When will you "call it a day"

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by David B

The problem that we've faced, is that I don't see them sticking with it. We've done it enough years now to see the progression.

Of the 20 or so that we've worked with, only a couple are still umpiring. Once they get to college, they give it up etc.

Same here. For whatever reason it seems the young-teenage, "This is easy and I'd like to have some spending money" is overcome by the older-teenage "This takes up too much of my time when I could be doing something else and isn't worth it anymore."

If we can find a few that will keep at it, we consider ourselves lucky.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by grunewar

Same here. For whatever reason it seems the young-teenage, "This is easy and I'd like to have some spending money" is overcome by the older-teenage "This takes up too much of my time when I could be doing something else and isn't worth it anymore."

If we can find a few that will keep at it, we consider ourselves lucky.

I have taught baseball at many levels. But a love of the game can't be taught. Umpires need to have that love of the game. I present it, and if a greater love of the game is acquired, then that's great. But it has to be in the person.

The only kid I saw stick at umpiring, who doesn't really love the game, is a guy who gets off on being an authority. He's also a horrible umpire.

[Always Wright]

I turned 54 last Saturday and will be starting my 30th year umpiring in March. I call HS & JUCO in the spring, PONY in the summer (not so much in the summer any more). I wanted to reach 30 years, so I will work this year. After that, I am going to seriously evaluate. I did not have a great year last year. I missed more calls on the bases than I can remember. I did OK behind the dish. I'm going to work real hard at having a better year this year. I have to decide if the bad calls were a result of some degree of not working hard enough, or if I just can't do it anymore because I have slowed down too much. Also, the cold weather in March and April gets to me a lot more now than it used too. Even if I give up working on the field I will stay involved. I teach a course in my school in Officiating and one of my students has gone on to a fine career calling college ball and working in one of the independent leagues.

Chris Wright
Brooklyn, NY