Hanging it up...
 

After 18 years of calling ball, I've finally decided to hand in my indicator. I'm
pretty much tired of dealing with the whining on the field, the craziness with the
ridiculous bat doctoring, and the wear and tear that I've had on my body.
I thank everyone for every bit of wisdom they've given me. I've learned so many
lessons from you guys, and I'll never forget it.

For those of you still calling ball, I wish you well. Yours is an invaluable job,
one that fewer and fewer are willing to do. A good part of me will miss being
on the field, but I think it's time I try something new in life. Maybe I'll return
later on, but we'll see...
'Tis bittersweet, to be sure, especially after all these years and everything I've
strived to accomplish. I hope I've served the sport well.


Thanks, everyone! :)

Wish you weren't retiring Dave. You are obviously an umpire who really cares about doing the job right ... for the right reasons.

Have you thought about moving to fast pitch to give yourself a break from the AA leagues? Not to say that there aren't plenty of problems to deal with in fast pitch, but you could work the rec leagues and still enjoy umpiring the game. If the players whine in 10U it's usually because they are hungry. :cool:

Yeah, I've thought about it, but I dunno... We'll see. My UIC has been dropping comments about getting me into FP, but... Meh.

Does today's date have anything to do with your announcement? :rolleyes:

Ever heard of an acrostic?

In your post the first letters don't line up. At least on my Iphone. But well done.

Paul

:D

I'm an umpire. Ain't no WAY I'm giving this up! Best job in the world, baby!

Excellent......:d

What? This is most
enjoyable! I
laud your
laughable stunt!

Don't believe the hype. It would be
one dark day when you decide to
never pick up your indicator and
exit the field for the last time.

- SRW ;)

Dang, I was going to call you tomm. and ask about your gear, LOL. Great one.

NCASA is obviously too clever for most of us. I was really disappointed. :o

Damn I hate April Fool's Day! :o

I understand the North Carolina Players Association has filed a complaint with the NC AG office of Cruel and Unusual Punishment when they realized this was only a prank and put a damper on the wild celebrations going on in the streets.

Inspired by NCASAUmp's tomfoolery, I stirred up a little April's Fool trouble with this post on our regional fastpitch discussion board...

**************************************
**************************************

(As posted on the Ohio High School Athletic Association website)

"For immediate release: It has come to the attention of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) that complaints regarding pitching techniques continue to be a problem in high school competition. In light of recent events, the OHSAA has conducted an emergency vote of participating schools and passed the following rule changes.

Effective immediately, and for the remainder of the 2011 high school fastpitch softball season, rule 6-2-3 and rule 6-2-5 have been rescinded. These two rules previously prohibited pitching techniques known as "the leap" and "the crow hop". By removing these two rules from our pitching regulations, it is our hope that fastpitch contests in the state of Ohio will now be free of the constant complaints regarding "illegal" pitching techniques and the penalties associated with them.

"This change has been a long time coming", said OHSAA Playing Rules Director Wanda Sinclaire. "The consensus is that these pitching techniques give the pitcher no real advantage and, quite often, serve only to confuse players, coaches and especially umpires."

At the conclusion of the 2011 season, the OHSAA Rule Committee will review the effects of these rule changes to determine if the changes will be made permanent."

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:

Pffft... They need to get in line. ;)