Scott,

I wore the ol'ballon chest protector for a couple months
back in 89. I had just had triple bypass surgery and the
doctor recommended it. Bulky, but effective at the time.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SamNVa
[B]One of my classmates at USNA once had an upperclassman ask him at inspection, "WHAT'S THAT SH** ON YOUR SHOES?" His answer? "Your reflection, Sir."

I know--nothing to do with softball, but a great memory.

I like to spit-shine my plate shoes. When people comment, I tell them I use them to call low pitches.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by argodad
[B]1. I love the response.
2. I find it hard to believe such a snappy response came from someone other than an enlisted man.
3. After that comment, I wouldn't doubt he became enlisted personnel.

Tom, Dan, Glen, Mike, et al,

Yes, I may be "un retiring". First, I have to get on my fitness program to lose weight so I may have the last surgery to correct my colon problem. The surgeon won't touch me until I do. Second, at the end of February I am retiring from BellSouth with 30 yrs and 3 mo seniority accepting a buy out. With the buy out, I'm paying off all creditors except the 1st mortgage. This will allow me to not work for a while so I may get healthier, and then I'll go back as part time. However, I was thinking that I can make more $$ umpiring than at a burger doodle or retail type of part time job! http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/thumbs.gif
So, watch out coaches, I'm coming back between the lines! Get your acts together! http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/vscared.gif Seriously, I do have a lot of respect from the coaches that know me, and the ones that don't know me WILL learn to respect me! hahahahttp://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/hump.gif
OR ELSE! http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk...e/bluegrab.gif Out to the parking lot!

Elaine,
Have you thought about assessing/instructing while you are getting back in shape? Seems that would be a great way to get mentally prepared and you could contribute a lot to the betterment of umpiring.

Yes Cecil I've thought about it, but when I mentioned it to my old association board, they looked at me like I was nuts! http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/moreek.gif Of course I may approach another association, and see what they think.