What do you take to a National?

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

That is the LAST thing that I would take to a national and I mean it would never happen. I would also discourage umpires who are assigned to a tournament from taking anyone with them. JMHO

Why? Do you feel spouses would be a distraction?

I've never seen a situation where a spouse puts pressure on the umpire to not be part of the staff when it comes to meetings, training, etc. And they stay away from the umpire area where crews conduct pregame, receive their postgame critiques, change clothes, etc.

Heck, if I took my wife with me to a National, the only time I'd see her is at the hotel for the evenings. She'd drop me off at the complex first thing, and then spend the day shopping, going to the beach, or taking in whatever attractions the host city has to offer. I'd be lucky if she were back at the park to pick me up afterward.