Moving
 

I am moving back to Houston in a couple of weeks, and I think this may signal the end of my umpiring career. I have enjoyed it very much (most of the time), and I know there will be times that I will miss umpiring. I wanted to take a minute to thank all of you for all of the guidance and help that you have provided to me over the last several years. You all have made me a better umpire. I can never express my gratitude enough.

It was a little tough walking off the field for the last time a couple of weeks ago. My last game was uneventful, which is always a good thing. The tournament didn't start out that way for me. My first game of the day I tossed a coach in the top of the 2nd (earliest ever for me), and tossed another from the same team a little later. The joys of calling Illegal Pitches! It will probably take me a little time to wean myself from visiting here every day. When I get back to Houston, I'll probably end up looking for a baseball team that needs someone to come in and throw a little batting practice. I love this game too much to walk away completely.

I'm sorry to hear that this may be the end of your umpiring career. Any particular reason why you won't continue to call once you come back this way?

Yeah Bob. Umpiring is even more fun in Texas!!!!

Why is Houston equated to the end of your umpiring career?
Just askin'

It isn't so much that I don't want to umpire once I get down there, it's just that I anticipate not having the time to do it due to work obligations. At least for this year, I think it would be very hard for me to fit umpiring in, and after I sit out for a year I think it will be hard to restart again even if I do end up having the time. I'm getting old, my body aches, and arthritis medication has become a food group for me.

Maybe once I get down there I'll contact some of you through here so I can get my fill just living vicariously through y'all!

What part of town are you moving to? I schedule for a park just north of Houston and could work you into some games, when you have the time.

If you are so inclined and living south of Houston let me know and I should be able to help you get set up.

Joel