fan too close to the bench?

[Little Jimmy]

24 hours later...

Greymule said " I pretend that I'm in the big leagues and ignore the fans entirely." I like how that was phrased. Lord knows that the coaches and players in the womens' league pretend they're in the big league all night long.

As I continue to hone my skills and "move up the ladder" (if you will) I have to remember where I'm at on any given night. This wasn't the local 9-10 girls, the 14 under ASA qualifier or the match-up between the two high school powerhouses. These were skilled adults who were playing tough ball just for the love of the game. Do I think they take themselves way too seriously? Absolutely. But different levels require different approaches and the reality is, I'm still learning. After 5 serious years of umping the truth is I'm still a pup ( and I thought I was an old dog).

I'll try it again tomorrow.