Hi, All. New here to U-E.
I am going on my fifth year of Umpiring. (Seems like my second year, sometimes) Presently I am going from the higher level JV games to the lower level Varsity games at the present. Was introduced to U-E by my mentor in my organization. He brought me into the profession after I retired from my Day Job on the Railroad. He is a relentless rules hawk and it tends to rub off on me. I got a 99% on the NFHS test this year after getting a 100% last year. (Missed interference by runner at third base on foul ball)
The written part is the easy part for me. The part of the profession I have trouble with is on the field. I had a fans knowledge of Baseball before becoming an Umpire and never played the game on any organized teams so the part that is hard for me is anticipating where the ball is going, the strategy the coaches and players are using and where to position myself for the best look. It just does not come second nature to me like people who have been around the sport for a while. I am learning and really trying to get better. I went to a Jim Evans five day clinic two years ago and that helped a lot. I also am trying to improve my game and try to focus on one weak spot at a time until it is better. This year it is getting out from behind the plate and up the lines. Also had Achilles problems last two years that shortened my season that I hope are behind me.
