When will you "call it a day"
 

Hi all:

One thing is for certain.

One day we will have to call it a day, it's just a matter of when.

I am 53 and plan on "calling it a day" when I am 55

Here are my top 5 reasons why.

1. Eventually we all will have to "call it a day" it's just a matter of when. I do not want someone telling me "Pete it's time to go" because my skills are diminishing etc. I want to go out on my own. We have had guys in our association that "in their day" were TOP officials but unfortunately did not know when to quit and had to be downgraded etc. Not a pretty sight.

2. I do not know about you but one of these years I want a full and relaxing summer. From the end of March until the end of July at least for me "it's nuts" even in the east coast. Busy almost every day. Legion starts around June 1st along with CBL (Collegiate Wood bat league) plus travel ball. It calms down a bit in August but then Fall ball "kicks in around the first week in September. Also, it's difficult to say "I'll cut down on my schedule" because inevitably your assignor will call and say "Pete I am in a bind can you do 2/3 for me today" or "Pete we have a tournament and I am short" etc. etc. Therefore, IMO you either Committ or don't do it at all

3. The game has changed and in IMO for the worse. "In my day" the umpires simply "umpired". If I got out of line etc. the coach would bench me. In other words the coach was the ONLY person who would speak to the officials no matter what the call was. Now-a-days coaches for the most part have no control over their players and then get OUTRAGED when you toss one.

4. All this safety bul****t that was NOT prevelant in my day. I played under the rules of the BIG BOYS. No FED in HS back then and we lived to play another day. Now you have lawsuit upon lawsuit.

5. Parents etc. Again a deterent in umpiring.

In a nusthell do you have a PLAN when you will call it a day?

Pete Booth

When it's no longer fun.

Pete: DO NOT LEAVE UMPIRING IN TWO YEARS!!

Umpiring needs you and everyone remotely like you, Pete. You know in your heart when it's time to move somewhere, but not out of umpiring. You can help younger umpires just by being out there. You love it, and others can learn to love it just by being around you.

I got into it late, and I'll be 53 next year. I've managed to stay pretty athletic for this age, but I've already decided that when I can't pull off the more challenging levels, I'll just move down to the smaller diamond and help out there. Smaller diamond may be the answer, Pete. When Sinatra got older, he just had his orchestra play louder.

What Kevin said.

New umpires NEED good experienced umpires to stick around and mentor them.

I always said I'd do it till I was 60, and then decide on a year-by-year basis depending on my ratings, enthusiam, and how well my body is holding up. It just seems a shame to me to arbitrarily pick a date when I've worked so hard for so many years to get to the level I am at now. If I pay attention to the three criteria I outlined, the choice will, for the most part, be made for me.

JJ

Done Deal!
 

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

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

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?:D

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.

I am 53 years old. I started umpiring the same week I learned I was going to be the father of a son [he's now 18]. I "set the date" quite some time ago, but it is not on any calendar [yet]. I plan to quit on the day that (a) I cannot get from A to the 3d base cut-out comfortably ahead of both the ball and an ambitious 16-year-old batter-runner; or (b) when it stops being fun - whichever comes first.

So when you can't get to the cut-out at third, switch to the smaller diamond! Umpiring needs you, even after you've lost a step ... or two.

Hey, Forest: Happy Birthday!

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

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

When Will I retire?
 

Never.

Heaven needs umpires too.

Thanks Kevin.:)

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

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

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.

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.

When I can no longer keep up. Like other posters here, I refuse to be the old guy who plants his arse in B or C and air mails every call. Nor will I work the dirt around the dish. If I can't make my rotations, then it's time to hang em up. Most importantly, when it's no longer fun. I spent wayyy to much money to attend JEAPU, only to learn that to attend at 48, won't get you anywhere, especially when you live in the wrong area for overall good baseball. (I was hoping to move into D1 ball, not MiLB.) So, at 52, with a surgically reparied back, I'll work till it's no longer fun or I simply can't physically work and keep up without the fear of re-injuring myself.

To Pete:

I agree with everything you said. I too am growing tired of all the BS there is with baseball. the coaches, the players and the crowd are slowly becoming a thorn that I do not wish to pull out of my back side any longer.

To Tim C

A shame for your younger umpires not to get the chance that many of your veterans had - to work with a classic umpire of days gone by. I am coming to that point that you have already passed.

I think that this coming season, I will do more evaluating than umpiring. I will still be able to pass on to younger umpires my skills and knowledge. I love being on the field but between the surgeries, the heart and age, I see that the end is approaching.

Some officials are old at 40 and others are still young at 60. I'm not 60 but I'm getting close. I still look forward to my games and I have FUN. As long as it's fun and I know I'm doing a good job I'll continue officiating.

I am past 60 (63) but after 20 years as an umpire, I am not ready to quit yet. Still having fun and believe it or not, still learning!!

I will quit again if and when I can no longer beat any runner to 3rd on a naked triple. I'm not one of those guys who wants the PU up there at 3rd helping out. Stay the hell at the plate, please.

Or staying with the B/R to 3rd (and perhaps beyond) when my partner has gone out on a trouble ball.

After thinking about this subject for a bit, and realizing that I will age beyond the game, ideally I will give up the game when I am dead. I have such a passion for umpiring that I hope that I can help other umpires attain their goals long after I am done on the diamond. In my area, it seems that there is a total lack of developing new talent. Politics seem to play a major role where guys are worried about losing out to up and coming umpires. I have never been a politic guy, which has been a detrement to my career, but the game will be here after I am gone and there will always be a need for umpires. At this stage, I am not the best umpire, but I know I can teach you how to be the best umpire, if not direct you how to be the best umpire, at the amateur level. Like the adage goes, do as I say, not as I do. Although I have had a run in or two with Tim C. on forums such as this, I respect what he has done on the field while never witnessing it. He will do more now, since he is out of the game, on a broader scope than he did while working in Oregon, as a teacher, writer and correspondent for the betterment of the umpireing community. As a guy from Nebraska, there are very few things I want to do in my lifetime: such as, have a drink with Dean Martin, smoke a dooby with Kieth Richards and umpire a game with Tim Christensen. Sloppy I know, but I hope that I have the ability to help others long after I am unable to perform my duties as an on field umpire. Keep the passion, teach with passion.

Troy

Hard to say for sure
 

Pete,

I see your point, but i think it's different for every umpire. The biggest problem as others have said is there is no young umpires who are coming behind us to carry the torch.

We see it every weekend with all of the "select ball" being played with umpires calling the games with little or no experience. It's quite painful since I have spent most of my officiating career as one of the trainers for the associations that I've worked with.

As far as calling it quits, that will come for me when i cannot enjoy it any longer, or physically cannot give it 100%. I will be 50 next year, but I still love the game of baseball. I really don't care to watch it from the stands, but for some reason i love watching it as an umpire.

As far as accomplishments, I've about done everything you can do as an amateur umpire, but I still have the desire to help train up umpires who still care about the game like we were taught when we started.

Thanks
David

Gonna be hard to have a drink with Dino, seeing as how he left us 14 years ago, but if you hurry you can fire up a fatty with Keith. It might be almost as hard to work a game with Tee as to drink with Dean Martin!;)

Then do like me, and head down to your local Little League park and start a Junior Umpire program. I'm putting 30 kids on the field every year, many of whom end up working for the local association down the road. There's your future.

I'll call it a day as soon as I miss a call. *wink*

I'm turning 30 this week, so I'm far away from even thinking about stopping for age reasons.

Like the others, however, I'll quit when it's no longer fun. I've had other interests in the past and I gave them up, or cut the down, when the fun was no longer there. I still enjoy some of those hobbies, but not nearly as much as before.

Right now, umpiring is tons of fun -- at all levels. I'm sure I'll be tired of it one day, but that day isn't even on the radar right now.

Not necessarily, we've had one in place for the last six years. It's a good program and I've had lots of potential and some very good young umpires.

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. I used umpiring as a way to pay for college and to work on my Masters degree. Easy way to work around my college etc, with good pay, flexible hours.

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.,

But, we won't give up. If we've gotten one good umpire, that's progress.

I hope others are doing the same.

Thanks
David

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.

[QUOTE=David B;647313]Not necessarily, we've had one in place for the last six years. It's a good program and I've had lots of potential and some very good young umpires.

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. I used umpiring as a way to pay for college and to work on my Masters degree. Easy way to work around my college etc, with good pay, flexible hours.

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.,

But, we won't give up. If we've gotten one good umpire, that's progress.

I hope others are doing the same.



It's really tough sometimes to stick with umpiring or officiating long term. I umpired some local little league in high school but gave it up after that. I got back into officiating when I was 38 (basketball and baseball) and have stayed in basketball for 10 years. However, I did give up baseball for about 4 or 5 years because I had three sons playing and didn't have the time. I'm down to one now so I can work my games around his. All three of my older boys played baseball all through high school, but none played basketball, so I had no problem continuing to work that sport. I've also seen guys give it up because their wives get tired of them being gone so much and give them an ultimatum. My job took a toll on my basketball schedule for a few years at one time too, although it no longer does. There are just a lot of things that can lead a guy to give it up. Even though I still love it, there are still nights when I rush from work to go work a baseball or basketball doubleheader an hour away when I wonder why I do it. I almost always enjoy the games once I get there and get started. I finally learned that cutting back my schedule made officiating more enjoyable for me.

Don't know when the time will come to quit, but I am certain I will know when it gets here. As others have said, when it is no longer fun, when I don't look forward to the start of each season, I will walk away with no regrets, many friends and a ton of great memories.

I will move down from college to high school only, then from HS to JBO, etc..I will move down each time when as the plate ump, I can't get at least half way between the dirt of the mound and 2nd base when my partner goes out. I make the cutout pretty easily still at 43 year old with 25 years umping. I think I can do another 10 at least at the collegiate level, maybe 20 if I can keep myself in good shape.

If you can't at least make it up 1/3 the 1st base line on an infield grounder, or make it AT LEAST between the mound and 2nd base when your partner goes out, you SHOULD NOT do that level! You are a disservice to the game at that point. Be good to the game and make room for the younger guys to move up. The lower level games that you can keep up with need quality officiating too! ;)

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

Well, the choice has been made for me. Had hip replacement 17 months ago, and had my best year ever in 2009. At Christmas that same hip started bothering me. Bottom line, after a bunch of tests, it will be replaced - again - in a week. Scratch me for 2010. But not yet for 2011.
Have fun out there, guys!

JJ

Hang in there. Work hard and get back into it if you still have the urge. Good luck w/ everything.

That's the spirit! Good luck in your recovery!

Everything will go great and you'll be back out there working in the game we all love so much.

All the best!!

Man, I hope all goes well. I am supposed to have a valve in my heart replaced in 6 months to a year from now, and it has me quite concerned too. Plus, I have to drop at least 30 more pounds before I can have the surgery.:eek:

I remember back in the 80's when men's fast pitch softball was beginning to fade because the older pitchers did not "teach" the younger guys how to pitch..... How many men's fast pitch leagues do you see today? That’s why I am a huge supporter of staying involved in the umpiring business even after reaching that "age" or moment when being on the field is no longer feasible... We need some "teachers" of the art of umpiring to help those coming up...

I love going to games and watching the umpires now!

I'm sure I'll enjoy it when I hang it up.

When I get grand studs (or gals) who want to be with me during baseball season, I will quit in instant.

One reason I'll be with it for a long time God-willing is that I can't stand sitting the the bleachers with the casual fan. I like watching baseball with people who love and understand the intricacies of the game...which makes watching baseball in the stands, not very fun 99% of the time.

60?
 

I turn 61 in March at the start of the High School Season in the Buckeye State....can still see, still walk/jog, and still have my health...I have 50 Games(44 Varsity) scheduled before getting into the tournaments on May 8th, Then Summer High School(ACME) and American Legion. I did 110 games last season, and will try to equal or top that this go around. I plan on going until my body tells me it's time to pack it in.

Now with Basketball and Football, that may be another story...65 is probably my limit, but maybe nature or God will decide that earlier may be better, but for now, I'll keep going as long as the AD and Assigners think I'm getting the job done.

I hope I can post a similar message when I am 61.

Thatta boy!

Mark, Jr., turns 20 at the end of February and will start his third year of umpiring this season. As long as he is around to work the plate why would I consider "calling it a day". :D

MTD, Sr.

My son's 20, and he pitches; and his head coach has his pitchers umpire intrasquad games. He's the only one who goes out there with a uniform and state-of-the-art gear to call these things. ("If I'm going to be an umpire, I want to go out there looking like an umpire." No catcher's gear over his playing uniform like the rest.) I could not be more proud.

I look forward rather fondly to sharing a similar experience to yours. Many warm regards. I can only imagine the scale of your fun and fulfillment.

Two umpiring brothers, both life-long bachelors, had lived together for many years. Then one day Andy died in his sleep. Matt was overcome with grief.

Every day Matt trudged through his life. Umpiring still, but realizing it wasn't the same. Just before bed, every night, Matt finished his evening prayer by saying, "Lord, I never got to say good-bye to Andy before he died. I have been a good and virtuous Christian. Please grant me one wish: Please let Andy come back, just once, so I can say good-bye to him."

One night Matt finished his prayer and looked up to see the ghost of Andy standing in his bedroom.

"Andy, is that really you?" asked Matt.

"It is," said Andy.

Overcome with emotion, Matt asked, "Andy, what is heaven like? Do they have baseball?"

To which Andy replied, "well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that they do indeed have a great baseball league in heaven, and I umpire every day. The bad news is you've been assigned to my crew and you've got the dish on Tuesday night."

Moral of the story: I think I'll umpire until eternity ends.

When it takes longer to get ready to to do the game than it does to actually work the game.

It takes a good 10 minutes just to put on all the braces and tights. :D