A Poem

[SRW]

I wrote this tonight - thought I would share.
- SRW

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I begin my weekend a couple of days before
I wash my uniform pants and shirts– what a chore!
I polish my belt, my shoes: both pair
I want to look good, I really do care!
I go to bed early on Friday night
To make sure I’m rested up just right

I get out of bed Saturday at five thirty am
I think to myself, “This is too early! Damn!”
Double check my gear bag, hang my uniforms in the truck
Grab a thermos of coffee, the concession’s stuff sucks.
I drive off to Fort Dent, oops, I mean Starfire
I wish the coffee would kick in, I’m still tired!
I get there at seven, the teams are warming up
I pour myself some more coffee, my second cup.
I check to verify if I’m on the bases or the plate
I’m way early, I’ve never been late.

I slowly start putting on my gear
My shin guards, my chest protector, the things I hold dear
I grab my indicator, my facemask, a ball or two
I even make sure I’ve got the right shoes.
Do a pre-game with my partner; I’ve worked with him before
We go over mechanics, communication, and more!
Check my uniform, and my ten point inspection
I take a moment to pause, to give great reflection
We head out to the field to start the game
I wonder what teams? What age? What’s their name?

As I step on the field, nervousness arrives
The butterflies in my stomach, shows I’m alive
Eight in the morning, one ball and one strike
The pain in my legs is familiar, almost knifelike
But the pain slowly fades, and I get into a groove
My strike zone is good! The fans and coaches approve!
The game is now over, time for another
I’m psyched! I’m hyper! Time to call out a runner!

This goes on all day, until the nine pm start
When I begin to wish I had a pushcart!
I’m tired! I’ve worked 5 games today
I’m heading out to my sixth! If I make it, hooray!
I’m cranky, I’m tired, I’m sore, and I hurt
From getting hit by that pitch that went into the dirt.
I’m slower than normal, but that’s to be expected
The coaches, they get it, hope I’m still respected.
They know that I’ve been here now for 14 hours and then some
Yet they still try their ways. Do they think I’m that dumb?
The late night games, ejections galore.
They’re the games I dislike, the ones I abhor.
Everyone’s edgy, punchy, and done.
Just like us blue, there’s little fun

But this game isn’t about us, the coaches and umps
It’s not about the fans, the parents, the chumps!
It’s about the girls. They’ve come here to play
They’re playing their hearts out; they’ve done it all day.
I wonder sometimes why I endure the stress
What is it in me that I seem to possess?
The passion for this game, yeah, that’s it.
I can’t explain, I just submit.
A day in the life of an umpire; a “Blue”
I can’t wait for Sunday, more games! Yahoo!

I’ve had a good weekend, but it’s not over yet!
The championship plate! I’m starting to sweat!
The biggest game of the entire weekend
It’s up to me! It’s time to transcend
To become better at what I do
Every game is different. Every game is new.
Why do I do it? It’s not for the pay.
It’s all for the friendships and fun along the way.
Is it all worth it? You betcha it is!
The hard work and fun, it’s part of the biz.

[Tex]

Thanks for the poem. Well written. I echo your thoughts. I keep telling myself that this is off season as I go to the ball fields to do fall ball. In a few months the update seminars will start and then the season starts. Must rest now before the Saturday games.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by SRW

I wrote this tonight - thought I would share.
- SRW

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I think your poem is just great!

[Andy]

Great poem!

If this doesn't capture the experience, nothing does.

With your permission, I would like to send it on and share it with my local association.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by Andy

Great poem!

If this doesn't capture the experience, nothing does.

With your permission, I would like to send it on and share it with my local association.

Sure. Just credit "SRW - An Umpire In Seattle".

The reference to Ft. Dent/Starfire is a local thing.

[CLBuffalo]

I too would like permission to post it on my web site (fastpitch.org) with credit to you.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by CLBuffalo

I too would like permission to post it on my web site (fastpitch.org) with credit to you.

Wow, I didn't realize it was going to be so well received and appreciated. Maybe I should clean it up and repost it...

Sure, you can use it. Same credit line as above, please.