I have given a thought to giving it up. And I started thinking weeks ago, not at end of season, which is typically October here. I have reduced schedule already, over past few years. I still go when assignor calls, but I am beginning to dislike double headers...

Doubleheaders are all we get here in Iowa at the high school level. Frankly, I would prefer to do single games myself. For me, it's not as bad if I get the first game behind the plate, but I really don't like spending two hours out in the field on a humid 92 degree day then suiting up for another two hour game behind the plate. Reducing your schedule is a good way to maintain the enjoyment of working the games. I would bet that most guys work a lot early on in their careers because we are trying to get some experience and do favors for a lot of different assignors. My first year in baseball, between mid April to Mid July, I worked over 80 baseball games. It was too much, and I made the same mistake in basketball my first few years, working 5 or 6 days a week and multiple games on many days. I found that I enjoyed it a lot more working just a few days a week. After all, it isn't my job, just a hobby that pays a little extra walking around cash.