Signs of Burn Out?

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Should I be offended?

Well, you shouldn't be offended merely by being older than me - you can't help that.

I see guys that I know are older than me working games, or I'm working 2-ump system games with them. I'm already dealing with a sore back and a lot of these guys aren't helping that out at all.

One guy is pushing 80 and he's stupid enough to sign up for 4 games each day for a Saturday/Sunday tournament. And then complains that he can barely get out of bed on Monday morning. That's not enjoyment - that's a money grab. He doesn't move, takes way too much time to move from one position to another, can barely brush the plate. I don't want my game to look like his. And the UICs - their just as bad assigning him those games.

My limit has been 2 games/day in the last couple of seasons. I'll do a third if the UIC is in an absolute pinch, but need a game off in between somewhere. I think this strategy has helped me avoid the burnout issue.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

One guy is pushing 80 and he's stupid enough to sign up for 4 games each day for a Saturday/Sunday tournament. ... And the UICs - their just as bad assigning him those games.

Is it possible the UICs are simply in need of warm bodies out there? We all are experiencing a dearth of officials lately, if you believe everything you read on the internet.

[CecilOne]

AGE is not the issue, health and fitness are, along with conditioning, hydration, proper rest and factors like that. There are many in the age bracket referred to who are more mobile and more skilled than some "younger".

On the other hand, we really need to do much more recruiting.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

AGE is not the issue, health and fitness are, along with conditioning, hydration, proper rest and factors like that. There are many in the age bracket referred to who are more mobile and more skilled than some "younger".

On the other hand, we really need to do much more recruiting.

I agree with this opinion. At 69, I'm more willing to move into proper position (or at least try to). Too many younger guys won't take BR to third on a triple, but might make a call on a play at third base from somewhere near where F4 might be positioned. And plate bound! Drives me nuts. Or don't even bother to remove their mask when a runner scores from first base on a gapper.

Yeah, more recruiting is needed, for sure. Our average age took a slight tick downward this year when a 70-year old hung 'em up, and we got a couple of 40 or 50-something guys.