When will you "call it a day"

[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.

[jicecone]

Well last month, the BIG 60 came upon me. My son sent a card that said "Happy Birthday Dad , your not getting older, your getting better. When I opened the inside of the card it said. "Hell, you were OLD last year"!

I've been lucky because, I have never HAD to officiate. Its always been because I wanted to. When my desire dwindles, my hustle and performance start hurting the games I officiate, and I can no longer actually EARN the fee I receive, then I will either hang it up or do games at lower levels.

Every year I work on improving another part of my umpiring. Well I'm still working on it.

I love this game of Basiball, it has been very very good for me.

[soundedlikeastrike]

I'm fity, 31 years of BB, Three reasons drove me to call it a day.

1. Health, I've a blood disorder that has my platelets going through the sh///er. Foul balls that get any meat leave me looking like I went through a grinder with bruising. Doc, my bride and nurse daughter convinced me begrudgingly, it wasn't worth the risk/s, severe bruising is bleeding, if it occurs at the wrong time or place I could be in trouble. I'm not the guy that'll just work the bases, selfish yes, but the way it is. I've worked a lot of softball over the past few years (8) as a side gig, enjoy the heck out of it, but it just doesn't fill the BB needs, so I hung that up too.

2. Pete nailed it, and it pushed my second foot out the door;
"I do not know about you but one of these years I want a full and relaxing summer"
I truley enjoyed a full summer (meaning spring, summer and fall) of goofing off, camping with the grand studs, hiking, swimming and sunning, ah, it was wonnerful. I still pay my dues (just in case) attend a training session or two, offer advice to those that wish it, even offered up and did a few evals. I think I'll be okay with it, but the itch is still there, I miss the best seat in the house.

3. These umpire training guru's got to me too and those that drink the kool-ade, which I've shared somewhat in a few past heated posts. Tag a guy for a third out, then appeal to 1B cause the BR didn't touch it..Mr DD is rolling in his grave..on deck batters allowed to wonder willy nilly on the field of play knocking balls outta play, for extra base awards, there are more for sure.
These guys put out some great stuff don't get me wrong, some great tools to learn the craft, but they do use some fodder to fill pages IMHO. Do bring these topics up at your training/meetings, and do as your association dictates...

We'll see where the future takes me, Grand studs time's of ball are coming up. Coaching is my first passion, 17 years worth, BB, hoops and soccer, hint, hint, oh son-in-law. Already been approached to wear the zebra outfit (white cane and sunglasses) and considering this here soccer stuff too, though not sure I'd like being out in those type elements, first time I rained a soccer game out, I'm sure I'd be taking some heat :')

I'm still playing hoops, just staying outta the paint (as much as possible, no more diving, or knocking heads, and only a few charges taken this year (flops) and been know to linger in the outfield for some softball, can't hurt me out there, the only threat is running the bases (wild throws), which they have the coolest (courtesy runner) rule, run down some fly balls, slash a single then let the non-hitting young-n's run for me, or pull out the stops with a long ball from time to time..dabbling in billiards (BCA) they even have certified officials, and cribbage (ACC) they have officials too, darts, maybe some shuffleboard, you know those less contact sports.

So in closing, yes, there is life without umpiring, ya just gotta work at it a bit harder.

Call em as you see em. Happy Holidays.