New Kid from Kansas

[Zippy]

Hey all!

I'm an 18 year old with the best summer job in the world! Get the fields ready during the day as a groundskeeper, and umpire rec games there at night.

This spring, I started working with some of the best D2 umpires in our area at some softball tournaments. My rec experience was a great start, and with the help of these guys I'm being molded into a great young umpire, or so they say. I do have some stuff to work on, but I'm always looking to learn more and do better.

I love baseball as I am currently playing first base and pitching for our legion team, but I can't play forever. Umpiring will give me a chance to stay near the game for a long time. Umpiring has also kept me from totally exploding in the face of umpires that I disagree with when I'm playing by helping me respect the job they do, even if I think I could do it better..lol.

Thanks for having me!

[Umpire in Chief]

Welcome, while umpiring you will have some great experiences, but remember to take off you player hat when you have your umpiring hat on. We're in the same game but watching it 2 different ways. This can be a tough adjustment for some guys.

Welcome again and we're glad to have you here.

[mstaylor]

Welcome to the site, umpiring is a great avocation to take up.

[willv28]

Welcome, happy to have you here!!!

[DonInKansas]

You're in Pratt? I work JUCO games out there. I'm about 1.5 hours SW of you in Ashland. Welcome!

[Nate]

Hey Zippy!

My name is Nate I live up in Massachusetts. I am as well 18 years old, but I'm on the state high school umpire board. I umpire levels from U11 - Legion baseball. As well as a league called Tri-County baseball. It's a competitive baseball league for players the ages of 18 - 30. In the tri-county league here we get frequent scouts from MLB and independent leagues.

I stumbled across this site about a month or so ago and really enjoy it. I enjoy reading people's stories and sharing my own. If you ever have any questions on a call when your umpiring or playing don't hesitate to post it in one of the forums. There are plenty of experienced people here that could answer your questions.

Nate