When will you "call it a day"

[Tim C]

Pete, excellent question!

I had planned on working in 2010. The reason was I would than have worked as a certified NFHS umpire in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's and 10's.

I truely enjoy the administrative side of umpiring. I teach in my local group and statewide in the three umpire certification clinics. I enjoyed writing the Oregon Athletic Officials Association Manual for The Two Umpire Crew. That manual is now the statewide official training manual for all high school baseball umpires.

I loved a three year stint as the Vice President of Rules in my local group.

I love being the Secretary of the OAOA State Baseball Umpire Committee.

I love representing all officials in America on the Editorial Board of the NFHS magazine High School Today.

But sadly I got to a point where I HATED to umpire games.

Many of Pete's reasons were always in my way to enjoy the game part of umpiring.

I worked 4,001 games (the last one with my best friend) and won three prestigious awards for the 2009 season.

As I hit the big 60 I recognized that I no longer had the desire to work as hard as I deemed necessary to keep myself content with the quality of my work.

I followed great advice I was once given: "Tim, it is always better to retire two years too soon than one year too late."

TC

[UmpJM]

Pete,

I'm still pretty new to this, so I haven't given your question a lot of thought. Right now, I'm more focused on how good I can get and what "level" I can get to and be considered a "quality" umpire.

So far, I would have to say that kylejt's thoughts on the subject best express my own - when it stops being fun. Of course, I'm even (slightly) older than you, so physical decrepitude may catch up to me before it stops being fun.

I think your point #1 (don't stay beyond your capability to be competent) is an excellent one, and I hope I have the wisdom to recognize when that day has come before someone else has to tell me - directly or indirectly.

In terms of a "full and relaxing" summer, to me that's the one where I get to call as many (quality) baseball games as possible. One of the most enjoyable aspects of umpiring for me is that I get so immersed in the game that I completely forget all the other "stresses" in my life (work, raising children, financial concerns, the way our government has become a plutocratic oligarchy rather than a democratic republic, etc.). And, if I don't have something to do, I get bored pretty quickly.

I don't get much "attitude" from players (seems most coaches around here maintain some discipline on their teams) and though some of the "safety" BS bothers me a little as well, it doesn't bother me "that much". I still feel that the nonsense from the parents is more amusing than annoying, but, as I said, I'm still kind of new at this.

So, no, I do NOT currently have a plan for retiring from umpiring. I hope I'm still doing it in my 60's. Time will tell.

Good question.

JM

[Forest Ump]

I'll give it up the day I don't have to use Wikipeda to look up things that Coach JM writes. "plutocratic oligarchy" Huh?

But seriously, I hit 49 yesterday so I still have a few more years to go. I don't hunt anymore. I still like to go boating and fishing and working on old British cars. Umpiring is by far my biggest passion now. When the day comes that being on the field is a chore, that will be the day that I hang it up. I don't see that happening yet, I have more fun doing this as every year passes.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by Forest Ump

But seriously, I hit 49 yesterday so I still have a few more years to go.

Hey, Forest: Happy Birthday!

(The first 49th birthday is the best one.)

[RPatrino]

49 years old? I don't believe it!! You don't look a day over 30...

[jkumpire]

Never.

Heaven needs umpires too.

[Forest Ump]

Thanks Kevin.

Believe it Bob, I've got the snow on the roof to prove it.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I remember the first snow. It came along with the first (and only) wife and the first kid.